The Compassionate Guru

The children were not raised with excessive affection. As they grew older, they were sent to Maharshi Vasishtha's ashram. The revered Maharshi lived there with his wife, Arundhati, and his students. The princes were required to serve their guru just like any other students. Being intelligent, the four princes quickly mastered the scriptures and administrative skills. In addition to being an excellent teacher, Vasishtha was a person of boundless compassion. His pure heart left no room for anger, and he harbored no ill will, even towards those who wronged him. On one occasion, Maharshi Vishvamitra, in a fit of rage, killed all of Vasishtha's sons. Yet, Vasishtha spoke only kind words about him. When Vishvamitra learned of this, he became Vasishtha's loyal friend. Vasishtha, who instilled good behavior in the princes, also reminded the king of his duties toward his subjects. He emphasized that it is a matter of dignity to be a person of discipline, integrity, and righteousness.