________________
698
I am the Soul The benevolence that the Guru had showered upon the disciple and the greatness of the Guru are beyond words, there are no parallels to express. There cannot be any similes for them. That is why only an exclamation is expressed.
Gurudev's benevolence on the disciple was like the deep ocean. Just as the depth and the expanse of the ocean cannot be measured, Gurudev's limitless compassion cannot be evaluated either. Gurudev holds such compassion. He let all his compassion flow upon the disciple. That the disciple could attain the eligibility to receive such compassion is itself his great fortune.
There is a forgotten character from the history of our country. The eldest brother of the five Pandavas -- that is Kuntiputra Karna. Kunti abandoned him for fear of the society. He grew up at the house of a charioteer and hence came to be called the Charioteer's Son - Surathiputra. He was despised everywhere, yet Kunti never bothered about him. Karna joined the Kauravas and became an enemy of the Pandavas. He was unaware that Yudhisthira and others were his own brothers. He went around seeking to learn archery. But he was a charioteer's son, and hence nobody respected him.
He had heard that Parashuram was avowed to rid the earth of Kshatriyas and that he was imparting training in arms to Brahmins. Karna wore a false cross-thread and went to Parashuram. He introduced himself as a son of a Brahmin and becoming the disciple of Parashuram, set about learning the art of combat. Having found such a disciple with a handsome bearing, unparalleled physique and wonderful courage, Parashuram began to feel fortunate. He had never until then met such a disciple. No one had come to him with such enthusiasm and courage to learn. Therefore, he was preparing Karna unmindful of his own exertion. Karna was learning the knowledge imparted by the Gurudev with all faith and total dedication.
Jain Educationa International
For Personal and Private Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org