The Guru has symbolized the highest virtues in the Indian culture over millennia. Given to choose between the teacher and the Almighty, the disciple has been advised to opt for the teacher because it is the teacher who guides the pupil to the supreme and most sublime power in the universe. The Teacher has always […]
The Guru has symbolized the highest virtues in the Indian culture over millennia. Given to choose between the teacher and the Almighty, the disciple has been advised to opt for the teacher because it is the teacher who guides the pupil to the supreme and most sublime power in the universe.
The Teacher has always been put on the highest pedestal — equivalent to various Sages and Saints of eras gone by. India has been known for its devout faith in the ability and sincerity of the true Guru. Guru Nanak Dev ji reinforced this ancient conviction in the Indian society when it was facing debility and decline. Thanks to Guru Nanak and the following nine Gurus of the Sikh faith, India once again became aware of its roots and eternal values.
So much so that Guru Granth Sahib ji is today revered as a living Guru across the planet. The mortal frame of the 10 Sikh Gurus may not be in our midst today, but the values they espoused, the way of life they fought for and the inter-faith philosophy they propagated continue to serve as a beacon light for mankind. While all this may sound very inspiring, this heritage places a heavy responsibility upon today’s teachers.
Studies, exams and marks obviously matter but the main goal of our teachers should be to create, shape and mould their students into real human beings — men and women who are sensitive to the joys and sorrows of their fellow beings, people who see the light of the Supreme one in every being, a society where each individual is knit with the other through bonds of selfless love… It is not an easy job. But then teachers have always managed to show society the path which is both right and righteous. I hope and pray that they will continue to do so forever.
~ Iqbal Singh Ji (Baba)