The Sanskrit saying “Acharyavan veda” signifies one who possesses an acharya, knowledge, or understanding. This phrase not only describes a person who receives a good education but also outlines the qualifications of a teacher.
A teacher is not merely someone who continuously imparts knowledge to a student until their education is complete. Once the teacher provides initial guidance and instruction, their role shifts to facilitating the student’s independent learning driven by initiative and interest. The primary responsibility of the teacher then transitions to resolving doubts, dispelling ignorance, and addressing contradictions in learning (ஐயம், அறியாமை, திரிபு).
This concept was eloquently articulated by Jnanasambandar in one of his Thevaram hymns approximately 1700 years ago, as noted by Prof. Mahalingam during a morning program on Makkal T.V. (28-11-14). He cited the following Tevaram verse:
நூல் அடைந்த கொள்கையாலே நுன் அடி கூடுதற்கு
மால் அடைந்த நால்வர் கேட்க, நல்கிய நல் அறத்தை
ஆல் அடைந்த நீழல் மேவி, அருமறை சொன்னது என்னே
சேல் அடைந்த தண்கழனிச் சேயஞலூர் மேயவனே–ஞானசம்பந்தர், தேவாரம்,
தொகுப்பு, வ.ம. சுப்பிரமண்ய ஐயர், 1:048
Digital Tevaram ed. By V.M. Subramanya Aiyar, Jean-Luc Chevillard and S.A.S. Sarma, Institute Francais de Pondichery, Collection Indologle 103
Civan in Ceyanalur which has cool fields where there are Carnatic carp!
When the four sages who were confused in mind,
Came to you to clear their doubts about the truth.
What is the reason for giving out the secret of self-realisation which was revealed in the obtuse Vetams sitting under the shade of the banyan tree, in order to attain your feet.—ibid.
Therefore, a good teacher is not merely one who imparts information, but rather one who, after providing initial guidance, encourages the student to pursue independent learning with the ongoing guidance and support of the teacher—in any sphere of life.
Db. [28-11-14]*
Revised on 9-7-2024
Gurukulam
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