WHO IS A GURU ?

Hundreds of years ago, there lived a king named Subhashithagavoshyan . Like fragrance in the wind, his fame spread in the Three Worlds . 

                Like a lagoon with thousands of lotus blossoms, there were  thousands of scholars in the palace. The royal court resounded with debates and recitations. They found delight in innovating aphorisms and moral precepts. 

       One day the king summoned his minister and said –

“ In the court there are many scholars like you, who have rich vocabulary and poetic talents. But poems and works of arts are like bunches of flowers. They will fascinate the mind only if they are fresh. A bee never approaches the flower that has already been embraced. It goes in search of fresh blossoms. Same is the case of audience. The aphorisms already read in this court have been very precious. But the audience demands fresh things. Talents should be expressed before an appreciating audience . If not, the scholar’s effort will be as futile as a lighted lamp in an abandoned well. Hence, find out new aphorisms that are useful to people. Virtuous and wise aphorisms that are as sweet as cuckoo’s songs. Note only riches, but aphorisms also contribute to a country’s well-being"

         The minister listened to the king's words attentively and replied-" Maharaj, your beautiful verses are being sung all over the country. Consequently, we are blessed with a lot of talented scholars. Even hunters sing excellent, self -composed rhymes. For example, in a distant forest, there lives a hunter named Kroorakan. He has a large collection of aphorisms. I have heard he makes and sings new aphorisms every day "

        The king was so fascinated that he was in a hurry to meet the hunter. Disguised as a poor man, he set out to the forest. 

        Tracing a hunter in the woods is as difficult as searching for a black cat in the dark. It was after long, tiresome walking and searching that the king found him out 

        Koorakan! The name suited him. After offering flowers to the hunter,the king bowed before him. It was like a disciple bowing before his Guru

        He said to the hunter-" I accept you as my Guru. I have heard that you have a large collection of aphorisms. Please teach me a new aphorism so that I can enlighten the people with it. In return, I shall give you this pearl chain.If you wear this, the Goddess of wealth will always be with you"

        The king showed the precious chain to the hunter. But he became suspicious-after learning the aphorism,will he kill me and take back the chain? 

           He thought for a while and found out a solution-"After learning the aphorism,you should climb up this hill and roll down from there. Are you prepared ?"

           The king wondered how such a cruel man could  make precious aphorisms

            Camphor cannot remove the pungent smell of garlic. carrying precious gem on the hood, the snake is poisonous! similarly, scholarship has not sobered Kroorakan. 

          The urge to learn a new aphorism tempted the king to agree to the hunter's merciless bargain 

          After securing the costly chain, Kroorakan recited the new aphorism-

"Get rid of all desires.

Never grieve over the loss of comforts.

Cursing is a sin.

Woriship the holy lotus.

Abandon worldly pleasures and fill the mind with eternal happiness.

Looking in to the mirror of mind is the way to achieve all kinds of virtues"  

             Baring the meaningful worlds in mind, the king climbed up the hill and rolled down. An Yaksha saw the king's delicate body rolling down the rough rocks. He took the king in his arms and placed him safely on the ground below. 

          The king  returned  to the palace. The scholars of the court learned the new aphorism and they taught it to the people. They believed that learning virtuous aphorisms is as important as national defence.    

          Days and months passed.One day Kroorakan reached the bazaar to sell his costly chain. The palace watchmen recognised the king's chain.They caught the thief red-handed and brought him before the king. 

    The king ordered-"Set him free.He is not a thief. He is the teacher who taught me the most precious aphorism.I had given him the chain has Gurudakshina"

        Kroorakan was shocked-Was he the king!

        The watchmen touched the feet of the king's Guru.The cruel forester was amazed at the goodness of the people.

        The king told the surprised scholars that a true seeker of knowledge should be prepared to gain knowledge from any one.A Guru is one who teaches good things,leading his students from the darkness of ignorance to the light of knowledge.   

                                                                       

                                                                       Prof.C Chandramathi