Guruvṛtti
From Hindupedia, the Hindu Encyclopedia
By Swami Harshananda
Guruvṛtti literally means ‘behavior before the guru’.
In the ancient days, education was imparted in the gurukulas or the houses of the gurus, the preceptors. A brahmacārin[1] was expected to strictly follow a code of conduct prescribed for him. The conduct which concerned his behavior towards the guru, was called ‘guruvṛtti’.
Rules[edit]
Some of the rules to be observed by the student as per Manusmrti, are [2]:
- Desire the welfare of his guru
- Diligent in his studies even if he was not specifically directed to do so
- Cultivate a very pure and reverential attitude towards the guru
- Avoid any type of ostentation before him
- Never sit in his Guru's presence, unless permitted to do so
- Never speak ill of or criticize his guru before anyone at anytime nor should he listen to such words if others are doing so
- Never address his guru by his name
References[edit]
- The Concise Encyclopedia of Hinduism, Swami Harshananda, Ram Krishna Math, Bangalore