There is a Buddhist proverb which says, “When the student is ready, the teacher will appear.”
Studies show that having a mentor ( a Guru) can greatly improve our personal and professional growth. It boosts our confidence, decision-making, and overall happiness.
You will find countless examples where the Guru-Shishya bond has played a crucial role in shaping great personalities.
Consider the example of Arjuna and Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita. Arjuna, paralyzed by doubt and confusion on the battlefield, finds clarity and purpose through Krishna’s guidance. This profound relationship illustrates how a Guru can help navigate life’s dilemmas, leading one to self-realization and inner peace.
Ramakrishna Paramhansa, a revered mystic and saint, recognized the exceptional potential in young Narendranath Dutta, who would later be known as Swami Vivekananda.
Ramakrishna’s teachings and guidance transformed Vivekananda, helping him find his purpose and eventually spreading Indian philosophy and spirituality across the world.
Dadasaheb Phalke, who started Indian cinema, was greatly inspired by Raja Ravi Varma’s paintings. The story of their bond is interesting. In the late 1800s, Raja Ravi Varma, the famous painter, had a young photographer, Dhundiraj Phalke, working for him. Phalke looked up to Varma as a mentor. When Varma’s press went bankrupt due to a plague, he used the proceeds from its sale to help Phalke pursue his dream of filmmaking. Thanks to Varma’s support, Phalke created Raja Harishchandra, India’s first full-length film. This film, inspired by Varma’s art, marked the beginning of Indian cinema, showcasing how their mentor-disciple bond helped shape a new industry.
Another great example is of Sachin Tendulkar. To instil discipline, his mentor, Ramakant Achrekar, would place a one-rupee coin on top of the stumps and challenge Sachin to bat without getting bowled. If he succeeded, he could keep the coin. This practice not only honed Sachin’s skills but also taught him the importance of perseverance and hard work. Sachin often speaks about how Achrekar Sir’s tough love and guidance shaped his career. “Even today, I place those coins in front of my Gods,” Sachin has said, showing how deeply he values his Guru’s lessons.
These stories show how Gurus can deeply impact their disciples’ lives, helping them discover their true potential and navigate their spiritual journeys.
On this Guru Purnima what we can do?
Say Thank You: Thank your Guru for their guidance and wisdom.
Reflect: Think about the lessons your Guru has taught you.
Practice: Use your Guru’s teachings in your daily life.
Share: Teach others the wisdom you’ve learned from your Guru.
On this Guru Purnima, honour your Guru and appreciate the path they have guided you on.