Lecture: Knowledge and Teaching in the Guru-Śiṣya Tradition

This talk explores the teacher-student (guru-śiṣya) relationship through three pivotal Upanishadic stories (800-500 BCE): Nachiketa’s encounter with Death, Śvetaketu’s lessons from his father, and Yājñavalkya’s philosophical debates. These narratives illuminate the internal qualities necessary for spiritual transformation during the historical shift from ritual to inner realization. For today’s practitioners, these stories offer guidance on approaching yoga with the right attitude, overcoming ego, and developing discernment. For teachers, they provide insights into recognizing student readiness, creating transformative learning environments, and understanding the psychological dimensions of the student journey.