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Vol. XXVI, 2003
THE CONCEPT OF 'GURU' IN THE UPANISADS
when taught by a man of inferior intellect is not easy to be known. (न नरेणावरेण प्रोक्तः ve nasta: Kath.I.II.8). Brahmavidyā is the most wonderful science and wonderful is the Brahmajñāni who knows the self. Therefore, Katha Upanisad states : "Many are not even able to hear of this Ātman. Many even they hear of the Ātman do not comprehend it, because of their minds are not purified. So, wonderful is a man who is able to teach the self. Brahmavidyā becomes fruitful only when it is taught by the realised person: (saur af 77927: quatisfy and 7 fac: 378ruf ahl
SE TOETS584EC plafTe: || Kath.I.II.7). Sankarācārya states that : "If the Brahmavidyā is taught by a guru who has identified with Brahman, there will be no uncertainty or doubt about it. If it has been taught by a realised one, there is no failure in understanding.” (Mundaka Upanisad with Śānkarabhāsya I.II.8).
Every one cannot be competent to study Brahmavidyā. It is taught by the Guru to qualified persons only. The Gurus of the Upanişads after experiencing spiritual truth imparted it to their disciples making sure of the eligibility and the earnestness of the aspirant. He who is equipped with the four means (Sadhanacatustaya) is fit to receive this instruction. He, who has not refrained from doing sinful acts, who has not restrained his senses, who has no one-pointed mind, who has no tranquil mind - cannot have knowledge of Ātman or fit to study Brahmavidyā. (Fifarat guaARTII Thea: 1 70-41 arsfy wr444TG II Kath.I.II.24). Mundakopanisad clearly mentions that “To them alone should one expound this knowledge of Brahman, who are engaged in the practice of disciplines, well-versed in the scriptures and devoted to Brahman (foneta: SRT DE 181: ........ ordai Elagi acai Mund. III.II.10). Sankarācārya, while commenting on Praśnopanisad, says that knowledge of Brahman can be acquired by those who are endowed with self-control and who undergo such disciplines as living in the guru's house for a year under the vow of celibacy and study of the scriptures with a pious attitude (pa ce arhifa u Praśna Upa. Introduction).
In the Upanișadic period, usually, the period spent together with the guru in his house - (gurukula) before receiving a formal instruction from him, was one year, or twelve years or sometimes more. In the Praśnopanişad, we find that, six disciples in the search of supreme Brahman, approached the venerable Pippalāda, thinking that, he will teach about the Brahman. To them Pippalāda said, "live here for a year in a fitting manner again with control over the senses and with faith. Then put questions as you please. If we know we shall explain all that you ask. (तावद् स ऋषिरुवाच भूय एव तपसा ब्रह्मचर्येण श्रद्धया संवत्सरं संवत्स्य यथाकामं प्रश्नान् पृच्छत यदि विज्ञास्यामः
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