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Vol. XXVI, 2003
THE CONCEPT OF 'GURU' IN THE UPANISADS
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to attain happiness. Sanatkumāra tells him that : "That which is infinite, is alone happiness, there is no happiness in anything finite ( 91 TRTO A TGHATI 59-614 34. VII). That is to be known. Here again, in twenty-six Chapters (Khanda) adhyātmavidyā is taught by Sanatkumāra to Nārada. Yama and Naciketā's dialogue is very famous and very interesting. It is well-known to Upanisadic readers that, yama, the Brahmavidyācārya (3 74 maa daraar a faurarfai ptic414, 06-Intro.) offers three books to Naciketās. Out of these three, the first two are not of any philosophical importance but the third boon is of great philosophical importance. This relates to the - mystery of the soul. Naciketās wanted to know whether there is any entity called 'Soul' which exists separate from body, mind, intellect and which survives after death. He says, some say, the soul does not exist after death and some admits that there is an immortal soul, which exists after death also. People are confused about this matter. I would like to know the secret of this from You ( This what I ask as a third boon ( ta fafefacht FRSFIR Frasilfa o gargalhafte M u nt: 11 Kath. I.20). Yama says, O ! Naciketās, this Vidyā is not easy to understand. Even gods have no clear knowledge of this matter. You ask any other boon, do not press me any more. Yama wanted to tempt Naciketas. Offers every pleasures of the world, long life and all riches. But Naciketās was not carried away by the temptations offered by Yama. He remained unmoved like the mountain. Nothing can shake his firm determination. Naciketās says, keep all these things with you only. All these pleasures, wear out the vigour of all the senses, no man can be made happy be wealth. No one will rejoice in long life. We would only live as long as you wish. Naciketās will not choose any other boon except, the knowledge concerning the soul. (Katha. Up. I.I.26-29). See the firmness of the Naciketās. Such must be the nature of an aspirant. Then only, he is eligible for Brahm Vidyā. Yama was convinced that Naciketās is not ordinary boy, he is really competent to receive his instructions about the nature of the soul. So, Yama taught complete Brahmavidyā and process of yoga, through which Naciketās eventually attained Brahman and became immortal.
So, in this way, entire spectrum of spiritual knowledge is handed down to generation to generation through, Guru-Sisya relation. The relationship between Guru and Sisya - (disciple) is the back-bone of the Vedic tradition. It ensures its continuity. Glory and greatness of our tradition is its unbroken continuity from down of human civilization till today. Inspite of many obstacles, ups and down in its chequered history, its indomitable eternal spirit has servived. Although, it is very
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