As the examination season approached, Rishi, a diligent young shishya (student), felt eager yet uncertain. He had prepared well, but applying all he had learned was daunting. Seeking clarity, he approached his guru, Vedananda, who was known for his wisdom and calming presence.
Rishi found Vedananda sitting under the grand banyan tree, meditating. He waited respectfully until his guru opened his eyes.
“Ah, Rishi,” Vedananda greeted him with a serene smile, “you seem thoughtful. What brings you here, my child?”
Rishi sighed, looking slightly hesitant. “Guruji, my exams are approaching, and while I am excited to show what I have learned, I sometimes feel overwhelmed. No matter how much I study, the anticipation of the exam feels a little too intense.”
Vedananda nodded thoughtfully, understanding his shishya’s state of mind. “The energy you feel before an exam is like a fire, Rishi. It can provide warmth and focus, but it must remain steady, not too high nor too low. Let us explore ways to keep that energy balanced, shall we?”
Rishi looked relieved and curious, “Yes, Guruji. I would be grateful for any guidance.”
Vedananda smiled, gesturing for him to sit beside him. “First, my child, remember to pace yourself. In its eagerness, the mind may make you rush through things, like a river bursting its banks. In the examination room, pause if you feel yourself moving too quickly. Read each question carefully, for the answer lies in the details of the question you might overlook if you are too hasty.”
Rishi nodded, recognizing his tendency to rush in his excitement. “That makes sense, Guruji. I shall try to slow down and focus on each word.”
“Good,” Vedananda replied, “but that is only the beginning. When we are focused, we often hold our breath or breathe shallowly. I want you to practice deep breathing. Inhale deeply for three seconds, hold for a moment, then exhale for longer, perhaps for four or five seconds. This simple act centres your mind and reminds your body to stay composed.”
Rishi closed his eyes and tried it under Vedananda’s watchful gaze. After a few breaths, he felt a wave of calm and clarity washing over him.
The guru continued, “Now, while you are seated for the exam, quickly check in with your body. How are you sitting? Are you tense? Adjust your posture, relax your shoulders, and if you feel any strain, take a moment to stretch gently. A relaxed body leads to a clear mind.”
Rishi listened intently, “Yes, Guruji. It’s amazing how mindfulness of my body can help me feel grounded.”
Vedananda placed a reassuring hand on Rishi’s shoulder, “If, during the exam, your mind starts to feel scattered or you need to refocus, take a brief pause. Take this opportunity to reset your mindset. Close your eyes briefly, take a deep breath, and imagine a still lake – this is your mind, calm and centred.”
The image of a calm lake resonated with Rishi, and he felt his worries easing.
“And finally,” Vedananda said, his eyes filled with warmth, “keep the right perspective. Remind yourself that you are here to give your best effort, which is more than enough. Acknowledge your efforts when you finish. Reward yourself, and remember, this is just one part of your learning journey.”
Rishi felt a newfound sense of confidence with each word. “Thank you, Guruji,” he said, “Youhave given me such clarity. I will follow these steps and remind myself that I am here to learn, not to prove.”
As Rishi left to prepare for his exams, Vedananda watched him with pride. He knew that his shishya had learned to study and stay centred and positive in the face of challenges.
Moral of the Story:
Facing exams or any challenge in life is not just about mastering the subject but also about mastering ourselves. A calm mind and composed spirit allow us to bring out our best, free from the distractions of doubt or haste. By pacing ourselves, breathing deeply, and resetting our focus when needed, we become resilient under pressure. Embracing challenges as opportunities for growth, rather than measures of worth, helps us build a positive, enduring perspective. In the journey of learning, the true success lies in self-discovery and continuous improvement.
Source:
The story crafted here is an original creation based on guidance from various ancient teachings and philosophies, inspired by insights from the Vedas, Upanishads, and ancient Indian jurisprudence. It draws on the wisdom traditionally attributed to Guru-Shishya dialogues, which emphasize inner calm, focus, and self-awareness. The story is developed with an A.I. language model for inspirational and educational purposes.