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Preceptor necessary
Religious talks | Festivals
Krishna, after killing Kamsa, releases his
parents from prison. He then restores the throne to Ugrasena. Krishna then
recalls how Nandagopa and Yasoda had brought Him up, and He honours them.
But there are other things that He must do, and He then becomes a pupil of
the sage Sandeepini. Is there anything Krishna does not know? Is there
anything He needs to learn? Does anyone have the capacity to impart
knowledge to the fountainhead of all knowledge? The answer to all these
would be in the negative.
And yet, Krishna enrolled as Sandeepini's pupil. That is to show the world
the importance of instruction, even if one is more knowledgeable than others
in this world. If the Omniscient One sought out a preceptor, should we not?
It is said that in 64 days, Krishna mastered all the 64 arts. There may be
books in plenty for one to read, but nothing can compare with instruction
from a good preceptor. Only he who learns from a preceptor will be able to
become a gnani. What we get from books is as impermanent as the books
themselves. Lasting knowledge, knowledge that liberates us from worldly
bondage, can only come from a preceptor, said Adur Asuri Madhavachari.
One must take pride in referring to one's preceptor. If asked about one's
identity, one should introduce oneself as so and so's disciple. Rama took
greater pride in being referred to as the sishya of Vasistha than in being
referred to as the One who belonged to the royal family. If one makes an
averment and if people know that one has had instruction from a good
preceptor, one's words will carry more weight than if one makes the
statement without reference to one's teacher. The regard for the teacher is
reflected in regard for one's words.
Those well versed in the Sastras always command respect. Lord Krishna
Himself shows His regard for Bhishma because of his learning and strict
adherence to the Sastras. Rama shows His regard for different people in
different ways. To His father, He is obedient. With Vibhishana, He is
trusting. In the case of Jatayu, He grants the bird moksha at once. In the
case of Vasishtha, Rama shows His regard for Him by serving Him.
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