The Sanskrit Shloka You Need to Know as a Student...!
a simple shloka, which lists the top 5 qualities an ideal student (vidyarthi) shall have...
The Indian Gurukul System or the Guru-shishya Parampara was one of the most profound and advance ways of educating an individual and turning him/her into an indispensable asset for the society, for Lokkalyan.
Way back from Lord Parshurama, Prabhu Shri Ramchandra, Arjuna, Karna, to Chattrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Chandragupta Maurya, Raja Raja Chola, all of these great individuals have followed the knowledge (vidya) provided by their Gurus and have always walked the paths of Satya & Dharma.
The following shloka is just like a small droplet from this vast ocean of knowledge, which states the 5 qualities an ideal student must have.
i have also elaborated, rather provided some actionable steps to inculcate these values into ourselves.
“Kak chesta bako dhyanam, shwan nidra tathaiwa cha alpahari grihtyaagi Vidhyarthi pancha lakshnam”
Brief summary
kak chesta = be hardworking like a crow
bako dhyanam = focus like a crane
shwan nidra = sleep like a dog
alpahari = eat less
grahtyagi = chase discomfort
Kak chesta = the efforts of a crow
one shall work hard & persistently like a crow
(like the one in the story of a thirsty crow)
apply
be consistent on your efforts
focus less on results but have a broad vision
practice practice & more practice your craft
Bako dhyanam = focus like a crane
a crane is fully focused on the fishes in the water, standing still ready for actions without distractions
smartphone and internet are focus breakers, coming in your way to success
apply
use focus apps (forest, YPT - yoelpumta, etc.)
use website & app blockers (digital well-being, freedom, etc)
set up your schedule (prioritizing your studies)
remember, an intoxicated person ( intoxicated by phones, internet, social media, smoking, porn, etc) cannot acquire knowledge…
Shwan nidra = The alertness of a Dog
a dog is alert and attentive to any threat even when it is asleep
apply
sleep w/ an intention to wake up
have fixed bedtime & wake up time
daytime nap (25-45 mins)
Alpahari = Inputs to our body
‘Ahar’ means food and ‘alpa’ means less
a student shall eat less, rather consciously
feed yourself w/ all the 5 inputs - the Panchatatvas
earth (bhumi) > eat your veges
water (paani) > eat water (yes eat it) don’t gulp it down
fire (agni) > get some sunlight (at least 15 mins)
air (vaayu) > practice pranayam
space (aakash) > practice fasting
Grahtyagi = leaving your comfort zone
‘Grah’ means home ‘tyagi’ means one who gives up on material pleasures
in ancient times students used to leave the comforts of their homes and stay in the Gurukul for attaining knowledge…. but it is not possible for us to just leave everything, still we shall practice it to a certain extent
get out of your comfort zones (ask questions, start discussions, lead your pals)
embrace discomfort (cold showers, workouts, practicing silence, self reflections)
build discipline (do the above consistently)
each of these 5 qualities and the ways to inculcate them will be discussed in further depths and with loads of scientific evidences backing them, so to stay updated with the upcoming posts , subscribe now… (✿◠‿◠)