The Boy and the Gurukula
Setting: A young boy went to a Gurukula to learn the Vedas. He was very excited because his master was renowned for his expertise in Shastras.
Enrollment: The boy approached his master and expressed his desire to learn the Vedas. The master informed him that the course would last twelve years, and the boy, filled with passion, immediately signed up for it.
Twelve Years of Study: The boy diligently studied the Vedas for twelve years. At the end of the course, he was to undergo a final examination to certify his knowledge.
The Examination: The boy scheduled his graduation (Samavarthanam) with the master. However, on the day of the exam, the master told the boy he was too busy to conduct it in person. Instead, he instructed the boy to go to the backyard, stand next to a specific tree, and recite a portion of the Vedas (Anuvaka). The master explained that the tree would shed leaves corresponding to the number of mistakes made during the recitation.
Invocation of Lord Ganesha: The boy, excited by this novel test, went to the backyard. Before beginning his recitation, he invoked Lord Ganesha. To his astonishment, all the leaves from the tree fell down immediately.
The Revelation: Confused, the boy returned to his master and narrated the incident. The master, understanding what had happened, explained that before invoking any deity, one must first meditate on their Guru. The Guru, being a compassionate soul and an incarnation of the Lord, should be the first thought before starting any event.
Moral of the Story:
The Guru, who bestows us with the knowledge of the Lord, is not an ordinary human being. Meditating on the Guru at the beginning of any event brings positive thoughts and blessings. The moment one thinks about the Guru, the form of the Lord who has incarnated to save us, liberation follows. We should always be grateful for the spiritual wisdom received from the Guru and keep our relationship and realizations with the Guru deeply personal.
Lessons to Be Learned:
- Respect and Gratitude: Always show respect and gratitude towards the Guru who imparts spiritual wisdom.
- First Invocation: Begin any spiritual practice by meditating on the Guru, acknowledging their role in guiding you.
- Inner Reflection: Keep your spiritual relationship with the Guru and personal realizations private and sacred, as one would protect valuable treasures.
- Humility: Recognize the importance of the Guru’s role in your spiritual journey and remain humble.
Prayer:
“O Lord Krishna, please grant us the humility and wisdom to always remember and respect our Guru, who guides us on the path of spiritual knowledge. Help us to keep our relationship with our Guru sacred and private, and to always be grateful for the divine wisdom bestowed upon us.”
