By The evolution of leniency among ancient teachers is shown and also discussed is the trial of Veda by his teacher Ayoda Dhaumya and trial of Uttanka by his teacher Veda.
SRIMAD MAHABHARATA – AADI PARVA – PAUSHYA (UPA) PARVA – PART 3(D) – VEDA AND UTTANKA
“Soota continued, “Then Veda the other disciple of (Rishi) Ayoda-Dhaumya was called. His Upaadhyaaya (Rishi Ayoda-Dhaumya) once addressed him, saying, ‘Veda, my child, stay for some time in my house and serve your Upaadhyaaya. It shall be to your advantage.’ Veda having signified his approval stayed long in the family of his Guru mindful of serving him. Like an ox under the load of his Guru, he (Veda) bore heat and cold, hunger and thirst, at all times without a murmur. It was not long before his Guru (Rishi Ayoda-Dhaumya) was satisfied. As a consequence of that satisfaction, Veda obtained good fortune and universal knowledge. This was the trial of Veda.
“Veda, having received permission from his Upaadhyaaya (Rishi Ayoda-Dhaumya), and leaving the Gurukula after the completion of his studies, entered the domestic mode of life (Grihastaashrama in Sanskrit). While living in his own house, he (Veda) got three students. He never told them to perform any work or to obey completely his own instructions; for having himself experienced much difficulty while abiding in the family of his Guru, he did not like to treat them (his students) with severity.
“After a certain time, Janamejaya and Paushya, both of the order of Kshatriyas, arriving at his (Veda’s) residence appointed the Brahmana Veda, as their Upaadhyaaya. One day while about to leave upon some business related to a yagna, he employed one of his disciples, Uttanka, to take charge of his household. He said, ‘Uttanka, whatever should have to be done in my house, let it be done by you without neglect.’ Having given these orders to Uttanka, he (Veda) went on his journey.
“So, Uttanka always mindful of the order of his Guru took up his stay in the Gurukula. While Uttanka was residing there, the females of his Upaadhyaaya’s house having assembled addressed him and said, ‘O Uttanka, your Upaadhyaayini is in that season when marriage-related connection might be fruitful. The Upaadhyaaya (Veda) is absent; then you stand in his place and do the needful.’ Uttanka, thus addressed, said to those women, ‘It is not proper for me to do this at the request of women. I have not been encourage by my Upaadhyaaya to do anything at all that is improper.’
“After a while, his Upaadhyaaya returned from his journey. His Upaadhyaaya (Veda) having learnt all that had happened, became well-pleased and, addressing Uttanka, said, ‘Uttanka, my child, what favour shall I grant on you? I have been served by you duly; therefore has our affection for each other increased. I therefore grant you leave to depart. You go and let your wishes be accomplished!’
