Guru–shishya tradition

"Sishya" redirects here. For the 1997 film, see Sishya (film).

See also: Parampara (disambiguation)

The guru–shishya tradition, or parampara ("lineage"), denotes a succession of teachers and disciples in traditional Vedic culture and religions such as Hinduism, Jainism, Sikhism and Buddhism (Tibetan and Zen tradition). Each parampara belongs to a specific sampradaya, and may have its own akharas and gurukulas. It is the tradition of spiritual relationship and mentoring where teachings are transmitted from a guru "teacher" (Sanskrit: गुरु) to a śiṣya "disciple" (Sanskrit: शिष्य) or chela(Hinduism)|agamic]], architectural, musical or spiritual, is imparted through the developing relationship between the guru and the disciple. It is considered that this relationship, based on the genuineness of the guru, and the respect which is not based on age or how old one looks, commitment, devotion and obedience of the student, is the best way for subtle or advanced knowledge to be conveyed. The student eventually masters the knowledge that the guru embodies.

The traditional guru–disciple relationship. Watercolour, Punjab Hills, India, 1740

Etymology

Guru–shishya means "succession from guru to disciple".

Paramparā (Sanskrit: परम्परा, paramparā) literally means an uninterrupted row or series, order, succession, continuation, mediation, tradition. In the traditional residential form of education, the shishya remains with his or her guru as a family member and gets the education as a true learner.