Have modern attitudes turned the donation tradition into just a way to get cheap yoga? By: Yogacharya
Even in not so ancient times, the passing of yogic knowledge from teacher to student was a reverential affair. The guru watched over their students with paternal love, while the student venerated their guru, ever-grateful for the immeasurable gifts of greater understanding that they were being given.
In sharing this gift of knowledge, the guru did not seek fame or personal fortune. The student, according to his or her own means, paid what ever they could afford. Kings and nobles paid gold and jewels, while peasants gave pennies. The guru did not see one as more giving than the other.
This donation was referred to as Guru Dakshina, which means “giving out of respect,” a “love offering” of utmost appreciation by the student to their teacher. (Read the rest of the article here.)
