Lessons from the Bhagavatha Purana: Cherishing the Guru's Teachings

In a captivating episode from the Bhagavatha Purana, we witness the profound bond between a student and his teacher. After vanquishing the demon Kamsa, Sri Krishna, the divine incarnate, returned to his parents, Devaki and Vasudeva. Filled with love, Vasudeva arranged for Krishna and his brother Balarama to undergo their education at the gurukulam of the venerable sage Sandipani.

The brothers, exemplifying utmost devotion, paid respectful homage to their Guru and wholeheartedly embraced the disciplined life of the gurukulam. Diligent in their studies, they imbibed the teachings with sincerity. As their education concluded, a defining moment emerged when Sri Krishna, before departing, inquired about the Guru dakshina—the offering to the teacher as a gesture of gratitude.

Astutely recognizing the divine nature of Sri Krishna, the Guru and his wife sought a unique request—to reunite them with their lost son. The Guru's son had disappeared near Prabhasa, and without hesitation, Krishna embarked on a quest. He approached the Ocean God, learned of the demon Panchajana's misdeeds, and engaged in a fierce battle to eliminate him.

Yet, the Guru's son was not found. Undeterred, Krishna journeyed to Yama Loka, the realm of justice. Lord Yama, recognizing Krishna's virtue, extended a warm welcome. With determination, Krishna located the missing boy, brought him back to the Guru's ashram, and restored joy to the grieving parents.

This tale encapsulates a profound lesson on the reverence one must hold for their teacher. Sri Krishna exemplifies the essence of fulfilling the Guru's wishes, displaying humility, and maintaining unwavering obedience. The story serves as a timeless reminder of the sanctity of the teacher-student relationship.

Authored by Anuradha Sundara Raman, this narrative from the Bhagavatha Purana imparts timeless wisdom on the significance of honoring and upholding the teachings of a revered teacher. Sri Krishna's actions underscore the importance of humility, obedience, and selfless service in the pursuit of knowledge—a legacy worthy of emulation in our own educational journeys

By Anuradha Sundara Raman