One story that changed my life!

I am serious when I say that this story changed my life. It brought me to a good frame of mind from clutches of depression and feelings of failure.

The story of Eklavya and Guru Dronacharya from Mahabharata:

Eklavya, a young tribal boy with a burning passion for archery, approached Dronacharya, a renowned guru, to train under him. However, Dronacharya refused to accept Eklavya as his disciple because it was forbidden to make anyone as powerful as the princes for the safety of the region. Undeterred, Eklavya decided to learn archery on his own.

The Make-shift Guru

Facing rejection from Dronacharya, Eklavya decided not to let his dreams be crushed. Instead, he crafted a statue of Dronacharya and made a solemn vow to practice archery in front of it every day, considering the statue as his guru. Eklavya's dedication and resourcefulness are evident in his approach to learning.

Unwavering Determination

Eklavya's commitment to his craft was unwavering. Despite lacking formal training and mentorship, he tirelessly practiced day and night, honing his archery skills with makeshift equipment. His relentless pursuit of excellence showcases the power of consistent effort and determination in achieving one's goals.

Overcoming Obstacles

Throughout his journey, Eklavya faced numerous challenges and obstacles. From the limitations of his makeshift tools to the societal barriers he encountered as a tribal youth aspiring to excel in a high-caste-dominated society, Eklavya persevered, refusing to let adversity deter him from his path.

Best Utilization of Resources

Despite not having access to traditional training or high-quality equipment, Eklavya leveraged his creativity and resilience to make the most out of what he had, turning his limitations into strengths.

Legacy of Eklavya

Eklavya's dedication and perseverance eventually made him a formidable archer, earning him recognition and respect, even from Dronacharya himself. His story serves as a timeless reminder that success is not determined by one's circumstances but by one's attitude, effort, and resilience.

Eklavya's journey taught me invaluable lessons for life:

1. Hard work never goes in vain if it’s in the right direction.

2. Consistency is most important to get better at anything in life.

3. Unwavering determination is what makes you keep going in the hardest and darkest of times. 

I have heard this story as a kid several times from my parents, teachers in schools, and novels, but only I realized its importance in December last year.

The aim is to become like Eklavya, who despite every odd rose to the level of greatness.

A beautiful quote:

Thanks for reading! 

Catch you in the next one, meanwhile, do me a favor, stay curious and happy!

I am Leaving,

Mayank