Who is a Guru? 4 lessons on Guru Shishya Parampara from Guru Bhanumati
Who is a Guru? What is the importance of surrender in Guru-Shishya Parampara? Can one become better than his Guru? Why being "Jack of all" is not always a good idea?
This Guru Poornima we we pay our homage to the Late Guru Bhanumati Rao, whose contributions to the field of Bharatnatyam can not be summed in words. It was an honour to interview her ( ▶️Ep. 17 ) and hear the legend speak on the trident of Indian Knowledge System ( i.e Guru Shishya Parampara ).
Late Guru Bhanumati ( 1923-2022 ) is one of the most respected names in Bharatnatyam (one form of Classical Indian Dance). With over 2000 solo performances in India and abroad, she had won many accolades. To know more about her, read the description of our episode with her.
1️⃣ Who is a Guru?
Short Answer: One who nurtures you completely not just in parts.
Long Answer: A Guru, for me, is much more than a teacher. The Guru is someone who opens your mind and gives direction to your life. School teachers change every year. In contrast, a Guru stays with you for a long time, almost like a parent. In the classical dance world, a Guru is not just an instructor but also a spiritual guide. The Guru understands each student’s strengths, weaknesses and unique purpose; whether it’s teaching, performing, or choreography. Guru helps you express emotions clearly. Guru nurtures both the artistic and human side of a Shishya.
The Beautiful Tree is perhaps the most comprehensive study of this institution in 18th Century.
2️⃣ Is complete surrender of student(Shishya) a pre-requisite in Guru Shishya Parampara?
Short Answer: You can have doubt in the subject, not in the Guru.
Long Answer: In my experience, surrender to the Guru is essential in the Guru-Shishya parampara. I’ve seen that when a student truly surrenders, learning becomes deeper and more meaningful. I’ve noticed that if a student doubts the Guru, progress stops. You can question the subject, ask for clarifications, and be curious about the art. But if you start doubting the Guru’s intent or wisdom, you lose the real benefit of this tradition.
Dilip Menon advocated for a different type of education system.
3️⃣ Is it possible to become better than your Guru?
Short Answer: It is neither easy nor impossible.
Long Answer: Yes, and as a Guru, I feel proud when that happens. My own student, Sheela, has excelled in all areas of dance. I feel genuine pride. It’s like a mother’s pride in her child’s success. My role as a Guru is to nurture and celebrate my student’s growth, even if they go beyond my own achievements. That’s the real spirit of the tradition. I’ve experienced this joy firsthand, and it’s the most fulfilling part of being a Guru.
Whom do you consider your Guru (like Dronacharya) in the current time? Drop your comments.
4️⃣ What is your take on the generalist vs specialist debate?
Short Answer: The future of “Jack of all” is frustration.
Long Answer : My advice to today’s generation is to be sincere. Being a “Jack of all” will take you nowhere. When you are young, you can do everything and thus you do a lot of things together. Ultimately, this leads to frustration as you start questioning your own self. A better approach is to find your interest and pursue it in depth with utmost sincerity.
Do you feel the same in the world of AI? Let me know in the comments.
The full moon of Guru Poornima is an apt representation of a Guru. The darkness around the moon symbolises the ocean of ignorance a disciple is in before meeting the Guru. Moon (Guru) is the only recourse to light (knowledge) in this pitch-black night (ignorance).
Fun Fact: After having written 15+ SamaChar, Guru Bhanumati stands as the first advocate of Specialisation, in this specialisation vs generalist debate.
Link to the full episode - Spotify || Youtube || Substack || Apple Podcast
Below are some of the other conversations which touched the subject of Guru Shishya Parampara. Happy Guru Poornima!