The Gurus - the Teachers:
They don't simply teach -
They plant the seeds of knowledge in us that last a lifetime.
They guide and support us personally at every step to understand - to apprehend the subject thoroughly and inspire us to improve and rise to such heights where the sky is the limit.
They encourage the students to become as knowledgeable as them or even better than them. Good teachers are never jealous of their students.
In fact, they feel proud of their students if they rise and become better than them.
There is a beautiful prayer in Yajur Veda - also found in Taittarey, Mandukya, and Shvetashvatara Upanishads - which explains the beautiful relationship between the Guru and the Shishya - the teacher and the disciple.
It says:
ॐ सह नाववतु - सह नौ भुनक्तु - सह वीर्यं करवावहै
तेजस्विनावधीतमस्तु मा विद्विषावहै
ॐ शान्तिः शान्तिः शान्तिः
Om Seh Nau-Avatu
Seh Nau Bhunaktu
Seh Veeryam Karavaavahai
Tejasvi Naav-Adhiitam-Astu
Maa Vidvishaavahai
Om Shaantih - Shaantih - Shaantih
Meaning:
May the Brahman (Almighty Lord) protect us both (Teacher & Disciple);
May He nourish us both;
May we both work in harmony with great vigor;
May our study be illuminating and fruitful;
May we - Guru and Shishya - the teacher and disciple - never be jealous of each other.
Om Peace… Peace… Peace.
From the first day of school to the end of our academic education - we all learn from many different teachers.
However, there are a few who cling to our memory for the rest of our life. Because they take personal interest and responsibility in our progress.
A heartful teacher becomes a role model for the students.
I was fortunate to have a few such great teachers in my life. They not only helped me in my professional carrier as a teacher - but helped me in every sphere of life - to become open and broad-minded.
I am so grateful to Professor Darshan Singh Narula (Faridkot), Master Ratan Hadiyabadi, Master Haridev ji Ludhiana, Pundit Vacahspati Sharma ji Jammu/Kashmir, and Ustad Vilayat Khan Sahib - for teaching me the universal and spiritual side of Sangeet (music).
At the same time, I will always be indebted to my mother, grandmother - Bhapaa Ram Chand ji, and Sant Amar Singh ji, along with few others, for awakening and reviving my spiritual interests. And to admire the good qualities in everyone - even in the rivals and opponents.
' Rajan Sachdeva '
Here is a link to Rag Bhairavi on Sitar played by the Sitar-Smraat and Aftab-e-Sitar Ustad Vilayat Khan Sahib - when he was only 16. https://youtu.be/bWUyYDhIB1c
