Character!

One prince who came to Dronā to become his disciple was Eklavya, son of Nishāda tribe king Hiranyadhanus. Aware of moral principles, Drona refused to accept him fearing that he would use his weaponry skills for wrong purpose. Nishāda's were known to be engaged in anti-social activities, creating trouble for law-abiding citizens & administration. They were hence allocated their space to live in forest but were still creating troubles. So, when Eklavya came to be admitted in gurukul, Drona said-No! I’ve been given shelter by Kuru kings & I can’t teach anyone working against them

 

After touching Dronā's feet, Eklavya returned home, his head bent with shame & disappointment but still undeterred. He made a clay statue of Drona & while worshipping him as his guru, began practicing with his bow in front. Because of his exceptional devotion to his guru combined with incessant practice, he very quickly mastered art of shooting arrows

 

One day Kuru princes went to forest for hunting & as they wandered about, one of their dogs came upon Eklavya, who was engaged in his practice. Nishāda price was dark complexioned and with dirty clothes & matted locks appeared fearful, prompting the dog to bark very loudly. Distracted & desiring to exhibit dexterity with his bow, Eklavya swiftly shot 7 arrows into barking dog’s mouth. Pierced this way, the dog returned to his masters. When princes saw such skill of an unknown archer, they became ashamed of their own abilities

 

The princes searched forest & found Eklavya practicing. When asked about his identity, Nishāda prince said-I’m Eklavya, disciple of Dronācharya. The princes returned to Hastināpur & eagerly related the incident to Drona. In private, Arjun approached Drona & said-You had assured me that I would become foremost wielder of bow, but how come Eklavya is superior to me?

 

Hearing Arjuna’s words Drona contemplated & went to forest with him. Eklavya was practicing & seeing Drona stopped & reverently fell to touch his feet. Drona said-My dear prince, if you consider yourself as my disciple, reward me with dakshina. Hearing this Eklavya thought Drona finally accepted him as his disciple & said-Pls ask me whatever you like

 

Drona said-If you’re anxious to give me what I want, give me severed thumb of your right hand. Although these cruel words were very painful to hear, Eklavya didn’t express any disappointment & immediately cut his right thumb & gave it to his guru

 

The incident is painful, but Drona observed that Eklavya didn’t have character of a kshatriya or protector to use his skills for protection of others. Person who have extraordinary competence but not the character would use their skills not for benefit but harming others. Eklavya used his skills against harmless dog & Drona thought he may use it to harm other people & accumulate bad Karma affecting his future lives

This has huge implications for us to understand broader principles of Competence Vs Character

 

Thoughts? #gameoflife