Gurukul
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A Gurukul (Guru refers to "teacher" or "master"; Kul refers to his domain) is a type of ancient Hindu school in India that is residential in nature with the shishyas or students and the guru or teacher living in proximity, many a time within the same house[1]. The Gurukul is the place where the students resided together as equals, irrespective of their social standing. The students learns from the guru and also helps the guru in his day-to-day life, including the carrying out of mundane chores such as washing clothes, cooking, etc.
The guru-shishya parampara is a hallowed tradition in Hinduism, and has also carried over into Sikhism. At the end of a shishya's study, the guru asks for a "guru dakshina," since a guru does not take fees. A guru dakshina is the final offering from a student to the guru before leaving the ashram. The teacher may ask something or nothing at all.
By the colonial era the Gurukul system was almost dead in India excepting in a few remote regions. An exception was Kerala where the warrior Nair caste held their own military Gurukuls called Kalaris.
In the recent past, some efforts have been started both genuine and others driven by monetary gains, whereby this gurukul tradition is in the phase of ressurection. Educational centers like Buildingblocks are trying to introduce these spiritual concepts in the daily life of children.
[edit] References
- ^ Cheong Cheng, Cheong Cheng Yin; Tung Tsui Kwok Tung Tsui, Wai Chow King Wai Chow, Magdalena Mo Ching Mok (Eds.) (2002). Subject Teaching and Teacher Education in the New Century: Research and Innovation. Springer, p.194. 9629490609.
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