The Best Disciple

It is a story of those days when the Kauravas and Pandavas were still students and were undergoing rigorous training as warriors under Drona, the great master of those days. The Guruji loved all his disciples equally, but there was one disciple about whom he was a little partial and, in his heart, he had more love and affection for him than for others. One day when he was reposing after the day's work, his son, Aswatthama, sitting near his feet was massaging his tired legs. His hand was moving from the ankle to the knee of his father and then back to the knee and Drona, though not asleep, enjoyed the touch of his only son's hand which was bigger than any other worldly wealth for him in this world. Sometimes, however, with his closed eyes, he would slip into the past which was so unbearable and so painful that within moments, he came back and to feel the warmth of his affection, opened a little of his eyes to see the innocent countenance of his baby who was now not a baby but full-grown young man and a skilled archer. Only a few of his disciples were better than his son, and if he put in a little more effort, then there was no doubt that he could beat even Arjuna who was the best among all these children, even more skilled than his son, but somewhere in his heart he knew that not only his son, but no one in the world could beat Arjuna.

He looked at his son. He was still pressing his legs, but there he noticed a light shadow of sadness. Perhaps, Drona thought, he wanted to say something to him but was not finding the courage for that. At last, he broke the silence, 'What's that, Son? What makes you so grieved? 'Has Suyodhan again humiliated you before all or uttered something about me that you don't like? 'No, Father, it's not Suyoudhan nor is it Bhima.' 'Then, what's it, dear, that is giving you so much pain? Aswathama's countenance turned grave. He looked at his father as if he were trying to weigh his love for him. 'Can you tell me, Father, he said although knowing what the reply would come' why you want Arjuna to be the best Archer in the whole world in place of me who's your very son out of whose love you got ready to train these princes of Hastinapur in warfare? Drona could instantly give a suitable reply to his son, but considering that it might fail to satisfy him decided to wait for the right time. Impatience is a sin whereas patience is a great boon. A man of patience can overcome any situation. So Drona decided to wait for the right time. Training of the princes was going in full swing. Day by day they all were getting maturity in the art of warfare. Yudhisthira was busy practising spears, Bhima and Suyodhana practised hard to get mastery over club fighting, and Arjuna was busy with his bow and arrow. So the days kept on slipping one by one and with each passing day the Kuru princes got a bit more of their skills increased. Aswatthama also kept on improving the skills of archerys and was growing to become a good archer in the future. In this way, many days passed.

One night when all the princes were fast asleep in the big hall of Gurukul, Drona silently entred and woke up his beloved son, Aswatthama, and signalled to follow him. Aswatthama without uttering any word followed his father who took him to an isolated place in the dark of the night. Suddenly, Drona stopped at a place and said, looking at his son, 'Son, do you see anything under that tree?' 'Yes, Father! It seems to be a human figure. Maybe someone is doing something there.' 'That's what you have got to find out. Please go and see who it is, and for what reason he is there at this hour of the night.' Aswatthama moved towards the tree. 'You, Arjuna ! You're here at his time! What're you doing here alone?' Aswatthama charged a volley of questions. 'Yes, it's Arjuna! 'By then, Drona had arrived there. ' You wanted to know, son, why I like Arjuna more than any one of you. This is the reason. When all are sleeping, he is practising the lessons taught in the morning.' Aswatthama understood why his father had brought him her and turned his eyes down with shame. 'I never made any favour or any distinction towards any of my disciples. Education is for all, but whosoever deserves it will get the most out of it. Arjuna possesses all the merits required to be the best archer in the world.' Arjuna moved forward and put his head on the feet of his Guru. Aswatthama hugged him. ' You know son, ' Drona again turned towards Aswatthama, ' Goddess of wealth may be pleased without hard labour, but Goddess of learning cannot be pleased without labour. If you desire to obtain mastery over any art or science, you have to prove your merit through hard work. As long as Arjuna keeps on practising and learning, no one can ever pose a challenge to him. History is waiting for him.'