Talk:Naiṣṭhika-brahmacārin
By Swami Harshananda
naiṣṭhika-brahmacārin
(‘the brahmacārin [Vedic student] [who remains] steadfast [to his guru throughout his life]’)
Students residing in the house of the guru (gurukula) for pursuing Vedic studies, were of two types: the upakurvāṇa and the naiṣṭhika.
The former stayed for a limited period (like twelve years or even less) and would offer gurudakṣiṇā (fee or presents) before leaving.
The latter stayed on till their death. They were to remain celibate, serve their guru and also pursue their Vedic studies. If the teacher died, they were to serve the teacher’s son or the wife. They were the perpetual students.
Keeping the Vedic fire of the guru burning without being put out was one of their sacred duties, apart from Vedic studies and begging for food. They were also to abjure all luxuries that violate their vows.
Some dharmaśāstra writers opine that physically handicapped persons (like the blind, the crippled) were to remain as naiṣṭhika brahmacārins
(perpetual students) though the able-bodied persons too could opt for this life.
naiyāyika (‘follower of the Nyāya [school of philosophy]’)
See NYĀYA DARŚANA and VAIŚESIKA DARŚANA.
References[edit]
- The Concise Encyclopedia of Hinduism, Swami Harshananda, Ram Krishna Math, Bangalore