018 FAQ - Ekalavya’s Respect and Honesty

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018 FAQ - Ekalavya’s Respect and Honesty

Text: Mahabharata
Lead Character: Ekalavya
Topic: Ekalavya’s Respect and Honesty

Lessons: The Value of Respect for Teachers, Dedication to Learning, and Honesty in Adversity

 I'm so glad you found Ekalavya's story inspiring! Let me answer your questions one by one:

  1. Why did Dronacharya ask for Ekalavya’s thumb? Dronacharya asked for Ekalavya’s thumb as a "guru dakshina" (teacher’s fee) to prevent him from surpassing Arjuna, his favorite student, in archery. While it may seem harsh, Drona had promised Arjuna that no one would be a better archer than him. This act raises important questions about fairness, favoritism, and loyalty.

  2. How did Ekalavya shoot arrows after losing his thumb? Even after losing his thumb, Ekalavya continued to practice archery using the remaining fingers. Though his skill was diminished, his dedication and perseverance allowed him to adapt and still excel, showing how resilient he was despite the loss.

  3. Did Arjuna feel bad when he saw Ekalavya's sacrifice? There is no direct mention in the story of Arjuna feeling guilty, but it’s possible he felt conflicted. He valued being the best archer, but Ekalavya’s sacrifice may have left him reflecting on the lengths to which people go for their gurus.

  4. Can we have more than one teacher like Ekalavya did with the statue? Yes, we can have more than one teacher, but it’s important to honor each one. If different teachers offer conflicting advice, it’s helpful to seek understanding and balance the teachings with your own judgment and experiences.

  5. Is there any other story where someone had to give up something so important, like Ekalavya did with his thumb? A similar story can be found in the life of Karna, who gave away his protective armor and earrings, which were his greatest strengths, as an offering to Indra. Like Ekalavya, this act of generosity and sacrifice was both noble and tragic.

Ekalavya’s story teaches us about dedication, sacrifice, and how learning is not just about mastering a skill, but also about respecting your teacher and staying true to your values.

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