Nirukta (निरुक्त), one of the Vedanga-s (वेदाङ्ग), addresses several topics that help study and understand the four sections of the Veda-s (वेद). The main topic is the etymology and deriving the correct intent of words and phrases; it also includes a section on the relationship between a Guru (गुरु teacher, ब्राह्मण Brahmana) and a Shishya (शिष्य, student, ब्रह्मचारि Brahmachari). It is a narrative, where Vidya (विद्या, Knowledge) is personified as Vidyadhidevata (विद्याधिदेवता), speaks to the Guru about Knowledge, imparting knowledge, and expectations of the Guru and Shishya. Here is a summary of that section and the mantra-s and their meanings.
In the first mantra Vidya comes to a Brahmana assuming a perceivable form and name, Vidyadhidevata. A Brahmana, who has earned his status by having studied and mastered the Veda-s and Vedanga-s, is the one able to impart that Knowledge to others. “O Brahmana, protect and preserve me as a Treasure. As I stay safe with you, I will become the cause of much happiness for you. Be selective of whom you want to impart me – those that are scornful to others, those that are not of righteous behavior and those who are not steadfast in their mind and thoughts. These are folks whose minds and thoughts are not pure; they are not in control of their senses and actions (इन्द्रियाणि). Only then I will also grow in strength and prowess”.
Vidyadhidevata continues to tell the Guru about the way to instruct as well as the attitude of the student. “When instructing, the words spoken by the Guru should be comforting, not agitating the mind of the student. All imparted knowledge should be done this way. When being instructed, the student goes through some difficulties, hardships. However, since ultimately this knowledge is comforting and brings happiness to the student. It is the elixir.” For the student, “Treating the Guru, who is instructing and imparting the knowledge, like a father and mother is required. Just as the parents gave birth and a body to the student, the Guru is giving birth to the Knowledge in the student. Everyone needs both food and knowledge to enjoy life, and the Guru provides both to the student, a Brahmachari. The student should not have any ill-will or bad thoughts about the Guru”.
Having learnt, understood, and mastered the knowledge of the Veda-s and Vedanga-s from the Guru, the student should not demean the Guru in any way. Showing disrespect, speaking of him in disrespectful way and doing actions that are disrespectful to the Guru should never be done. In his mind and intellect, from his speech and from his actions, there should be no disrespect to the Guru.”
Vidyadhidevata concludes “A Guru should teach a student who is diligent in studying and understanding the imparted lesson, who follows rigorous and disciplined ways of Brahmacharya, practices Yoganga-s (योगाङ्ग) like yama (यम) and niyama (नियम) and who treats the Guru with love and respect. By doing this, the treasure of knowledge is protected and preserved”.
Just as the worldly treasures of gold and riches provide comfort to the body, Knowledge provides the means to enjoy and experience to life. Thus, Knowledge is also a treasure, so let it be called shevadhi (शेवधि).