paramparā

oral tradition

In the world of digitalization and unbound flow of information, the concept of parampara is becoming nearly extinct. The oral traditions of sharing teachings and knowledge from teacher to student in an unbroken lineage barely exists anymore. However, most traditions that are still nourished this way take pride in doing so. The Ashtanga Yoga Method is one of those traditions, however there are many more examples in a myriad of different spiritual lineages. At the heart of it, however, is the teacher student relationship. Parampara highlights this relationship as the most essential, to create the grown ground for deep learning and assimilation of knowledge. Many spiritual traditions have survived the ages due to parampara and this is another reason for them staying as intact as they have, without distortions. In the world of internet, much of the information can get distorted along the way. To receive teachings from a teacher in the flesh is something entirely different. Transmissions of wisdom directly from a teacher is far more substantial than merely collecting knowledge from random sources. However, what the teacher is essentially pointing you to, and awakening you to, is the inner Truth that we all hold inside.

Any person, being, plant, animal, relationship or situation can serve as our teacher, if we just stay open enough. What we need to learn is to listen - and hold reverence to that which is yet unknown to us. Once we see the lessons in all situations and beings that come our way, there is a deepened intimacy with all of life. The teacher, no matter its form or expression, is there to mirror what we may not yet have our eyes and hearts open to. A teacher is someone who expands our vision and deepens our understanding and relationship That which always is.