In today’s world, does the ‘Guru-Shishya’ Parampara remain?
A teacher’s ideal role is to deliver a high-quality speech in the classroom, assist students in learning about a specific subject matter, impart knowledge, conduct exams, and provide students with constructive feedback to learn, grow, and cultivate their competencies. In addition to their regular duties, they are expected to conduct seminars, workshops, projects, discussions, and problem-solving. To this list, the greatest minds have added the benefits of creating a stimulating learning environment, serving as positive role models for students, helping to sharpen their mental focus, instilling moral and ethical principles, and offering psychological support to help students build a solid foundation for their future. However, I have to ask: Is this philosophy still relevant today? If so, where does it come from, and is it still practised? A Shishya (student) is referred to as a “Guru-Shishya,” and the term “Guru-Shishya” refers to this relationship. Traditional Hinduism, Jainism, Sikhism, and Buddhism (Tibetan and Zen traditions) all have spiritual relationships known as parampara, which revolve around the transmission of teachings from a Guru to a Shishya. It places a high value on treating Gurus like deities because they represent the ‘ultimate goal’ for their Shishyas. A strong emotional, intellectual, and spiritual bond is formed between gurus and their students when they are referred to as Shreshtam (the most important).
Teaching roles have evolved as a result of the changes to the education system in Westernization and rejuvenation as well as a number of other educators, including Tutor, Professor and Instructor as well as Coach and Trainer. These words are frequently used interchangeably because of their semantic similarity; however, each conveys a distinct meaning and performs a distinct set of functions. Though they share many similarities, they are not identical. Take a look at this:
A TEACHER is a person who imparts knowledge, usually in a formal educational setting.
An individual or small group of students may be taught by a TUTOR, who works as a private tutor.
A university or college professor is referred to as a “lecturer.”
A PROFESSOR is a university or college professor with a higher rank.
A COACH is a person who serves as a trainer or mentor for a group of people in a specific sport or academic discipline.
A TRAINER is a person who instructs others on how to perform a specific task, activity, or sport.
If even teachers preach, “Respect is earned, not demanded,” or “Respect for those who deserve it, but not… for those who demand it,” can they still command instant respect from students? Approximately 70% of parents and teachers who took part in my survey said that they believed the same thing when they were students. Thirty-one percent of those surveyed believe that the Guru-Shishya tradition still has relevance in the modern world. While almost 70% of both students’ parents and educators believe that teachers deserve respect because of their position, only 34% believe that this is the case at this time. Only those teachers who show respect will receive it back, they agreed. What are your thoughts?
Please keep in mind that when I use the term “teachers,” I’m referring to the entire group of people who teach.