shishyaparampara

Shishyaparampara, or guru-shishya parampara, is a traditional system of knowledge transmission in Indian thought. The terms shishya (student), guru (teacher), and parampara (succession or lineage) describe an intergenerational chain in which wisdom, scriptures, and practices are handed from mentor to apprentice through direct instruction and exemplary living. It is central in Hinduism and is also found in Buddhism and Jainism, as well as in Indian classical arts and disciplines.

In practice, learning is often conducted orally and personally, sometimes in gurukula or ashram settings. The curriculum spans scriptures such as the Vedas and Upanishads, philosophy, ritual practice, arts like music and dance, yoga, and vocational or martial skills. The training can last many years, with emphasis on memory, repetition, discipline, humility, and service. The lineage is safeguarded by the student demonstrating readiness and adherence to the tradition.

The guru is viewed as a spiritual guide and authority, whose authority derives from experience and the transmission of insight rather than text alone. The shishya is expected to study, practice, and often serve the guru, within a framework of reverence and mutual responsibility. The parampara concept underscores the continuity of doctrine, method, and practice across generations, giving legitimacy to present teachings and ensuring authenticity within the tradition.

In modern contexts, the guru-shishya model influences the pedagogy of Vedantic lineages and Indian classical arts, sometimes alongside formal schooling. It remains a historically significant method of mentorship and cultural transmission, though it has evolved in contemporary educational settings.