Dhaumya maharishi, who was purohit of Pandavas, once gave his disciple Upamanyu the responsibility of herding cows. From then Upamanyu would herd the cows during the day and return in the evening to pay his respects.
One day, Dhaumya asked him as how he was so healthy and plump even after undertaking day long outdoor activity. For this Upamanyu replied that he consumed food obtained by taking alms. Guru replied that he can't take any food without offering to guru first. Upamanyu said sorry for his deed and said that he would follow it going forward.
After few days Dhaumya again Alex the same question as the student was still healthy and plump as before. The sishya said that he went for second round of alms after offering the first round of Alma to his guru. The guru said that it would become a burden for the house holders if he asked for alms two times everyday. The student apologized and swore that he wouldn't do it again.
After few weeks, the guru asked the same question as the student didn't reduce even a bit. The student replied that he consumed the milk of the cows that he herd to nourish himself. Dhaumya replied that it was injustice to the calves to drink the milk that belonged to them. Upamanyu promised that he wouldn't do that in future.
The student remained still healthy which made the guru ask the question again. Now Upamanyu replied that he took the froth thrown out by the calves from their mouths when they drink their mothers’ milk.
The preceptor replied that he supposed the calves threw out large quantities of froth out of compassion. He ordered the student to allow the calves to have their full share of food. Upamanyu agreed to this also and went.
Upamanyu, thus deprived of food by the above means, had to endure bouts of hunger. One day, driven by extreme hunger, he consumed Arka leaves in the forest. As a result, he lost his eyesight, and, as he wandered around helplessly, fell into a pit.
Dhaumya, observing that his disciple did not return, went in search of Upamanyu in the forest. The teacher located Upamanyu and learnt from him all that had transpired. Dhaumya asked him to pray to Ashwinikumaras as they will be able to rectify his vision.
Upamanyu, like always ever so truthful and sincere did as his guru said. The Ashwins, pleased by Upamanyu’s prayer, appreared before him and offered him a prasada that, when consumed, would regain his vision. Upamanyu agreed to consume the prasada after offering it to his Guru.
The Ashwinikumaras said that Dhaumya didn't give the medicine to his guru and hence it isn't necessary for him to give to Dhaumya before eating. Upamanyu thanked them but declined their advice.
Pleased by his resolve, the Ashwins repaired his sight. They also offered him a golden tooth, and many other powers. The Ashwins then blessed Upamanyu with good fortune and left.
The boy returned to his guru and narrated all that had happened. Dhaumya was thrilled, and he blessed Upamanyu with prosperity and mastery of the Vedas.
True and sincere belief and obedience in one's guru will bring in immense benefits.
Shri Gurave namah!!!
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