________________
I am the Soul
Brothers! The ability of the sons of this land Bharat is unique and unparalleled. Perhaps such sons may never have been born in another part of the world. The gems that were created by the civilisation of this country are truly unmatched and unique. In this country, the disciple is so dedicated to the Gurudev that he will give without a second thought whatever the Guru demands. There is no hesitation.
An anecdote from Indian history - Pandavas and Kauravas were learning the art of combat from Guru Dronacharya. At the same time a tribal boy was desirous of learning the art of archery and he came to Dronacharya. But the Acharya who was a staunch follower of the caste system refused to take on a disciple from the lower caste. The tribal boy was requesting humbly, 'Gurudev, please give me a place at your feet'. There is humility in his words, in his feelings. He prayed at the Guru's feet replete with emotions.
707
Brothers! Think! How high were the language and feelings in this boy born in a low caste! He was keen to learn an art that would be useful in material world, yet how humble he was! What conscience! When we go to our great Gurus to acquire some knowledge in the spiritual field, we can certainly say, 'Please offer me a place at your feet!' Or do we go thinking, 'I am somebody, I understand everything, my ability is special compared to others'? Unless this ego is removed, one cannot get the right to receive the knowledge that is within the Gurudev. Any effort without this right will not get any result.
The tribal boy prayed humbly at the feet of Acharyadeva, but Dronacharya said, 'I am a Guru of Kshatriyas, I cannot become your Guru'. The tribal boy returned. There was a desire within to learn the art of archery. There was an insatiable thirst to learn. The one at whose feet he had gone to offer everything he had, had spurned him, and had called him a lowly person, yet the boy carried no anger towards him. He did not feel insulted.
Jain Educationa International
For Personal and Private Use Only
www.jainelibrary.org
