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I am the Soul
709
"I have never inspired you! When did you come to me?" “Please come, Gurudev! I shall show you."
The youth took him to where Dronacharya's statue had been installed, and said, “Lord! Look, this here is your image. I have learnt this art drawing inspiration from it!"
Dronacharya and his disciples were wonder-struck. The Acharya thought, “What an effort I have put in for these Kaurava and Pandavas! Especially on Arjun among them. Arjun has become an archer, no doubt, but not like this fellow. This tribal youth has become such a great archer only with inspiration from a statue. Truly a great one! For a moment the Acharya was filled with affection for that young man. Having been taken as Guru without his knowledge and having inspired unknowingly, the Acharya was drawn to the youth with a feeling as if he were his own disciple. His heart was eager to pat the disciple's back with a feeling of appreciation. But Brothers! He was an Acharya immersed in the deep game of political intrigue. His thoughts quickly changed. “History should not record another archer comparable to Arjun in its annals'. The mind started conniving, and he said to the tribal youth, “Young man! Do you realise that you owe something to him, from whose statue you have drawn your knowledge?"
“Yes, O Gurudev! I do realise. I am indebted to you for the infinite blessings you have showered upon me. I am prepared to do anything you say.”
“Will you not offer Gurudakshina?”
“Of course, Gurudev! That goes without saying! I am prepared to give anything you say. All I have is at your feet. Even if my own life were to be sacrificed at your feet, it would not make up for the Gurudakshina. Tell me, Gurudev! Allow me to be fortunate enough to receive your orders."
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