One day, a young guy, Eklavya, came to Drona, the archer teacher. He was from the untouchable caste, and the teacher was from the highest caste of Brahmins. Eklavya asked Drona to accept him as a disciple.
With an experienced eye, the master noticed a focused mind, a concentrated being, a flexible, beautiful body and immediately realized that this young man could become the best archer of the century.
“But then what will happen to my best student Arjuna? But he will become king! Now he is young, but shows great promise. And if this guy defeats Arjuna in the competition, how will it be regarded?” - thought Drona. He had already placed his bet on Arjuna and dreamed of his power when he sat on the throne, and, of course, refused Eklavya.
Eklavya went into the forest. His love for the art of archery was so great that he carved a statue of Drona and began practicing by talking to it, asking for advice.
Soon rumors reached Drona that Eklavya had achieved amazing success alone, without any guidance, and that Arjuna was no longer the most skilled marksman.
Drona went to see and asked Eklavya to demonstrate his art. What he saw exceeded all his expectations. None of his disciples were able to compete with Eklavya, who surpassed Drona himself. And then Drona said:
“You learned with my help by making my statue.” You must give me a gift, that is the custom.
Eklavya cried and said:
“I have nothing, you can ask for whatever you want.”
And Drona asked for the thumb of his right hand. Eklavya immediately cut off his finger and gave it to Drona. He could no longer shoot a bow.
This story is a vivid example of how with one act a person can change his destiny for centuries.
Eklavya became a Master, Drona remained an inglorious teacher of archers.
Translated from Russian · original on wisdomlib.ru