Tag Archives: teacher

POEM: THE GURU … TEACHER

Short story: The Downside of Ego

Copyright@shravancharitymission

    Once a learned sage was in the middle of a very narrow bridge when he saw a powerful king approaching from the other side. ‘Please halt and go back so that I may pass.’ said Shaktimuni.

    ‘No, you turn around and go back,’ thundered the king, ‘so that I may pass first.’

    ‘But I stepped on the bridge first.’

    ‘Yes, but I can push you back because I’m the king.’

    ‘That’s not fair. Know that I’m a teacher, a priest and the most respected philosopher of the land. Hence, I must be given the first right of passage,’ argued the sage.

    The king sneered, ‘I built the school you teach in. I pay for the rituals you perform. Without me as patron, you would not be able to indulge in philosophy. So you must give me the first right to passage.’

    The arguments continued, each refusing to give way to the other, each one justifying why the other should turn back. Finally the king raised his whip and struck the sage. Furious, the sage cursed the king. ‘You have behaved like a rakshas, (demon) so let me turn you into one.’ Instantly, the king turned into a rakshas—a man eating rakshas. But the rakshas pounced on the sage, open his mouth wide and ate him in one shot.

    What mattered more? Crossing the bridge or crossing the bridge first? Clearly the latter, for the sage. That is why, instead of simply turning back to make way for the bully king, he demanded the first right to passage. The demand turned into insistence on moral, ethical and legal grounds. But what happened finally? The sage did not win the argument. Nor did he get to cross the bridge. In the end he was reduced to cannibal fodder.

    Moral of the story: Sometimes in our obsession to be right, we lose sight of the goal and lose the game.

By Kamlesh Tripathi

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https://kamleshsujata.wordpress.com

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Share it if you like it

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Shravan Charity Mission is an NGO that works for poor children suffering from life threatening diseases especially cancer. Our posts are meant for our readers that includes both children and adults and it has a huge variety in terms of content. We also accept donations for our mission. 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

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Our publications

GLOOM BEHIND THE SMILE

(The book is about a young cancer patient. Now 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

(Is a book on ‘singlehood’ about a Delhi girl now archived in Connemara Library, Chennai and Delhi Public Library, GOI, Ministry of Culture, Delhi)

AADAB LUCKNOW … FOND MEMORIES

(Is a fiction written around the great city of Nawabs—Lucknow. It describes Lucknow in great detail and also talks about its Hindu-Muslim amity. That happens to be its undying characteristic. The book was launched in Lucknow International Literary Festival of 2014)

REFRACTIONS … FROM THE PRISM OF GOD

(Co-published by Cankids–Kidscan, a pan India NGO and Shravan Charity Mission, that works for Child cancer in India. The book is endorsed by Ms Preetha Reddy, MD Apollo Hospitals Group. It was launched in Lucknow International Literary Festival 2016)

TYPICAL TALE OF AN INDIAN SALESMAN

(Is a story of an Indian salesman who is, humbly qualified. Yet he fights his ways through unceasing uncertainties to reach the top. A good read not only for salesmen. The book was launched on 10th February, 2018 in Gorakhpur Lit-Fest. Now available in Amazon, Flipkart and Onlinegatha)

RHYTHM … in poems

(Published in January 2019. The book contains 50 poems. The poems describe our day to day life. The book is available in Amazon, Flipkart and Onlinegatha)

(ALL THE ABOVE TITLES ARE AVAILABLE FOR SALE IN AMAZON, FLIPKART AND OTHER ONLINE STORES OR YOU COULD EVEN WRITE TO US FOR A COPY)

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SHORT STORY: FOUR FRIENDS

Copyright@shravancharitymission

 

    Once, there were four friends who didn’t enjoy studying. They were hard core party buffs. One day they partied all night before their exams and decided to skip the test by lying to the professor. So, they went up to the dean and told him that they had been to a wedding the previous night and on their way back, they had a flat tyre and couldn’t reach for the exam on time. And they continued saying that they had to push the car all the way back, as they didn’t have a spare tyre and hence were extremely tired, and therefore could not write the exam.

    The dean listened and agreed to let them take the test on a later date. Happy that they got a second chance, the four friends studied hard and were ready for the exam. On the day of exam, the dean asked the students to sit in separate classrooms, which the students agreed to.

The examination paper had only two questions, for a total of 100 marks. The questions were:

  1. Your name:
  2. Which tyre of the car burst: a) Front left b) Front right c) Rear left d) Rear right

Moral: You may be smart, but there are people smarter than you in this world.

By Kamlesh Tripathi

*

https://kamleshsujata.wordpress.com

*

Share it if you like it

*

Shravan Charity Mission is an NGO that works for poor children suffering from life threatening diseases especially cancer. Our posts are meant for our readers that includes both children and adults and it has a huge variety in terms of content. We also accept donations for our mission. 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

(The book is about a young cancer patient. Now 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

(Is a book on ‘singlehood’ about a Delhi girl now archived in Connemara Library, Chennai and Delhi Public Library, GOI, Ministry of Culture, Delhi)

AADAB LUCKNOW … FOND MEMORIES

(Is a fiction written around the great city of Nawabs—Lucknow. It describes Lucknow in great detail and also talks about its Hindu-Muslim amity. That happens to be its undying characteristic. The book was launched in Lucknow International Literary Festival of 2014)

REFRACTIONS … FROM THE PRISM OF GOD

(Co-published by Cankids–Kidscan, a pan India NGO and Shravan Charity Mission, that works for Child cancer in India. The book is endorsed by Ms Preetha Reddy, MD Apollo Hospitals Group. It was launched in Lucknow International Literary Festival 2016)

TYPICAL TALE OF AN INDIAN SALESMAN

(Is a story of an Indian salesman who is, humbly qualified. Yet he fights his ways through unceasing uncertainties to reach the top. A good read not only for salesmen. The book was launched on 10th February, 2018 in Gorakhpur Lit-Fest. Now available in Amazon, Flipkart and Onlinegatha)

RHYTHM … in poems

(Published in January 2019. The book contains 50 poems. The poems describe our day to day life. The book is available in Amazon, Flipkart and Onlinegatha)

(ALL THE ABOVE TITLES ARE AVAILABLE FOR SALE IN AMAZON, FLIPKART AND OTHER ONLINE STORES OR YOU COULD EVEN WRITE TO US FOR A COPY)

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SHORT STORY: IN LOVE WITH YOUR GURU

Copyright@shravancharitymission

 

gurukul gurupurnima 2 gurupurnima

    In ancient times there lived a Mahatma by the name of Maharishi Kanad. He had the absolute distinction of exponentially increasing the treasure base of Indian knowledge by scripting the Vaishesik Sutras. That determined the rights and the wrongs in a human life. In terms of discovering the absolute good, required for the betterment of man. He had many shishayas (pupils) that included both men and women, and they all owed, their esteem allegiance, to the Mahatma.

    Among his shishayas there was a beautiful woman also. Who used to look after the Mahatma with all sincerity. But slowly. She started feeling as if she was falling in love with the man. But was unable to express her feelings in front him. Moreover, she was even scared that the Mahatma might suddenly shun her. If she expressed her feelings and that will also give an opportunity to other shishayas to make fun of her.

    But, still, one day when she was alone with the Mahatma. She gathered guts and said, ‘My dear Swami. I have started loving you from the bottom of my heart. I want to sacrifice everything of mine, just for my love, which is you. So, can you not accept me in life?’

    The Guru was shocked at what the lady had just told him. Because of which, he went quiet. And the unexpected utterance of the lady, had even spread like a ‘jungle fire’ in the hermitage. Now, all the shishayas were eagerly waiting to know, what would be Mahatma’s reply.

    Guru smiled and said, ‘I’m happy that you love me. But you should also know. That I love the entire world, and in that even you are included. And Devi (respected lady), you also should know, that all my shishayas love me. So, then what is so special about your love?’

    The lady was now in dilemma, because she couldn’t really figure out. How to convey what she actually wanted to. For she had all the hesitation in communicating her deep love to the Mahatama. Moreover, she was also cautious about the fact that so many unseen eyes and ears must be waiting for the much awaited answer from him. Mahatma waited for sometime and then said to her, ‘When you say you love me, and you want to sacrifice everything for me. It also means, you want to control me. Which goes to show that you are not conversant with the real meaning of Guru. But since you are a devoted shishaya. I don’t want you to be unhappy, so you can have my love. Tomorrow, when, I am alone in the cottage. You come to me.’

    Upon, hearing these lovely words of acceptance. The lady was on top of the world. She came out of the cottage. Where, the rest of the female shishayas, were now jealous of her. As they too wanted to share her luck.

    Next day after decking up when she felt no one is in Mahatama’s cottage. She entered. But, rest of the shishayas were keeping a constant track of her. When they saw her entering the cottage. They quietly assembled to ascertain what was going on.

    The lady could see that the Mahatma was in samadhi and all around him, there was a halo of light. In that he appeared like the bright Sun that excited her. She suddenly ran towards him in full enthusiasm trying to embrace him. But alas: What was that? She then saw, she was only embracing herself. When, suddenly, she felt the Mahatma was all over the sky. Where, she, just couldn’t hold the sky nor could she embrace the sky. Even after trying from all the ends she could only experience, as if she was trying to catch hold of the endless sky. But all was in vain. And after a little while. She was tired and stood there wonder struck. She then heard a loud laughter in the cottage.

    And that is when the Mahatma said, ‘my dear shishaya. You forgot the basic essence of life. Guru is not a personal property of anyone. In fact he belongs to everyone. He is divine, who is everywhere, but not visible. He is the route to your destiny. But not your destiny or your kismet. Guru, makes you farsighted. So share me with everyone. And don’t try to control me. Feel my wisdom and knowledge within you.

    After hearing such divine sermons from the Mahatma. The lady who until some moments back, was dull and gloomy. Immediately, cheered up, and with her fellow shishayas started celebrating the occasion, and praising the Guru. Thereafter, slowly the Mahatama returned to his embodiment. When he too joined the celebrations.

    This story is lifted from a mythological article. It conveys. Our relation with our Guru, which is quite different than our relations with others.

    Today is Guru-punima. Therefore a tribute to every Guru.

Posted by Kamlesh Tripathi

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Share if you like it

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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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SHORT STORY: KNOW YOUR GURU

Copyright@shravancharitymission

 

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

*

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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