The Essence of Vedic Education: Beyond Material Possessions
By Ms. Shobha Chandla, excerpted and adapted from The Spirit of Vedic Vidya
Disclaimer: The views expressed are solely those of the author.
In ancient Indian thought, if there was one area of life or a goal that the wise Indian seers and profound thinkers approached with utmost care and dedicated the most time to, it was education. This is because education is what transforms an ordinary human being into a superior individual (Arya), a great human (Mahamanav), or even a divine human (Dev Manav). This profound understanding led them to keep the domain of education under their strict purview, as it was not to be entrusted to just anyone. The goal was to understand what constitutes complete education and the true development of personality, identifying the qualities that genuinely make someone human.
The Timeless Tale of King Bharat Hari and His Guru
To illustrate this, we can look to a favorite story of Justice Shivdayal Srivastava, the Chief Justice of the Madhya Pradesh High Court, featuring King Bharat Hari. During a court session, his Guru unexpectedly arrived. King Bharat Hari welcomed him, asking how he could serve. The Guru declared he had come to collect his Guru Dakshina (teacher’s fee) and extended his garment, asking Bharat Hari to fill it.
Bharat Hari immediately placed all his ornaments and jewels into the Guru’s bag. Yet, the Guru said it was still empty. The King then summoned his treasurer and instructed him to give all precious gems, diamonds, and jewels to the Guru. Still, the Guru pronounced the bag unfilled.
In a profound act of devotion, Bharat Hari requested the royal decree from his Prime Minister and wrote that he was surrendering his entire kingdom to his Guru. He placed the decree and his crown into the Guru’s bag, declaring, “From today, you are the king!” Even the valuable items from his private chambers were added. Finally, Bharat Hari even removed his clothes, leaving only a loincloth, and offered them as well, leaving himself with nothing.
Standing with folded hands, Bharat Hari seated his Guru on the throne and placed the crown upon his head. The Guru then asked if Bharat Hari would obey his command, to which the King readily agreed. The Guru commanded, “Leave this kingdom right now, this very moment! You have no relation with this place anymore.” Without a hint of anger, irritation, or hesitation, Bharat Hari quietly began to walk away.
As Bharat Hari reached the palace gates, the Guru called him back. He returned, stood with folded hands, and the Guru asked, “I have taken everything from you. You have nothing. You are leaving the kingdom’s borders. What will you do? You will starve to death!”
The True Wealth: Qualities of a Developed Personality
Bharat Hari’s reply revealed the profound wisdom of true education:
“Guru Dev, what you have taken from me was never truly mine; it belonged to the kingdom and was meant for the welfare of others. What is truly mine, you have not taken.”
He then listed his real possessions:
Competence (योग्यता)
Intellectual Acumen (बौद्धिक मनीषा)
Integrity/Truthfulness (सत्य निष्ठा)
Diligence/Industriousness (श्रमशीलता)
Knowledge of Body Science (शरीर विज्ञान), ensuring good health
Knowledge of Elements/Truth (तत्व ज्ञान)
Spiritual Discipline/Practice (आध्यात्मिक साधना)
Good Character (सत् चरित्र) and a Pure Nature (सात्विक स्वभाव)
Bharat Hari confidently stated that with these eight qualities, he would re-establish himself, earn wealth, and find happiness and prosperity.
The Guru was immensely pleased, realizing that not only had his student passed the test, but he too had succeeded in imparting such profound education. He revealed that it was merely a test, conducted publicly to show the courtiers what a truly developed personality entails. He commended Bharat Hari for being not just a skilled king, but an exceptional human being with an impeccable character, immense talent, strong willpower, profound knowledge, and the power of action that enabled him to declare he could earn his livelihood.
The Guru then honored Bharat Hari, asking him to put his clothes back on and reseating him on the throne. This story stands as a perfect example of an ideal personality, the essence of Indian culture, and the nature of Gurus as realized souls.
Explore more timeless stories and insights in Ms. Shobha Chandla’s The Spirit of Vedic Vidya.
Disclaimer: This article draws from the views and writings of Ms. Shobha Chandla and does not necessarily reflect those of the publisher or platform.
