In the traditional perspective, the teacher or guru transmits knowledge, instructs the students about the proper application of that knowledge, provides an example of a person who puts the knowledge into practice and acts as symbol of the ultimate goal i.e. the goal of enlightenment. Over and above all else, such teachers were extremely compassionate possessing boundless compassion for all beings in general, and for their students in particular. Such great enlightened and compassionate mentor-savants would attract dedicated students from far and wide, the reputation of a centre of learning primarily depended upon the quality of its teachers - acharyas and gurus. Such guru - centric universities were established and developed in India for the first time in the world history.

-- 5th Samdhong Rinpoche, Lobsang Tenzin