In Search of a Good Teacher

Long ago, a rich merchant named Vanidas desired to educate his only son, Chandra, transforming him into a great scholar. For this purpose, he looked for a suitable teacher. However, none was available in his village. Then, he heard about a renowned scholar named Perunjyothi, who lived far away. This learned man was reputed for teaching many students and was considered expert in all arts and sciences.

Finding The Scholar

Vanidas was overjoyed at last for having found a good teacher for his son. Yet, he wished to test the depth of knowledge that Perunjyothi possessed. So, he set out from his village to observe for himself the enormity of Perunjyothi’s learning.

A Meeting and a Test

Upon reaching Perunjyothi’s residence, Vanidas learned that the scholar had gone to cleanse himself in the nearby river. Thus, the merchant asked to be taken to the river as well, eager to refresh himself. The scholar’s young son led him to the river. Arriving there, Vanidas saw that Perunjyothi had finished bathing. He approached him and questioned, “Of the two chief colours, you prefer the second one, isn’t it?”

The Riddle of Two Colours

Perunjyothi answered, “Both are needed. You can’t have one without the other.” Puzzled, Vanidas turned to the scholar’s son and asked if he comprehended what his father was saying. The boy responded that his father was referring to the interdependence of day and night.

The Test Continues

Engaging further, Vanidas then asked why Perunjyothi had to suffer at a particular time. Perunjyothi replied something that seemed cryptic about his health and age. However, the little boy elucidated that Vanidas was asking why his father was enduring hardships early in the morning, especially in his old age, to which Perunjyothi responded that his health was perfect as his teeth were still intact.

Additional Questions

Vanidas then asked if there were people who demolished their houses only to rebuild them later. Perunjyothi responded vaguely about his family. The boy interpreted this as his father stating that he had four sons who had given him many grandchildren. Vanidas continued throwing ambiguous riddles at Perunjyothi, to which Perunjyothi responded with equally enigmatic answers that the boy would then explain.

Conclusions

At the end of this exchange, Vanidas was thoroughly convinced that the old scholar would be an excellent teacher for his son. He asked Perunjyothi to accept Chandra as his pupil, to which Perunjyothi agreed. Hence, on a bright day, Vanidas’s son started to learn from the renowned scholar.