Srimad Bhagavatam — Dashama Skandha, Shloka 31
Sudāmā Brāhmaṇa: Divine Friendship, Guru-bhakti, and the Lord’s Grace
कच्चिद् गुरुकुले वासं ब्रह्मन् स्मरसि नौ यत: । द्विजो विज्ञाय विज्ञेयं तमस: पारमश्नुते ॥ ३१ ॥
kaccid gurukule vāsaṁ brahman smarasi nau yataḥ dvijo vijñāya vijñeyaṁ tamasaḥ pāram aśnute
Mahal kong brāhmaṇa, naaalala mo ba kung paano tayo namuhay nang magkasama sa gurukula? Sapagkat kapag natutuhan na ng isang “dalawang-beses na isinilang” na mag-aaral mula sa guro ang lahat ng dapat matutuhan, natatamasa niya ang buhay espirituwal na lampas sa dilim ng kamangmangan.
FAQs
This verse shows that life in the guru’s āśrama is meant to awaken realization of the highest knowable truth, enabling one to cross beyond ignorance (tamas).
Kṛṣṇa affectionately recalls their shared gurukula life to honor Sudāmā’s brahminical culture and to highlight the spiritual purpose of disciplined student life under a genuine guru.
Adopt a “gurukula mood” by learning from authentic teachers, practicing humility and service, and using education to reduce ignorance and grow in devotion and clarity.