In ancient times, there were no schools as we have them today. Instead, there were teachers who were highly respected. Students would go to them, stay with them for a few years, serve them in every way and learn from them. At the end of their study period they would offer something to the teacher. The following story is about a boy who was eager to learn from such a teacher, often called a guru in India.

Jathila was the son of a poor widow. He wanted to study with a guru who lived across the forest, but he was scared to walk through the forest alone.
His mother told him, "Do not be scared, for all you have to do is to call out for your brother Gopal's protection each time you are walking through the forest."
Jathila believed her and called out Gopal's name when he went to the forest.
Soon a cowherd appeared before him and asked, "What is it that you want?"
"I am afraid walking through these woods, so I have been calling you to protect me," replied Jathila.
The cowherd smiled, and told him, "Do not be afraid, I will help you".

So every day Jathila would call out to Gopal, and Gopal would come and escort him across the forest. Soon the school term came to an end and Jathila was wondering what to give his teacher as an offering. He spoke with Gopal about this one day on his way to school.
"Tomorrow morning I will give you a pot of curd to give your teacher," said Gopal.
When the teacher tasted the curd he found it so sweet and tasty that he wanted to know where it had come from. When Jathila told who had been helping him all these days, the teacher realised with wonder that innocent Jathila's escort was God himself!

Reprinted with permission from the Shri Ram Chandra Mission, from the Teachers' Guide for Value-based Spiritual Education. Curriculum for Classes I to X, 2000, Sahaj Marg Research and Training Institute of the Shri Ram Chandra Mission, Chennai, India. For information contact Santosh Khanjee, Secretary of International Affairs at info@srcm.org.

Q: What are the qualities of Jathila in this story?

Q: What do you think faith is? How did Jathila's faith help him out in this story?

Q: What services did Gopal offer to Jathila? Why do you think divine personages come to serve humanity sometimes?

Q: Do you think that you could call on God or Master to guide and protect you when you are fearful, as Jathila did? Can you think of times that you would do this?

Q: Do you think it is right to think of God or Master only during difficulties?

O, Master!
Thou art the real goal of human life.
We are yet but slaves of wishes
Putting bar to our advancement,
Thou art the only God and power
To bring us up to that stage.