Gurubhakti – Guru Vedadharma and Deepak

“Matha, Pitha, Guru, Deivam” is the order in which our elders have established We have many examples of disciples who unquestioningly did what their Guru told them to. The most famous Guru is ofcourse Lord Krishna, who instructed Arjuna in the battlefield at a critical juncture.

Let us see one lesser known story in the Guru – shishya relationship. Once there was a Guru Sage Veddharma. Veddharma had his ashram on the banks of the sacred Godavari. He had many disciples who were very devoted to him. Amongst them there was a young man called Deepak who was his favourite.

If you have noticed our Guru shishya stories, the Gurus are always giving difficult tasks or asking for impossible things from their disciples. Today’s teachers cannot dream of doing it but they are adhyapaks who provide information whereas the Guru bestows wisdom. A teacher has students whereas the Guru has disciples.

Sage Veddahrama, wanted to keep a test to find out the devotion of his disciples. The Sage once thought of testing the devotion of his disciples. He called his disciples “In my previous birth, I committed terrible sins. I need to atone for those sins if I have to attain moksha. I plan to go to Kashi soon and take up the penance for my sins. Once I reach Kashi, I will become sick. It will not be easy to sere me then. If any of you are willing to undertake this difficult task, you can come with me.”

All the disciples of the Guru remained silent. They were not too keen to take up this task as they did not know what kind of disease the Guru will get and how long he will be suffering. Deepak was the only disciple who volunteered to accompany his Guru. The Guru again cautioned him. “Are you sure? The kind of sin I have committed is very severe. I am going to pay for it by my body. I will become blind and lame and will also have a horrible skin disease. You will have to nurse me through all this till I complete my atonement.”

Deepak still persisted. He told the Guru “I am even willing to take your disease Guruji. If I cannot, I am willing to serve you.” The Guruji was moved. He said “Deepak, you cannot take my disease as I have to atone for my sins. You can ofcourse. come and serve me.”

Eventually, the Guru and the disciple reached Kashi. Within a few days, the Guru Veddharma’s body started decaying. He got big boils and was in severe pain. The disease prevented him from moving and he could not open his eyes too as the disease spread. Deepak, patiently took care of his Guru. He cleaned him, fed him and even carried him everywhere. Despite his devotion, Guru Veddharma got angry with Deepak even for small things. Deepak patiently listened to the angry scoldings from his Guru and went about his tasks.

The Gods were watching this and were pleased and in awe. One day, Kashi Vishwanath himself appeared before Deepak. He told Deepak “I am pleased with your devotion to your Guru. Ask whatever you want.” Deepak did not answer immediately. He requested his permission from the Lord to talk to his Guru. Permitted to, he went to Guru Veddharma and asked if he should ask Lord Shiva to cure him. Guru Veddharma said “No. I want to clean my sins.” Deepak and went back and told Lord Shiva that he did not need anything.

Then Lord Vishnu came before him. Vishnu praised him for his Guru bhakti and asked him what he desired. Deepak again went to his Guru but the Guru said he would prefer to suffer for his sins. Deepak told Lord Vishnu that he did not desire anything. Lord Vishnu was moved. He told Deepak “Your devotion to your Guru is commendable. You see God in your Guru. I bless you with great knowledge and fame.”

Deepak continued to serve his Guru. Eventually Sage Veddharma got better with his meditation and devotion. Sage Veddharma was very moved with the unquestioning devotion of his disciple. He blessed Deepak with a long life, wisdom and fame. Deepak went onto become a well known Guru himself.

The story shows that sometimes things that look difficult can actually translate into blessing with patience and devotion. Faith in the divine and your Guru are like deposits in a bank. They will always make us wealthy and happy.