This story fromMahabharata is about the ancient Gurukula tradition. It shows us the qualities needed to learn complex subjects like the Vedas. The most important of these qualities is obedience. One must follow the Guru blindly and without doubt. If students doubt the Guru’s abilities or intentions, as we see today, a lifetime may pass without gaining knowledge.
There was a sage named Dhaumya. Among his three disciples was Aaruni.
One day, Dhaumya told Aaruni, 'The bund in the paddy field has broken, and water is flowing out. Go and fix it.'
Aaruni immediately ran to the field. Despite his efforts, he could not stop the water. Finally, he used an idea. He lay down in place of the bund to block the water.
When Aaruni didn’t return for a long time, Dhaumya and the other disciples went looking for him.
At the field, they saw Aaruni lying in the place of the bund.
Dhaumya asked, 'What are you doing?'
'Guru, you told me to stop the water. I saw no other way.'
'Alright, get up.'
Aaruni stood up, and the water began flowing out again.
This is obedience. Aaruni did not say, 'If I get up, the water will flow out again.' He simply obeyed without question. The task was to stop the water, and he stopped it. The Guru asked him to rise, and he rose. Students were expected to think and reflect only when the Guru instructed them to.
This was the Gurukula system of the past. It created many great scholars, teachers, and thinkers. Such results were possible only because of obedience, discipline, and dedication.
One must note that this refers to Gurus who lived with their students for years, closely observing and imparting wisdom to them. It does not refer to Gurus attracting students through advertisements, selling spiritual courses, or disciples standing in long queues for 10-second darshans.

Knowledge Bank

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Brihaspati is an important Vedic God often revered to as DevaGuru. He is both the teacher and priest of the Devas. He is a wise counselor to Devas who makes sure justice prevails all the time. He is also seen as the source of spiritual knowledge, guidance, and wisdom. Brihaspati is associated with Planet Jupiter.

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