Datta

Published on 13th August, 2017, in Mid-day. Datta, the son of Atri and Anasuya, is considered Adi Guru, the first teacher. He is visualised as under a banyan tree with a cow (who provides) and four dogs (who protect), while he enlightens. Who was his teacher? Nature, he replies. In the Avadhuta Gita he describes 24 observations that gave him insight as his 24 gurus. 1. From the earth, he learned patience. 2. From the wind, he learned how movement within and without established the breath of life. 3. Fire revealed how all things, when destroyed, turn into the same indestructible essence. 4. Water revealed ..