Ramayana — Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 111, Shloka 3
अयोध्याकाण्डे एकादशोत्तरशततमः सर्गः
Sarga 111: Counsel on Gurus, Parental Debt, and Bharata’s Protest
पिता ह्येवं जनयति पुरुषं पुरुषर्षभ।प्रज्ञां ददाति चाचार्यस्तस्मात्स गुरुरुच्यते।।।।
pitā hy evaṃ janayati puruṣaṃ puruṣarṣabha |prajñāṃ dadāti cācāryas tasmāt sa gurur ucyate ||
ஆண் சிறந்தவனே! தந்தை இவ்விதம் உடலைப் பெற்ற மனிதனைப் பிறப்பிக்கிறான்; ஆனால் ஆச்சாரியர் ஞானப் பிரஞ்ஞையை அருள்கிறார்—ஆகையால் அவர் ‘குரு’ என அழைக்கப்படுகிறார்॥
O best of men, the father brings forth a son. The teacher imparts him wisdom.Therefore, the teacher is considered superior.
FAQs
Reverence for wisdom as a dharmic authority: the teacher is ‘guru’ because he shapes moral discernment (prajñā), not merely biological life.
A didactic reflection occurs amid counsel and deliberation, defining sources of rightful authority (parental and pedagogical).
Teachability and respect—dharma requires honoring those who cultivate wisdom and right judgment.