Let me begin by wishing everyone who has ever taught me anything – from my parents, to teachers, to the car drivers who kept me abreast of politics in the state, to my students – everyone, a very happy teachers day!! September 5th is celebrated in India, as Teacher’s Day after Dr. RadhaKrishnan’s Birthday. Dr. Sarvapalli Radhakrishnan was not just the second president of India but also visionary, a statesman and a teacher extraordinaire. Hindus also celebrate Guru Poornima and Saraswathi Pooja by honoring their teachers – their gurus.
While talking about Gurus, I want to talk about Guru Dakshina. Guru dakshina, in the ancient times was the teacher’s fee, source of the teacher’s livelihood. At the end of his education, when the pupil would leave the gurukul (or the master’s residence), he would request his guru to name his dakshina. A guru might not always demand fees, but once requested by his pupil, he was obliged to ask what he wanted, because it was believed that unpaid for education would not be useful for the pupil. The dakshina had to be reasonable and within the student’s capacity to give and once it was requested, the student will have to deliver it at any cost.
As this year’s teachers Day coincides with Janmashtami, the birthday celebrations of Lord Krishna, let me tell you a story about Krishna and his guru Saandipani here. It is said that Krishna and his brother Balarama, learnt all the 64 arts and crafts of this world in 64 days and nights from him. But when the guru lost his youngest son to the sea (after losing his 4 older sons previously as little children), they stayed in gurukul pretending to study, just to comfort their teacher. When they could pretend no longer, they asked his permission to leave and requested that he name his Guru Dakshina.
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| Image source: Iskcon Archives |
Teachers, are supposed to be non money minded, selfless and very sacrificing in nature. As per scriptures they are supposed to not generate or store wealth but remain poor and sustain by getting alms. But it is possible to do that today?
I have been teaching for 6 years now and I considered myself a good teacher. I am friendly, helpful and put the needs of my students above mine.I learn constantly to better myself, so that I can be a better teacher. Still, Teaching to me, is a job, one that I do well albeit, but it is a job and expect to be paid enough. I have no qualms about saying so and it doesnt make me a money hungry brat. I too have a life and a family to take care of. Infact there have been many many instances when my students have (almost) convinced me that I deserved to be paid much much more. But again, just because I get paid to teach, doesnt mean I dont deserve to be respected!!
So how do we pay Guru Dakshina in this age of Youtube, where knowledge is freely dispensed? Just because someone is giving away knowledge for free, doesnt mean that they can be taken for granted. They deserve credit, dont they? While paying for someone’s tutorials really works, it might not be feasible for everyone to do it and we might not even look for it. But what instructors, teachers look for is due credit. You can promote their work, their site, their blog or even their products. Recommend them to your friends, readers, even customers. Its free to do, but it might result in the teacher getting more attention, respect and maybe even a sale, which sustains their family.
“We can live and let live;
share what was shared with us,
That is how we pay
Guru Dakshina in this Youtube age”
Whether Krishna was a God or a man, he was a great teacher. Throughout his life and through his words in the Bhagavad Gita, he taught mankind to believe in themselves, in the power of hope and to be courageous in making an effort to do things. He advocated the discipline of Karma – that good deeds begot good results. He thought us to value our friendships, our relationships and to have a selfless love for our friends. I am not a Krishna devotee, but I believe that his teachings have relevance in this modern world.
Inspirations are meant to be talked about and sources don’t have to kept hidden. Like Krishna advises we can live and let live; share what was shared with us. If someone has taught you something, don’t be selfish, don’t hoard it; Pass it on.
“Share and Share Alike, there is space for everyone here!!”
I hope you found it interesting
Cheers
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