Narada Purana — Purva Bhaga, Shloka 65
Dīkṣā, Mantra-Types, Mantra-Doṣas, and Qualifications of Ācārya–Śiṣya
सुंदरः सुमुखः शांतः कुलीनः सुलभो वशी । मंत्रतंत्रार्थतत्त्वज्ञो निग्रहानुग्रहक्षमः ॥ ६५ ॥
suṃdaraḥ sumukhaḥ śāṃtaḥ kulīnaḥ sulabho vaśī | maṃtrataṃtrārthatattvajño nigrahānugrahakṣamaḥ || 65 ||
அவன் அழகன், இன்முகன், அமைதியானவன்; குலீனன், எளிதில் அணுகத்தக்கவன், சுயவசத்துடன் (இந்திரியநிக்ரஹம் உடையவன்) இருக்க வேண்டும். மந்திர-தந்திரத்தின் அர்த்த-தத்துவத்தை அறிந்தவன்; கட்டுப்படுத்தவும் அருளவும் வல்லவன்.
Narada (teaching in the Vedanga/technical-sciences section; framed within Narada–Sanatkumara dialogue tradition)
Vrata: none
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: vira
FAQs
It lists the hallmark qualities of a spiritually competent guide—inner peace, self-mastery, and true understanding of mantra/tantra—balanced with the ability to correct faults and also grant compassionate grace.
Bhakti matures under a teacher who is approachable and tranquil, who restrains harmful tendencies (nigraha) while nurturing the devotee through encouragement and blessings (anugraha).
It emphasizes artha-tattva-jñāna—knowing the correct meaning and essential principles behind mantra usage (a practical requirement alongside disciplines like Śikṣā and Vyākaraṇa for accurate recitation and understanding).