"loyalty to one's guru is of utmost importance" how does eklavya exemplify this belief
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Answer:
Loyalty to one's Guru
Guru holds quite an elevated status in Indian culture. Guru has been compared to God by Indian sages. Kabir, the wise saint wrote:
“Guru Gobind dono khade
Ka ke lagoon paiyen
Balihari Guru apne jaoon
Gobind diyo milayen.”
Loyalty to Guru is very important. Following the direction shown by him can metamorphose a disciple’s life and destiny.
The Indian literature and mythology is full of stories glorifying Gurus. One of such legends is the legend of Eklavya and his devotion for his Guru, Dronaacharya.
As he approached the Guru with a request to teah him archery, the Guru could not accept him as his disciple because of social class differences. Undeterred, he began practicing archery by making a statue of the Guru. Soon, he acquired such archery skills as were possessed by none – not even, Arjuna, the best disciple of Guru Dronaacharya.
Once the Guru was passing from a forest that was quite nearby Ekalvya’s house. Hearing that someone was close by, Guru’s dog started barking at Eklavya. He sewed the dog’s mouth with his arrows. Guru Dronaacharya was amazed at this feat. He wanted to see who could do such a complex maneuver.
As Eklavya emerged from the underbush, Guru Dronaacharya recognized him and asked, “Son, where did you learn this mastery in archery?”
Eklavya replied, “From you, master! I made a bust of you and feeling you around, I practiced sincerely and thus I learnt archery.”
Guru Dronaacharya was worried to learn it. He thought if he ever sided with an enemy against Pandavas or Korvas, he would certainly defeat them.
Guru Dronaacharya said to Eklavya, “Since, you consider me your Guru, I want an offering from you. Will you give?
Eklavya replied reverently, “Anything master, I would readily offer it at your feet.”
“Give me your right thumb”, asked the Guru.
Eklavya took out his dagger, cut his right thumb and offered it at the feet of his Guru.
Such was Eklavya’s devotion and loyalty to his Guru.
Answer:
Guru's or teachers held a high and respectable position in Indian society. And the best example of it came from the story of the epic Mahabharata. According to the story, Guru Dronacharya declined the request of Eklavya to teach him archery. Despite this Eklavaya made a statue of Guru Dronacharya and led on a path of self-teaching with taking inspiration from the statue. When Dronacharya came to know about the excellence of this great archer he asked for his thumb so that his student Arjuna remains the best archer in the world. The faith of Eklaya was exceptional as he gave his thumb at the first instance and his name attached to Guru Dronacharya to eternity.