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11-Dhaumya and Aaruni

Rishi Dhaumya had three disciples - Ved, Aaruni, and Upamanyu. The same Aaruni had a grandson named Shwetketu Aaruneya. Shwetketu Aaruneya repaired to the assembly of the Paanchaal. Pravahana Jaivali (the King of Paanchaal, a Kshatriya) asked him: “Boy, Has your father instructed you?” “Yes, Sir,” he replied.

“Do you know to what place men go from here?” “No, Sir,” he replied.
“Do you know how they return again?” “No, Sir,” he replied.
“Do you know where the path of the Devtaa and the path of the Fathers diverge?” “No, Sir,” he replied.
“Do you know why that world (that of Fathers) never becomes full?” “No, Sir,” he replied.
“Then why did you say that you had been instructed? How could anybody who did not know these things say that he had been taught?”

Then the boy, troubled in mind came to his father’s place and said: “Though you had not taught me, you said you had instructed me. That fellow of a Raajanya (King, Kshatriya) asked me five questions, and I could not answer even one of them.” Then Gautam went to the King’s palace and when he reached the palace, the King offered him proper respect. In the morning, he went to the king in his assembly. The King said to him: “Sir, Gautam, ask a boon of such things as belong to the world of men.” He replied: “Let such things as men possess may remain with you. Tell me the same speech which you address to my boy.”

The King was perplexed. He commanded: “Stay here for some time.” Then he said: “As to
what you have said to me, O Gautam, this knowledge did not go to any Braahman before you; and therefore this teaching belonged, among all the people, to the Kshatriya alone.”

Shuk Dev had to go to Raajaa Janak to have confirmation of his knowledge and realization. He was tested by Janak in his Darbaar (court). Raja Janak arranged for music and dancing
parties all around his palace to distract the attention of Shuk Dev. There were various kinds of
shows and entertainments. Shuk Dev was asked to carry in his hand a cup of milk that was filled to the very brim round his palace, and to make three rounds without allowing a drop to overflow and fall on the ground. Shuk had complete success in his attempt as he was fully established in his Self. Nothing could distract his mind.

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