If there’s one thing in this world that requires the utmost dedication, hard work, and relentless effort, it’s the pursuit of knowledge. In ancient times, when a disciple approached their guru, they would do so with utmost humility and respect. Even then, the guru would often say, “Come back after a year. Spend this year in devotion, penance, and the practice of truth. If I know the answers to your questions, I will share them with you.” Such was the faith in the guru and the disciple’s perseverance that only through patience could one quench their thirst for knowledge.
The Pursuit of Knowledge: Ancient Wisdom and Guru-Shishya Tradition
Think about it—when the sun spreads its rays on the earth, it doesn’t waver from its path or duty. Similarly, when a river emerges from the earth, it struggles and overcomes countless obstacles to flow freely. Remember the story of Bhagirath, who, through years of relentless penance and hard work, brought the sacred Ganga to earth, ensuring its continuous flow to nurture all of India.
Take the example of Siddhartha, who, upon seeing a sick man, an old man, and a funeral pyre, broke free from the illusions of the world and became Gautam Buddha. Or Guru Ramdas, who left his wedding mandap to embark on a journey that ignited the flame of Swarajya in India, leading to the rise of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, who dismantled the Mughal empire and established Hindavi Swarajya.
During a time when hollow rituals and blind superstitions dominated in the name of religion, and society was crumbling under its own weight, the cries of suffering women shook even the hardest of hearts. It is in such challenging times that true leaders are born.
The birth of great souls on this earth is a significant event in history. Their noble personalities, exceptional thoughts, and impactful actions leave a lasting impression not only on their contemporaries but also on future generations. Their character and wisdom guide humanity. India’s fertile land has always been blessed with such divine personalities.
The renowned Gujarati writer Kanhaiyalal Munshi once wrote, “When such individuals appear on the stage of history, others fade into insignificance. History pauses, and time forgets its power as the world’s attention revolves around them.” From Parashurama to Yogeshwar Krishna and Chanakya, India has seen many such great souls. Among them is Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati, a pioneer of India’s religious, social, and cultural renaissance.
Gujarat is like a mighty tree. Its roots are embedded in the karma yoga of Lord Krishna, and its branches bear the fruits of great poets like Narmad and leaders like Mahatma Gandhi. It is this land that gave birth to Dayanand Saraswati, a sage who sacrificed everything for the welfare of humanity.
Born as Moolshankar, his life took a dramatic turn during his teenage years. On Maha Shivratri, while observing a fast, he saw mice running over a Shiva idol. This made him question: “If Shiva is omnipotent and conscious, how can he allow mice to climb over him?” His father explained that in Kali Yuga, we worship idols of Shiva, but his true form cannot be seen. This left Moolshankar in deep confusion, and he resolved to seek the true form of Shiva through his own efforts and wisdom.
This determination became a defining trait of Moolshankar’s character. Throughout his life, he remained steadfast in his beliefs, unshaken by praise, criticism, or external temptations. For ordinary people, disease, sorrow, old age, and death may not stir much, but for thinkers and philosophers, these events bring profound realizations and often become turning points in their lives.
One night, during a family celebration, Dayanand’s sister fell ill and passed away. This shook him to the core, making him realize the inevitability of death. This incident sparked a sense of detachment in him, leading him to seek liberation from the cycle of birth and death. Later, the sudden demise of his devout uncle further deepened his detachment, making him realize the transient nature of the world.
These events transformed Maharishi Dayanand into an unparalleled warrior of the Truth and Knowledge Revolution. His relentless pursuit of truth and penance inspired countless people to walk the path of truth, contributing significantly to personal and national development.
Let us take a pledge to follow the principles of Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati and illuminate our lives with the light of true knowledge.
Pandit Brahm Dev Vedalankar Ji is a revered Arya Samaj scholar known for his deep Vedic knowledge and dedication to promoting the teachings of Maharishi Dayanand Saraswati. His profound wisdom, inspiring discourses, and commitment to truth and equality have made him a guiding light for many, fostering spiritual growth and social harmony.