Examination of the disciple

In ancient times there was Gurukul system. Then the Acharya has three disciples to receive Vidya. Acharya started the work of Vidyadana in his ashram.

The days in the Ashram were spent in the company of the Acharyas while acquiring knowledge. After completion of education all three disciples went to Acharya to give Gurudakshina. Then the Acharya decided to test the disciples.

The next day all the three disciples came for the exam. Here the Acharyas had spread thorns on the road for the examination. The Acharya told the disciples, "We should cross this thorny path and enter the ashram." As planned, the Acharya was sitting in the ashram.

First the first disciple walked along the thorny path to the Acharya in the ashram. Then the disciple's feet were full of blood. After that, the second disciple reached the Acharya on the thorny path, moving aside the thorns in the footpath without touching a single thorn on his feet.

Then the third disciple took a broom in hand and cleared the road by sweeping away the thorns and after burning all the thorns approached the Acharya when the Acharya congratulated the third disciple; Then both disciples were surprised.

Then the first disciple said to the Acharya, "I came to you covered with blood regardless of anything." Another disciple said, “I came safely to you without giving a single thorn.

Then the Acharya calmly replied, “Shisyottama, you have come with bloody feet when there was no need for you.” Said another disciple, "You thought only to yourself when you came down the thorny road." But the third disciple thought of himself and also thought of others. As soon as the Acharya said this, both the disciples became unresponsive.

Meaning: While living one's life one should think about oneself as well as others.