‘My way or highway’ seems to be the mantra in this Kali Yuga. One is wrongly assuming that putting oneself in front of everyone else, or staying fixated on self-promotion or chasing material advancements is the ultimate goal in life. This wanting more for oneself is the root cause of one’s dissatisfaction in life. Many of us fail to grasp that good principles and leading a dharmic life as guided by one’s guru are the gateway to mental peace, spiritual progress and true happiness, said P. Swaminathan.

Swami Prabhupada said, “Accepting a guru is not merely for civilisation. A guru is essential for everyone who is genuinely interested in knowing God, on leading a spiritual life, the process of it and (their) relationship with God.” A guru is one who brings you from darkness to light. Such a person is without ego, placing emphasis on the importance of truth.

The court of King Janaka was always filled with vedic pundits and scholars, engaged in heated but healthy debates and discussions on various philosophical and spiritual subjects. The court maharishi was Yajnavalkya, who was held in high regard. Spiritual conferences were held often in the court and during one such event, a number of scholars, sages and pundits arrived to take part in the same. Even Janaka was amazed at the turnout. The debates were of high quality and after the end of many rounds, only two were left standing. One was Yajnavalkya and the other was Maitreyi. The two, one male and the other female, engaged in a heated debate at the end of which Maitreyi emerged victorious. Accepting defeat, the maharishi fell at her feet and begged her to take him on as her disciple.

Seeing the ocean of wisdom supplicating to her, Maitreyi was overcome with emotion and urged the royal rishi to wed her instead. One may feel the urge to be praised — it is human nature — but humility is devotion. It trumps everything.

Published - July 21, 2026 05:47 am IST