The Dishonored Guru Falls before Shiva to Plead for the Disciple Who Wronged Him
Uttara Kanda, Doha 108
Doha 108 · Movement 2 of 2
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The Guru hears Shiva's terrible curse and cries out in anguish. Bhushundi trembles, but it is the teacher's heart that fills with pain at the fate of the one who refused even to greet him.
The brahmin falls full length before Shiva. With folded hands and a voice broken by emotion, he begins to pray, understanding the dreadful course now opening before his disciple.
Nothing in him asks vindication. The insult has vanished from consideration; only the suffering of the offender remains. The Guru's prostration reveals the true authority Bhushundi failed to honor. It is not power over a disciple, but love willing to stand between the disciple and the full fruit of his action. Before the unseen Lord in the temple, the wounded teacher becomes intercessor.
Bhushundi would not bow to his Guru, so the Guru bows for Bhushundi and lets compassion speak through tears.
Read the passage from the Manas
हाहाकार कीन्ह गुर दारुन सुनि सिव साप।। कंपित मोहि बिलोकि अति उर उपजा परिताप।।107(क)।। करि दंडवत सप्रेम द्विज सिव सन्मुख कर जोरि। बिनय करत गदगद स्वर समुझि घोर गति मोरि।।107(ख)।।
Hearing Shiva's terrible curse, my guru cried out in anguish. Seeing me trembling greatly, compassion arose in his heart. Bowing down with love, that brahmin joined his palms before Shiva, offering humble prayers with faltering voice, understanding the dreadfulness of my fate.