SATYAKAMA (SATYAKAMA JABALA )

 

 

Satyakama was a wise and honest hermit, known for his simplicity and dedication. There is an important story about him in the Chandogya Upanishad that shows his truthfulness and the greatness of his character. Satyakama's father passed away when he was still a young boy, and he was raised by his mother, Jabali. When he was old enough to begin his education, he told his mother, "I want to study the Vedas, but I don’t know which family or clan I belong to. What should I say when my teacher asks me about my clan?"

Jabali, his mother, replied, "I don’t know about your father's clan. When I was young, I married your father, and after that, I was busy with household duties. I never asked him about his clan. Shortly after you were born, your father passed away. Tell your teacher that you are Satyakama, the son of Jabali."

With this, Satyakama set off in search of a teacher. Eventually, he found the hermitage of a wise sage named Gautama. He went to the sage and told him the truth about his background. Gautama, impressed by the boy’s honesty, believed that Satyakama was from a noble family and accepted him as a disciple. The sage gave Satyakama the responsibility of looking after four hundred lean cows. Satyakama accepted the task and promised the sage, "When I return with a thousand healthy cows, I will bring them back to you."

Satyakama went to the forest to tend to the cows. During this time, the wind (Vayu), the sun, fire (Agni), and the divine spirit (Prana) took pity on him. They blessed him with wisdom and divine knowledge. After some time, Satyakama returned with the thousand healthy cows. When Gautama saw the boy, whose face seemed to glow with divine light, he was amazed. The sage asked, "Who gave you such great wisdom?"

Satyakama told the sage the whole story. Pleased with the boy’s sincerity and wisdom, Gautama imparted knowledge to Satyakama about the Supreme Soul, or Paramatma. From then on, Satyakama became a great hermit.

Satyakama had many students, and one of them was Upakosala, a young boy who served him for many years. Upakosala worked hard, keeping the sacred fire burning for twelve years without allowing it to go out. During this time, he worshipped the fire god, Agni, but Satyakama did not teach him. Upakosala’s dedication was noticed by Satyakama’s wife, who suggested that her husband should teach the boy. However, Satyakama did not respond.

In the end, Upakosala decided to fast and meditate before the sacred fire, vowing to not eat until he was taught. Agni, the fire god, was moved by his devotion and spoke to him, saying, "The Divine is all-pervading. Your teacher will guide you on the path to understanding the Supreme Being."

When Upakosala returned to Satyakama, his face shone with the light of divine knowledge. Satyakama noticed this and asked the boy why his face was so bright. Upakosala explained what Agni had told him. Immediately, Satyakama began teaching him the path of yoga, guiding him towards a deeper understanding of the soul and its connection with the universe.

In this way, Satyakama's wisdom and kindness helped many people, including his students, reach a higher understanding of the divine. His story teaches us the importance of truthfulness, dedication, and the pursuit of spiritual knowledge.