guruparampara

Guruparampara, from Sanskrit guru (teacher, remover of darkness) and parampara (lineage, succession), refers to the chain of teachers through whom a tradition's teachings, practices, and authority are transmitted from generation to generation. It denotes the living conduit of knowledge within a spiritual lineage.

Within Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism, guruparampara denotes the continuity of instruction and authority. The tradition holds that wisdom is not merely found in texts but embodied in a succession of gurus who have received, refined, and imparted it to disciples. This transmission is seen as preserving the integrity of doctrine, practice, and esoteric techniques.

Transmission typically occurs through initiation (diksha) and instruction (upadesha), as well as ongoing guidance. Reverence and fidelity from students are commonly expected, and the perceived integrity of the lineage helps legitimize the teacher’s authority and the legitimacy of teachings.

In Hinduism, many sampradayas claim lines tracing back to ancient sages and to renowned teachers who established schools of thought across diverse paths such as Advaita, Bhakti, and tantra. Some lineages emphasize a founder-guru along with a long chain of successors. In Sikhism, the guruparampara refers to the succession of the ten human Gurus, culminating in the scripture Guru Granth Sahib as the eternal Guru.

Today, guruparampara remains a key concept for legitimacy and continuity in many traditions, while some scholars and practitioners caution against overemphasizing lineage at the expense of personal realization, ethical conduct, and critical engagement with teachings.