Shishyasteham Shaadhi Maam Twaam Prapannam

Shishyasteham Shaadhi Maam Twaam Prapannam - I am your disciple. Command me. I have
completely surrendered to you. So said Arjuna to Shree Krishna on the battlefield of
Kurukshetra. Arjuna was overcome by extreme grief, at the prospect of killing his own kith and
kin in the battle. He became emotional. He lost his mental balance. He was undecided what to
do. So he turned to Shree Krishna, his own charioteer, for guidance. He presented himself as an
ideal Shishya, fit to be instructed. Then Shree Krishna spoke to him, cleared his blurred vision
and instructed him the right thing to do. Being the right type of Shishya who is thirsting for right
knowledge, Arjuna received the instruction thoroughly.
This example highlights a very important aspect of Guru-Shishya relationship. It is not enough
if the Guru is highly knowledgeable and also of vast experience. If the shishya does not have the
essential qualities, namely urge for learning and deep faith in the Guru, he will not at all be
benefited how-so eminent the Guru may be. If the farmer wants to have a good harvest, he must
prepare the field, by properly tilling the soil and supplying manure before the seeds are sowed.
The great philosophical truths explained by Jagadguru Shree Krishna in Bhagawad Geetaa were
properly assimilated by Arjuna, because he prepared himself for it.
On Aashaadha Poornima day Hindus worship Guru with reverence. Hindus have realized the
importance of Guru since times immemorial. They had understood the fundamental truth that
there could be no progress without a Guru. Everyone is free to choose his or her Guru and follow
his teachings with faith. By doing so, he derives benefit and advances in the field of his choice.
In Sangh, we worship Bhagawaa Dhwaj as our Guru. We have not chosen a human being as our
Guru. The reason is simple. No human being can be immortal to be the Guru of Sangh, which is
a man-making organization of Hindus for successive generations. No human being can be
infallible too. So Sangh has taken as its Guru the Bhagawaa Dhwaj which symbolises all the
great qualities of Hindu Sanskriti and which has been a witness to the periods of rise and fall of
Hindu Samaj from ancient times. Bhagawaa Dhwaj is thus a competent Guru; but unless the
Shishya has the right quality, he may fail to receive the valuable instruction of the Guru. He may
continue to remain ignorant of the salient features of Hindu Sanskriti, or of the heroic saga of our
ancestors, even after many years.
As we worship our Guru on Guru Poornimaa day, let us make a vow to be good shishyas. Let us
learn about the salient features of our Dharma and Sanskriti. Let us learn to imbibe the great
qualities of our ancestors. Let us take the message of Sangh to all Hindu brethren and make
them feel the joy of being members of a united and organized Hindu Samaj. Let us take a pledge
to take our Hindu Samaj to the heights of glory once again as our ancestors had done in ancient
times.
------xxxxxx-----1

Where does this Sanskrit word (Guru) come from? Gu stands for Gunaateeta (attributeless) and
Ru signifies Roopavarjita (formless). Thus, the one, who is formless and attributeless, is the
true Guru. God!! The Guru helps us to give up the ignorance, light the lamp of wisdom and
ultimately merge in the Divine. It is very well expressed in one of the verses of Hindu:
Gururbrahmaa Gururvishnu Gururdevo Maheshwarah |
Guruh Saakshaat Parabrahma Tasmai Shri Gurave Namah ||
(I prostrate to that Sri Guru, who is himself Brahma, Vishnu, and God
Maheshvara, and who is verily the Supreme Absolute itself).
There is also another interpretation of Guru. The Gu means darkness or ignorance. Ru
denotes the remover of that darkness. Therefore one who removes darkness of our ignorance is a
Guru. A Guru also inspires and guides us on to the path of God-realization. In other words, Guru
is the one who gives us knowledge. Thus mother is considered as the first Guru (teacher).
------xxxxxx-----The Bhagwa Dhwaj An Emotion

It is difficult to express the range of emotions flickering across the minds

and hearts of a Swayamsevak/Sevika, when the Bhagwa Dhwaj is flying high
above our heads, in all its splendour. There is a feeling of humbleness, of
being rooted to our culture, of pride and of sacrifice.
A deep saffron colour, the Bhagwa Dhwaj has been passed down over time
as the sign of unification. In Shakha it is the ever present guardian
overseeing all of the activities that are done.
Any organisation requires a leader at its helm, a person who would be able to
lead with a pure heart, no personal gain on their agenda and willing to
sacrifice for the betterment of the organisation. Man. Doctorji had the
foresight to recognise that no individual is this perfect; no one is able to
remain blemish free in this day and age. At the time of founding of Rashtriya
Swayamsevak Sangh, it was decided by Man. Doctorji to have the Bhagwa
Dhwaj as the ultimate guru to be idealised in Sangh.

The Bhagwa Dhwaj represents sacrifice, purity, knowledge, renunciation,

resilient strength and unfailing service. The colour of our Dhwaj is the same
as the vastras worn by Sadhu and holy men from time immemorial. It is the
colour of Dharma; it signifies the purity of the individual wearing this colour
and of their spiritual strength. It tugs us a little closer towards our own
spiritual journey.
Bhagwa is the colour that is seen at sunrise, signifying the end of a dark
night of Adharma and giving light to a new day of Dharma. It is a
reassurance of the surety that Dharma will conquer Adharma, virtues will
prevail over vices and that no matter how dark the nights of immorality are,
there is sure to be a dawn of morality. Throughout the day, the sun burns and
in return it provides nourishment to all of the creatures on this planet, this is
the same feeling of service that it evokes in every Swayamsevak and Sevika,
to be of constant service to those who need help. At the end of the day, at
sunset, there is no fanfare and the sun dips over the horizon without any
expectation from the creatures that have thrived in its presence. The same
way, a Swayamsevak/Sevika is taught to give without expecting anything in
return, simply because, the way the sun does not lose its purpose or glory, a
true Swayamsevak or Sevika will not go unnoticed and a new purpose will be
found by those who need them, even if no acknowledgement is gained from
the service.
Bhagwa is the colour of valour and strength, invoking in us deep rooted
loyalty towards our Dharma. The Bhagwa Dhwaj was flying gloriously on the
chariot of Chattrapati Shivaji Maharaj, when he began to claim Bharat back
with the motto on his mind, Yaha Hindawi Swaraj Hoga - he worked across
the length and breadth of Bharat to bring together and unite Hindus that
were too weak to fight against the Mughal rule on his own. It breathes fire
into our blood to take action that will wipe out the misdeeds we see in the
society around us and prompt us to do as much as we can, in our capacity to
restore peace and joy to our surroundings.
The Bhagwa Dhwaj is formed of 2 triangles, a longer one making the bottom
half and a shorter one the top half. They represent flames, rising from below
and overcoming obstacles. We too must continue to rise, constantly
challenging our own limitations to become better Swayamsevaks and
Sevikas and to have the constant desire to be a better person. While one
triangle is small, the other is large; this is the concept of duality. In
everything that you see, there are two aspects; this does not mean that only
the right one can be chosen. With the good, comes the bad and it is in this
form that it must be accepted. The Dhwaj teaches us that there can be
harmony in duality, that we must have a feeling of accommodation towards
both aspects of what we perceive. If noticed carefully, the larger triangle is at
the lower half of the Dhwaj, this signifies the need of the stronger to support
the weak.
3

The Bhagwa Dhwaj has been and always will remain a part of our culture.
Over the years that have passed, it has borne witness to the history of Hindu
Dharma. The memories of battles won and soldiers lost will remain in its
folds forever and it will remain a symbol of Hindu Dharma forever.

M xnx

Guru Vandanaa (Salutations to

the Guru)

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Gururbrahmaa GururvishNuh
Gururdevo Maheshvarah
Guruh Saakshaat Parabrahma
Tasmai Shree Gurave Namah

My salutations to Guru, who is Brahma, who is Vishnu, and who is also Maheshvara. Guru is
none other than the all-pervading supreme Self

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Dhyaanamoolam Gurormurtih
Poojaamoolam Guroh Padam
Mantramoolam Gurorvaakyam
Mokshamoolam Guroh Kripaa

M:
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The basis of meditation is Gurus murti; the support of worship is Gurus
feet; the origin of mantra is Gurus word; the cause of liberation is Gurus
blessings

Hindus attach paramount importance to spiritual gurus.

Gurus are often equated with God and always
regarded as a link between the individual and the
Immortal. Just as the moon shines by reflecting the
light of the sun, and glorifies it, all disciples can dazzle
like the moon by gaining from their Gurus.

GURU POORNIMAA
The full moon day of the month of Ashadha (July-August) is traditionally celebrated as
Guru Poornimaa. Guru means teacher and Poornimaa means the full moon day of the
month. This day is also known as Vyasa Poornimaa. The great sage Vyasa classified
the accumulated spiritual knowledge of the Vedas under four heads - Rig, Yajur,
Saama and Atharva. He also composed the authentic treatise of Brahma-sootras to
explain the background of Vedas. He also wrote the eighteen Puranas, the stories of
our great heroes and saints, to carry the spiritual and moral teachings contained
therein to the common masses. Therefore he is the Adi-Guru for all people.

Where does this Sanskrit word (Guru) come from? Gu stands for Gunaateeta
(attributeless) and Ru signifies Roopavarjita (formless). Thus, the one, who is formless
and attributeless, is the true Guru. God!! The Guru helps us to give up the ignorance,
light the lamp of wisdom and ultimately merge in the Divine. It is very well expressed
in one of the verses of Hindu:
Gururbrahmaa Gururvishnu Gururdevo Maheshwarah |
Guruh Saakshaat Parabrahma Tasmai Shri Gurave Namah ||
(I prostrate to that Sri Guru, who is himself Brahma, Vishnu, and God
Maheshvara, and who is verily the Supreme Absolute itself).
There is also another interpretation of Guru. The Gu means darkness or ignorance.
Ru denotes the remover of that darkness. Therefore one who removes darkness of
our ignorance is a Guru. A Guru also inspires and guides us on to the path of Godrealization. In other words, Guru is the one who gives us knowledge. Thus mother is
considered as the first Guru (teacher).
But we acquire knowledge from others too such as School Teacher, College Lecturer, or
our Coach or even the Shikshak at our Shakha. Thus they are also referred as Guru.
One should always be thankful to whom he or she gains knowledge from.
In Hindu tradition, the Guru is looked upon as an embodiment of God himself. It is
through his grace and guidance that one reaches the highest state of wisdom and
bliss. The Guru or teacher also guides us onto the right path when we lose track.
Guru also boosts our energy when we run out of steam. On this auspicious day of
Guru Poornima, many disciples perform a puja of their respective spiritual preceptor
(Guru). One may even celebrate in silence, reading the religious scriptures. The best
form of worshiping Guru is to follow his teachings, remember/implement them and
propagate them.
In our Shakhas we have considered sacred Bhagava Dhwaj (saffron flag) as the true
Guru. Why is that? Why dont we consider an individual as a Guru? There have been
various sages (saints), teachers and spiritual leaders who have been teaching
countless individuals. But, is there any one who can be looked upon as the preceptor
for the entire Hindu society - for all their past, present and future generations?
Obviously, no individual can play that role. A human being is after all mortal and,
however great, has his own limitations. He cannot be a permanent guide for all time to
come. But there is one who can be a permanent guide to all for all the time! Sacred
Bhagava Dhwaj (saffron flag)!! The sacred Bhagava Dhwaj that represents all the
Gurus, is worshipped as the Guru of the entire Hindu society. That is why we consider
Bhagava Dhwaj as a Guru in our Shakhas.

Bhagava Dhwaj is an ancient as the Hindus themselves. It has flown over the
hermitages of the seers and sanyaasins and also over the celestial palaces of emperors.
It has flown triumphantly over the battlefields of freedom struggle and has symbolized
the immortal spirit of freedom in the Hindu mind. It is the one supreme symbol held
in universal reverence by all sects and castes, and all creeds and faiths of the Hindus.
It is in fact the greatest unifying symbol of the entire Hindu world. The color of the
Bhagava Dhwaj - the saffron, depicts sacrifice and service. The flames rising from the
yajna are saffron in color and indeed reflect this spirit.
The annual function of Sri Guru Pooja in our Shakhas presents a moment of
introspection for us to check up how far we have progressed in this path of
renunciation and selfless service to the society over the last one year, and take lessons
from it and resolve to march faster in the current year.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
++++
GURUKUL AND GURU SHISHYA PARAMPARAA
Ancient Bharat (India) saw the pinnacle of glory. It was wealthy and healthy in all
respects. Common people were happy and contented. Sahitya, Kala, Sangeet and
Sanskriti had reached their highest levels. Two of the most significant factors of
Ancient Bharat during the Vedic period, Medicine and Education, were provided free
of charge!! Nobody was denied treatment for health issues and education. Teachers
and Doctors also used to do their job selflessly as a service (seva) to mankind. They
never looked at their profession as means of earning.
Education:
In todays world, spiritual development and materialistic development of an
individual are separated. It is seen in most of the countries that their education
system is more or completely focused towards materialistic development which
makes an individual capable of earning money, but does not teach good values. In
Hindus ancient education system during the Vedic period, focus was equally given
on materialistic as well as spiritual development of individuals or learners. Therefore
they could also learn the values, purpose of living, their duties and priorities that
would make them a good person or citizen. Guru has a significant role in all kinds of
education.
Guru
The word Guru has a deep meaning. But in a simple definition, Guru means a
teacher. Guru is often referred as Acharya or Shikshak. Guru is considered as an
imparter of knowledge. He would teach his Shishyas everything that he knew. Guru
is supposed to treat everyone equally no matter whether an individual was poor or
rich or a royal or a common person. Guru is one who moulds the students
personality. That is why someone not having a Guru was once looked down upon as
being an orphan. Even Vishnu-avatars like Rama and Krishna subjected themselves
to the tutelage of worthy Gurus like Vashishtha and Sandipani. A great Guru
(shikshak) Chanakya used to say that the future of the next generation is dependant
on a mother and a Guru (shikshak). These two personalities have the ability to make

the coming generation either good or bad!! That is why Guru is respected in the
same way fathers and mothers are respected. One of our scriptures, Manu Smriti
regards and respects the Guru along with the mother and father. Upanishads also
mention the five signs of Guru - In the presence of the Guru; Knowledge flourishes
(Gyana raksha); Sorrow diminishes (Dukha kshaya); Joy wells up without any reason
(Sukha aavirbhava); Abundance dawns (Samriddhi); All talents manifest (Sarva
samvardhan).
Sometimes Guru is given more importance than God. There is an understanding
that if the Guru and God both appeared together, then one should pay respect to
the Guru first since Guru has been instrumental in leading him to God. Great saint
Kabir was once asked, If Guru and God both appear before you, whom should you
prostrate? Kabir replied, I bow before Guru who introduced God to me! One of
our scriptures also compares Guru with the Trinity Gods Brahma, Vishnu and
Mahesh.
Shishya
In a simple definition, Shishya means a student or a learner. Shishya is supposed to
serve Guru and his family to the best of his ability and learn from him. He learns
everything from the Guru and moves on to the next level. Shishya can have many
Gurus. It is quite important for Shishya to find appropriate Guru because he is the
one who gives direction to his life. The Bhagavad-Geeta says that - Acquire the
transcendental knowledge from a Self-realized master (Guru) by humble reverence,
by sincere inquiry, and by service. The wise ones who have realized the Truth will
impart the Knowledge to you. In Vedic period, the knowledge was transferred from
Guru to Shishya by the word of mouth. The knowledge was best conveyed through a
strong human relationship based on ideals of the shishyas respect, commitment,
devotion and obedience, and on Gurus personal instruction by which the shishya
eventually masters the knowledge that the Guru embodies. Excellent
communication between the two also develops a strong relationship and a bond of
love between them.
Gurudakshina
Gurudakshina means the shishya giving a valuable to the guru as a token of
gratitude apart from his services. Such tokens can be as simple as a fruit to as
serious as a thumb as given by Ekalavya to his Guru Dronacharya. Though giving
gurudakshina was completely optional, shishyas would give their Guru something
according to their ability. Shishyas from royal families such as princess or kings used
to give wealth or land as a gurudakshina. Sometimes Guru also expects (desires)
something from his Shishyas as a gurudakshina. For example, Guru Dronacharya
asked his Shishyas Kauravas and Pandavas to bring the king of Panchala,
Drupada, bound in chains. The best gurudakshina is to adhere to the Gurus worlds
and make best use of the knowledge and wisdom given by Guru.
Gurukul and Guru-Shishya Parampara (tradition):
Gurukul is a type of school which is residential in nature where both Guru and his
Shishyas live together. Shishyas (including royal princess or kings) would stay there
as family members of the Guru and get education. They would not only take
education but also serve Guru and his family in their day-to-day life including
washing clothes, cooking, massaging, etc. All shishyas irrespective of their social or
economical status would get equal treatment. Depending upon the type of

education, shishyas would stay there from 16 years to 36 years. The life of Shishyas
in Gurukul would be completely disciplined. They would have to adhere to the all
rules of Gurukul such as getting up early in the morning, physical exercise, giving up
material things, complete their studies within a given time, etc. This type of
disciplined life would help Shishyas to fully concentrate on education. It would also
inculcate humility in the shishyas and respect and gratitude in him for the dispenser
of knowledge. Other noble virtues like discipline, dedication, sense of duty, sacrifice,
social equality and compassion also evolve with the Gurus help. Gurukul system
existed in Bharat until the colonial era but gradually vanished in course of time.
Relevance of Guru-Shishya Relationship in Todays world:
Today, what we see is that an education system has become a business. No Seva
or service aspect is left there. The relationship between teacher and student is
questionable. There is no purity, love and respect among them. Both act like
professionals. Both dont care about each other. In this situation, student may get
knowledge for living, but the character building of him will not happen. He or she
will not inculcate values which are more important than the knowledge. And this is
definitely not a good situation. The solution to fix this situation is to revive the
relationship between teacher and student. Here Hindus can play an important role.
They have had a very good past in terms of Guru-Shishya tradition. They can
continue the similar tradition even today also. Although everything can not be
implemented today as it was, they can realize the concept of Gurukul and GuruShishya relationship, mould it to suit current times and try to re-implement it. This is
how they can set an example in front of everyone and contribute to the welfare of
mankind!
-------00000000-------

BAAL VIBHAAG

Guru-poornimaa is a day when Guru is worshipped. It falls in the month of July.

It is a day to show gratitude and appreciation towards the Guru.

Guru means a teacher.

Guru gives us a knowledge and wisdom. He enlightens us, thus removes

ignorance.

Parents are our first Guru. They teach us the very first lesson of the life.

One receives knowledge from others too such as school teachers, friends,
Shakha shikshaks.

One must respect parents, Guru and all givers of knowledge.

Guru-Shishya Story
Dhaumya Rishi (Sage) and his three disciples
The Guru is the form of the trinity gods Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwara (Lord
Shiva). If one has a Guru then with determination he must serve him or her
ungrudgingly, selflessly and lovingly. Guru is the abode of all knowledge and wisdom
and blesses his disciples with the same. Here is an anecdote from the Mahabharata
which illustrates this truth. A long time ago there was a Guru named Dhaumya
Rishi. He had three disciples who came to him to learn the Vedas. They were Aruni
Panchal, Baid and Upamanyu. One day Aruni was asked by the Guru to water his
field so that the cereal crop would grow well. The water had to be brought into the
field through a canal from a tank which was a little far away. The tank was shallow.
Aruni dug the canal, and water started flowing into the field. Then unfortunately, a
breach developed in one of the bunds of the canal and the water started draining
out and escaping away through the breach, thus stopping the flow of water into the
field. Aruni tried his best to fill up the breach by piling up stones, putting sand
etc., but could not succeed. The water was going to waste and he was worried as to
how to get the field filled with water. Then he got an idea; he lay down at the side
of the breach, thus blocking it. The water thereby, started flowing into the field.
He remained there in the same position so that the field would get water fully.

10

It was quite late in the night and as the boy did not
return home, the Guru was worried as to what could
have happened to him, and he came to the field
searching for him. He was surprised and felt glad to
find the field full of water, which had never
happened before, but at the same time, he was
worried as Aruni was nowhere in sight. He called out
loudly, Aruni! Aruni!. From the waters of the canal
Aruni replied in a feeble voice, Gurudev! I am here.
The Guru reached to him and pulled him out. Aruni
fell prostrate at the Gurus feet and offered his obeisance to him. The Guru was
touched by the boys unselfish devotion to him and placing his hand on the boys
head, blessed him saying, May you become proficient and gain mastery in all Vedas
and the Shastras. No sooner than the Guru said this, Aruni became fully
enlightened and all knowledge dawned on him in a flash.
Baid was asked by the Guru to till the land, sow the seeds, raise the crop and take
all care till harvesting was complete and the grains were safely brought home. Baid
was working on the field, day in and day out, without wasting a single moment, and
sparing no pains. Due to all the labour exerted and pains taken by him, the crop
came out very well and yielded a very rich harvest. Baid loaded the grains on the
cart and started to drive the cart to the Gurus house. The load was too heavy and
the bullock was unable to draw the cart. Baid was also trying to pull the cart along
with the bullock. Unfortunately, the bullock got stuck up in the mire on the way and
the cart wheels also sank deep down in the mud. The bullock was not able to pull
the cart. Baid let the bullock free and started with all his strength to push the
cartwheels and make the cart move. In the process, he almost lost his breath and
was about to collapse. Dhaumya Rishi was coming to see how Baid was faring with
the collection of the harvest. On the way, he saw the heavily loaded cart and Baid.
But alas he found Baid tottering on his feet and collapsing almost on the verge of
death. The Guru was very much moved with the selfless and steadfast devotion of
Baid. He pulled Baid out of the mire and placed his right hand on his head, which
immediately revived him. Not only that, Baid received total illumination and
enlightenment, and all knowledge dawned on him with the blessfull touch of the
Guru.
Heres the account of Upamanyus Guru Seva & Bhakti. Upamanyu was also a very
devoted disciple, but he had a habit of over eating. The Guru wanted to curb this
11

habit of his of over indulgence with food. The Guru gave Upamanyu the task of
looking after his herd of cattle. Upamanyu used to leave home very early in the
morning along with the herd, after eating the little food the Guru gave, for the
grazing grounds were far away, and he used to return very late in the evening along
with the herd. In the afternoons, he used to beg alms from the houses which were
nearby and was having his afternoon food. The Guru finding the boy still fat asked
him what he was eating in the afternoons. The boy told the Guru, that he was
begging Bhiksha from the houses near the grazing grounds and was eating whatever
food obtained thus. The Guru said he should not eat Bhiksha food, but bring it and
give it to him and eat only whatever he (the Guru) gave him. Upamanyu started
doing this as the Guru said, but as he was feeling very hungry in the afternoons, he
would ask for alms for a second time and eat it alone. When Dhaumya Rishi found
out, he asked him to bring home the second Bhiksa too. Now Upamanyu started
drinking the remnants of the milk that
continued to drip from the cows udders,
after the calves had drunk their fill. The
Guru prohibited that even. Upamanyu
became very much thin from the lack of
food. Unable to bear the hunger, one day,
seeing some milk-like sap come out from
the plant producing cotton flowers, he
drank it. That sap was poisonous and it
affected his eye nerves and made him blind. In the evening, trying to drive the
cattle home and unable to find the way due to his lost eyesight, he fell into a well.
As he did not reach home, Dhaumya muni came searching for him calling out his
name. When Upamanyu answered the Guru saw his disciple fallen into the well. He
pulled him out and was moved by the boys truthful and implicit obedience to the
Guru, he asked him to chant the invocation mantra to the Aswini Devatas.
Upamanyu instantly regained his sight. Not only that, the Guru, through his
blessings, endowed him with all the scriptural knowledge and wisdom. Upamanyu
became a most renowned Rishi. He became Guru to great shishya like Udanka who
presided over the Great Serpent Sacrifice of King Janamejaya, which brought even
Indra down from Heaven, along with his throne towards the sacrificial Fire. It is
also said that Udanka, soon after completing his discipleship, obtained from
Adisesha in Patala, the latters ear kundalas, and brought and offered them as the
Guru Dakshina to his Guru Upamanyu.

12