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STORY: MAHABHARAT-DRONACHARYA AND EKLAVYA

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     Once while Dronacharya was imparting astra-shastra (Astra– is a fierce form of mantra that comprises of destructive frequency. Shastra– is essentially a physical weapon) training to Kurukul children (Kauravas and Pandavas) in Hastinapur, a black and tough appearing Bheel (tribal) child came up to him. He first bowed and said ‘pranam!’ (greetings) and then said—‘Acharya! (teacher) my name is Eklavya. I have come with the hope that you will be kind enough to teach me astra management, as you are teaching these children.’

    Acharya, though, he appreciated the humbleness of the child. He couldn’t have given permission to a Bheel to stay with the Rajkumars (princes). He therefore said—‘Son! For mere knowledge of weapons to hunt animals you can ask your Guru to teach you. But as far as learning of astra is concerned it is not a must for you, as the same is required only when you have to rule a kingdom or fight a war.’

    Upon hearing this Eklavya was disheartened. But his enthusiasm did not die down. He was determined to learn astra-shiksha. So, somewhere there only. Not far from Dronacharya’s gurukul (residential school) he built a cottage. Along with that he also made a bust of Dronacharya and established it in front of his cottage. And thereafter with his bow and arrow he started vigorous practice.

    One day Dronacharya along with his shishyas was roaming around the jungles. When a dog of Pandavas by mistake dawdled away to where Eklavya was practicing his targets in full flow.     The dog at the frightful sight of a dark and tough Bheel with a bow and arrow started barking. That spoiled Eklavya’s concentration and to stop the dog from barking he filled it’s mouth with arrows but without piercing it.   This frightened the dog so much that he immediately retracted and ran towards Pandavas.

Upon seeing the dog both Pandavas and Kauravas laughed at its condition. But Arjun was immensely surprised. He realized someone had immaculately aimed the arrows in such a manner that none of the arrows had pierced his mouth. Even when, his mouth was completely packed with those arrows. And it was more than evident that the arrows were shot by some proficient archer. Acharya Dronacharya was also stunned and immediately decided to discover this ace archer.

    Meanwhile, when Eklavya saw Dronacharya, he rushed towards him to pay his respects. On seeing his bust in front of the cottage Dronacharya was stunned. But just then Arjun who was right behind him slowly whispered in his ears—‘Gurudev! You had given a word to me that among all your shishyas I will be the topmost archer. But in front of him I look petty. Now how will you protect your own word?’ Upon hearing Arjun’s comment Achraya tried to reassure him. He then decided to demanded guru-dakshina (tradition of repaying one’s teacher or guru after the period of study) from Eklavya. And when Eklavya asked—‘Acharya what can I do for you that will make me blessed?’ Acharya hesitatingly replied—‘You need to give me the thumb of your right hand as guru-dakshina.’

    Eklavya, who was otherwise matchless in strength and was a stalwart, suddenly turned patient. He heard his guru and then took out his sword and cut his right thumb and placed it near his feet. After losing his thumb he had ceased to be an ace archer. Because by performing the skill with his left hand he wouldn’t have been in the list of top archers of his times. But because of the sacrifice and unquestioned loyalty towards his guru Dronacharya. He became immortal in the annals of mythology.

    There is no mention about how Dronacharya must have felt receiving Eklavya’s thumb as guru-dakshina. And at that moment did he feel small? But yes, ultimately he did bless Eklavya to immortality.

    In life there are always gaps in what we plan to do and what actually happens. And at times even a small person can make a tall personality look small in front of his proficiency and attitude.

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Posted by Kamlesh Tripathi

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https://kamleshsujata.wordpress.com

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GLOOM BEHIND THE SMILE

(Archived in 7 prestigious libraries of the US, including, Harvard University and Library of Congress. It can also be accessed in MIT through Worldcat.org. Besides, it is also available for reading in Libraries and archives of Canada and Cancer Aid and Research Foundation Mumbai)  

ONE TO TANGO … RIA’S ODYSSEY

(Archived in Connemara Library, Chennai and Delhi Public Library, GOI, Ministry of Culture)

AADAB LUCKNOW … FOND MEMORIES

(Launched in Lucknow International Literary Festival 2014)

REFRACTIONS … FROM THE PRISM OF GOD

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SHORT STORY: KNOW YOUR GURU

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GURUKUL 2 GURUKUL 3 GURUKUL 1

    Once upon a time there lived a Mahatma called Angiras in a forest. In his aashram he had many pupils. And all them had a great respect for him. Especially, about his knowledge and wisdom.

    Among them, there were some who had learnt faster than the others and followed the route as suggested by the Guru. These pupils were generally respected by others for their learning prowess. But there were some who were jealous of them. They forgot that because of their own shortcomings they were unable to understand and comprehend the Guru in a wholesome manner. And soon, they started suspecting that the Guru was using some mysterious ways to coach his favourite students, for some special talent.

    One day when the Guru was alone. They went up to him and asked, ‘Gurudev, it appears you are teaching something special to your favourite students. Why don’t you give the same knowledge to us, also?

    Guru, did not like the query of his pupils. But he peacefully replied. ‘I consider everyone to be the same, and I have imparted the same education and knowledge to everyone. But if some out of you have progressed faster than others it is because of your own efforts. After all, who has stopped you from being proficient?’

    Students could not understand what the Guru was trying to say. This made the Guru rethink. After a little while he spoke again, ‘I am ready to give special attention to all the students who want it. But I have one condition. You will have to clear a small test for me. You will have to go to the nearby village. To find a good person for me.’ Finding the test to be simple and easy all the complaining students were very happy. They quickly elected a representative out of them who enthusiastically set out on the mission.

    But unfortunately. Wherever he went and whomsoever he met. Were all involved in some form of sin. After searching a lot. He returned to the ashram empty handed and in a remorse tone he said, ‘Gurudev, I’m sorry. I could not find even one person who had not committed a crime.’

    Guru, in a morose tone said. ‘Is it so! Let me see. Okay let me send someone, out of those students. About whom you all were complaining.’ Guru then called for a pupil out of them, and ordered him to go to the nearby village to get him a bad person. The obedient pupil said, ‘As the Guru desires. Let me try.’ And, with that he left.

    But the complaining students felt as if Gurudev had again committed injustice. Because, the pupil will get plenty of bad people. As the village is full of them.

    Guru requested them to keep their cool. After sometime. The deputed pupil returned empty handed and said with folded hands, ‘Please pardon me Guruji. I scanned the nearby village but I did not find a single bad person.’ On hearing this. Rest of the of the pupils started laughing. He further said, ‘every person has done at least one good deed. And I did not find a single person who had not done one good deed. So, kindly excuse me.’ After saying so. He took his Guru’s permission and left.

    Guru then told his complaining pupils, ‘My dear students. This is that borderline that differentiates between good and bad, right and wrong and positive and negative.

    Your mind blossoms when in everything you see goodness. World is a mixture of happiness and sorrow. It depends on your mindset and what you want to take from the world. People who are positive grow faster than those who are negative.

    For a Guru, all his pupils are dear. And if any pupil considers himself distanced from the Guru then it is that student’s stupidity. The more you feel close to me the more you will develop and it will be seen in your actions.’

This story tells how we should face life and its challenges. Complete surrender to your Guru  will only lift you from your sorrows. The story is from Upanishad.

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Posted by Kamlesh Tripathi

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https://kamleshsujata.wordpress.com

*

Share if you like it

*

Shravan Charity Mission is an NGO that works for poor children suffering from life threatening diseases. Should you wish to donate for the cause the bank details are given below:

NAME OF ACCOUNT: SHRAVAN CHARITY MISSION

Account no: 680510110004635 (BANK OF INDIA)

IFSC code: BKID0006805

*

Our publications

GLOOM BEHIND THE SMILE

ONE TO TANGO … RIA’S ODYSSEY

AADAB LUCKNOW … FOND MEMORIES

REFRACTIONS … FROM THE PRISM OF GOD

(CAN BE BOUGHT FROM ON LINE BOOK STORES OR WRITE TO US FOR COPIES)

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