THE SEEKER OF KNOWLEDGE

SARA BUBBER shares a story from the Upanishads about knowledge, communication, truthfulness, and courage. She then gives us a few reflections and an activity to connect with Nature.

- SARA BUBBER

Satyakama

One day a young boy came to Sage Gautama, at the teacher’s Center of Learning, and said, “Revered sir, I desire to live under you as a student. Please accept me and teach me.” The sage asked, “Dear boy, where do you come from?” The boy replied, “Sir, I do not know of where I am from, I have lived with my mother who told me she is Jabala and I am Satyakama. So, sir, I reveal myself to you as Satyakama Jabala.” On hearing it, Sage Gautama smiled and said, “You are a courageous and brave boy, truly ready for learning. I shall initiate you as a student, for you have not deviated from truth.”

Thus, Satyakama Jabala became a student.

A few days later, Sage Gautama sorted out four hundred lean and weak cows and said to Satyakama, “Dear boy, take these cows to the forest, graze them, and bring them back when they multiply into a thousand.” Satyakama bowed and while driving the cows said, “Sir, I shall not return till these cows multiply into a thousand.”