Vivekachudamani 8 Who is an Ideal Teacher? - By Swami Tattwamayananda

Title: Who is an Ideal Teacher?Verses:  33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 43The 33rd verse describes the characteristics of an ideal teacher. He is a friend and guide of any spiritual seeker. He is well versed in the scriptures (vedas), as part of a lineage. He leads a moral and ethical life, free of sinful deeds. He has no selfish desire. He is a knower of Brahman. He is contemplative and immersed in Brahman. He has no selfish aspiration left, just like a fire that has consumed all its fuel. He is an ocean of compassion with no strings attached.”Spiritual ideals should be learnt from a teacher who is part of a lineage. The lineage transmits not just the knowledge but also the ability to make proper use of that knowledge and avoid improper use. For example, Pranayama, if practiced to extremes without the guidance of a teacher, can lead to delusions of grandeur.The 34th verse describes the attitude of the student. He should be pure mentally, verbally and physically (trikarana-shuddhi). With humility, politeness and an attitude of service, he should approach the teacher.We only get from a teacher what our mind is ready for. If we go to an ocean with a glass, we can only bring back a glass of water. An ant going to a mound of sugar can only bring back a grain of sugar. Similarly, we get from a teacher what we are fit for.If we do not have a reverence towards a higher ideal, we will be enslaved by a lower ideal. Reverence should not be equated to slavery.The 35th and 36th verses describe what the student should say to the teacher. He says: “You are a friend and guide to those who come to you. Save me from this ocean of samsara. Just like rain that falls as a blessing, pour your compassion on us. We are being burnt in the fire of samsara. Save us from this death.”In the 37th verse, the student describes the qualities of the teacher. He says: “They are calm, quiet and self-restrained. They are knowers of Brahman. They live in this world like the spring season, bringing joy, happiness, sustenance. They travel from place to place and are a blessing to humanity. They themselves have crossed the ocean of samsara and want to help others do the same.”The student feels that the world is a terrible place. Patanjali refers to it as Parinama Dukkha – it is the feeling of despair despite everything going to expectations. There is a desire to look for something higher. It only happens to highly evolved souls.In the 43rd verse, the teacher addresses the student. The teacher says: “Don’t worry. Don’t be scared. There is a way to get out of samsara. Many sages have gone across this ocean. I will teach you this ancient path now, which has been well established by the great sages.”