Ancient Indian Education (Brahmanical and Buddhist) c10.35

c10.35

The Āchārya or preceptor is similarly extolled. He is compared to Yama [either the *guru* of Nachiketas or the god of Death killing the sinner (Sāyaṇa)]; to Varuṇa [either the *guru* of Bhṛigu or the protector against sins (Sāyaṇa)]; to Sun and Moon as the givers of light and happiness, from whose pleasure is to be derived all prosperity [of which the symbols mentioned are *aushadhayaḥ*, i.e. rice and wheat and *payaḥ* or *kshīram* (Sāyaṇa)]. The Āchārya is also mentioned as being sustained by the devoted disciple performing faithfully his prescribed duties [*Tapasā piparti* = *svanmārga-vṛittyā pālayati* (Sāyaṇa)] and by grateful gifts to him, even as Mitra, the disciple of Varuṇa, gave him presents up to the limit of his resources.