The Upanishads - Mandhata Global

1
Chapter X
The Story of Upakosala
Upakosala the son of Kamala dwelt as a brahmachirin
(religious student) with Satyakama the son of Jabala. He
tended his teacher‟s fires for twelve years. Satyakama
allowed his other pupils to return to their homes after
they had finished their Vedic studies but did not allow
Upakosala to depart.
2
Then his wife said to him: "This brahmachirin,
practising austerities, has intelligently tended your
fires. Give him instruction lest the fires should
blame you." The teacher, however, went away on a
journey without teaching him.
The brahmachirin out of mental grief began to fast. Then
the teacher‟s wife said to him: "Brahmachirin, why do
you not eat?" He said: "There are in a man like me many
desires directed to various objects. I am full of sorrows.
I will not eat."
4
Thereupon the fires said among themselves: "This
brahmachirin, practising austerities, has intelligently
tended us.
510