The GURUKUL System- secrets unfolded
Just as in the modern system of functioning students are given tests and performance appraisals, in the ancient system of imparting education also, which I have had the privilege of undergoing, students were tested in various ways. Even today, if you follow any ancient alternative method, you will realize the importance of relationships, politics, wealth, fame, money and ultimate mastery over yourself.
An ideal guru is one who not only teaches you the scriptures, but also imparts the necessary worldly knowledge to test your skills. An ideal guru is one who teaches you the reality of the world as it is and what your role is in the scheme of things. Problems will come to you aplenty. You will have issues of competition, jealousy, one-upmanship, rivalry, bitterness, failure- how you deal with these issues is the real test of your skill. It was not enough in those days just to be scholarly, you had to have an astute, clever and thinking mind. You not only had to be rich in book knowledge, which was a given, but it was also expected of you to be clever in psychology, sociology and the readings of your fellow human beings. It is wrong for any guru to paint a rosy picture of life. Life is full of tests, struggles, battles, encounters and the real guru sees to it that you see them through.
Mastery over self or in modern terms self-actualization is not an easy path to follow. Once you have gained technical knowledge, you have to deal with the daily happenings on an independent basis, the results of which affect your status in the eyes of the guru and society. Eg your guru puts you in a tight spot, how you come out of it and what theory you apply from what you’ve been taught is up to you and depends on how well you have imbibed the knowledge. This is ultimate Zen. A real guru will put you to extreme tests, knowing only too well all that you will gain out of the learning experience. A real guru will test you holistically and show you the reality of life and mostly you will realize that everything is not coming up roses. Once these tests are put forth, the student has to realize his weaknesses and work upon them to get rid of them. Only the guru shows you this and enables you to think for yourself and think things through. Life is not only about Zen and the art of motorcycle maintenance! There is much more to it, only if you surrender and are open to the punches you are about to get.
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