Friday, September 6, 2013

41. Shall be watching your progress- so said Guru Dronacharya



Two worthy disciples were listening with rapt attention. They looked at their Guru with reverence. Their eyes however sought to ask him if he finds them worthy for this purpose. The Guru understood the silent question and cleared the air:

‘I have no doubt about your competence – both of you. You have already excelled in traditional archery. I am happy you can shoot arrows in hundreds and thousands without a break. You have also managed to handle some of the primary grades of divyastras. By that capability, you have already transported yourselves to a different league - you are already admired by your fellow disciples, but’ …..,

the Master continued:

‘These little achievements must not make you complacent. You have potential to achieve more… much more, I’m sure of that. Look! The ability of a great archer is proved not so much in using a divyastra but in being able to withdraw it if the situation demands so – I mean calling back the weapon after launching it. That is indeed an extremely onerous task and requires harder training. Now I would tell you what you must do to achieve that proficiency.’

Then Dronacharya explained the matter in details to both disciples. By the time his talks ended all princes returned and the Guru permitted all of them to break for lunch. Before taking leave Arjun and Aswathama touched his revered feet, as the Master whispered into their ears: ‘I shall be watching your progress!’

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