Understanding the Relationship between Guru and Shishya in Guru-Shishya Parampara: Implications for Well-being

Pages: 278-285
Meetu Khosla and Vaisnavi Joshi (Department of Psychology, Daulat Ram College, University of Delhi, Delhi)

This research aims to explore the Guru-Shishya Parampara (GSP); a teacher-disciple tradition in Indian culture. Using the narrative analysis approach, aspects of the tradition which make it an important contributing factor for psychological well-being for the ‘guru’, and the ‘shishya’ in the field of Kathak were examined by carrying out face-to-face interviews. This study aims to understand the relationship between a guru and a shishya in the context of Kathak, an Indian Classical art form. This research aims to explore how the relationship between a guru and a shishya is mutually beneficial, and how it results in healing and eventually enhancing well-being. Two separate semi-structured questionnaires were used for the 1 Guru and the 10 shishyas training under the guru in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India. The questions explored various facets of Guru-Shishya Parampara, such as knowledge, motivation, self enhancement, beliefs, importance, and development of character strengths within the individual indulging in Guru-Shishya Parampara. The themes that emerged from the content analysis revealed that there were psychological benefits of being a guru/shishya, the positive effect on the minds of the guru/shishya, the qualities associated with a good guru/shishya, and the positive effects of dancing on mental well-being. The overview of the interviews demonstrated the advantages of guru shishya parampara. This research provides inputs to develop an awareness program that will involve issues pertaining to enhancing mental health by understanding the precursors of health in this area and promoting health through enhancing relationships between a teacher and their disciples.