Walk With Me

Author(s): Chandanaji Acharya, Vastupal Parikh
Publisher: Veerayatan

Page 63

Ch. 6: Vardhaman - Education and Ordainment
'Vardhaman's questions set everyone thinking. Who could answer these questions - they are difficult even for adults? This was not a school that taught such things. Future kings are trained here in the art of ruling a kingdom, law and order, economics, warfare, and conquering new lands. Winning the battle to control one's own mind was not within this school's syllabus. Perhaps no school could satisfy Vardhaman's curiosity, and he would have to blaze his own trail to find the answers!
Maharaja Nandivardhan continued, 'The students were silently awaiting the Gurudev's response. Finally, he answered patiently and in hushed tones. “Dear Prince, this is a school for learning how to defeat your enemy, how to protect and enlarge your kingdom, and how to make, stockpile, and use weapons. Students come here to learn how to become an effective ruler. This is not the place to find your answers.'
Nandivardhan continued his story. “With due respect to the Gurudev, Vardhaman left the school and returned to the palace. My parents were worried, even angry, to see Vardhaman back. However, I knew that Vardhaman was exceptionally different. Every one loved him, and though he was young, he had unusual abilities and could resolve problems facing families or kingdoms. Everyone admired and even looked forward to his input on important matters. As a child, he was the center of attention for all his friends and family."
Nandivardhan could not stop reminiscing about his brother's childhood, but I interrupted. “It seems Vardhaman had everything - wealth, health, friends, and happiness. So why did he leave?"
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Jain Education Interational