The spirit to Serve

 

Sauti explained the eighteen Parvas (sections of Mahabharata) & explained in brief the contents of each. The parvas are named: Adi, Sabha, Arankya, Virata, Udyoga, Bhishma, Drona, Karna, Salya, Sauptika, Stri, Santi, Anushashana, Aswamedhika, Asramvasika, Maushala, Mahaprasthanika & Svarga. In the appendix are the Harivamsa & Vavishya

 

Sauti started retelling the Adi Parva stories to the stages at the forest of Naimish

 

King Janmejaya, son of Parikshit along with his brothers was attending a long sacrifice at Kurukshetra. His brothers somehow belabored a dog unnecessarily. Dog’s mother Sarama said that as you have beaten my son for no fault of his, hence evil will come upon you when you’d least expect it. Janmejaya was in great pains and was searching for a purohit who could procure absolution for his sin & neutralize it’s effect

 

He met in a forest Rsi Srutusarva whose son Somasrava was deeply engaged in ascetic devotion. After request to Rsi, his son agreed and became Janmejaya’s & his brothers spiritual master to deliver them from the curse

 

At the same time, there was Rsi Ayoda-Dhaumya, who had 3 disciples Upamanyu, Aruni & Veda. One day Rsi asked Aruni to go & stop a breach in the water course of a certain field. Aruni, on orders of his master went to the spot & saw that despite his best efforts he could not stop the breach by ordinary means. He was distressed that he could not carry out orders of his guru. On second thought, he saw a way to & went down into the breach & lay down himself to confine water

 

Rsi after some time enquired about Aruni & came to the place where Aruni was lying. Hearing the voice of his guru, Aruni stood up & paid respects. Rsi Ayoda was very much pleased by his disciple and said because in getting up from the ditch you opened the water course, I name you Uddalaka. He then blessed Uddalaka to have good fortune. He will also be learned of all Vedas & Dharmashastras

 

When our spiritual master gives instruction, it has be taken in words & in spirit to be followed at any cost. This has huge implications in our lives and the blessings we receive from them forms the basis of our good future

 

It is the responsibility both of the Guru & of the disciple to stick to the principles. Same applies to Managers of business enterprise & the employee


Krsna says in Gita 4,34

 

tad viddhi pranipatena pariprasnena sevaya

upadeksyanti te jnanam jnaninas tattva-darsinah

 

Just try to learn the truth by approaching a spiritual master. Inquire from him submissively and render service unto him. The self-realized soul can impart knowledge unto you because he has seen the truth

 

Thoughts? #gameoflife

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