You might have heard the story of Mandana Misra, a scholar of great repute. His wife, Ubhaya Bharati, too, was a great scholar. When Adi Sankara was proceeding on his victory march, he met Mandana Misra and entered into a scholarly debate with him. It was decided that whoever was defeated in the debate would become the disciple of the winner. Mandana Misra vowed that he would take to Sannyasa if he was defeated. Ubhaya Bharati was chosen to be the adjudicator of the contest. Will anyone accept such a proposal wherein the rival’s wife acted as the adjudicator? But Adi Sankara had no hesitation in accepting her as the adjudicator, for he knew that Ubhabharati strictly adhered to the principle of truth in letter and spirit. She was impartial in her judgement and declared that Sankara to be the winner. Mandana Misra took to Sannyasa in accordance with the terms and conditions of the debate. Ubhaya Bharati, being his Ardhangi (better half), followed suit.

Ubhaya Bharati lived in a hermitage near the bank of river Ganga. Many women became her disciples. Everyday in the morning, they used to go to the bank of the Ganga to have a bath. On the way, there lived a Sannyasi, whom people considered as Brahma Jnani (knower of Brahman). He had renounced the world to attain true wisdom. However, he was very much attached to a dried bottle-gourd in which he used preserve water. One day he was lying down, using it as a pillow, lest someone should steal it. Ubhaya Bharati observed this and asked her disciples as to who he was. One of the disciples said that he was known as Brahma Jnani. Then Ubhaya Bharati remarked, ‘Though he is one of wisdom, he is attached to the bottle –gourd which he is using as his pillow.’ The so-called Brahma Jnani heard their conversation and became angry. When Ubhaya Bharati and her disciples were returning from Ganga, he threw away the bottle-gourd on the road, just to show that he was not attached to it. Seeing this, Ubhaya Bharati at once remarked, ‘I thought there was one defect in him – Abhimana (attachment). Now I realise that he has another defect also – Ahamkara (ego). How can one with Ahamkara and abhimana be a Jnani?’ Her comment was an eye opener for the Sannyasi. Immediately, he fell at the feet of Ubhaya Bharati and prayed to teach him true knowledge.

Seeing multiplicity is Ajnana (ignorance); seeing unity in multiplicity is Jnana (wisdom). Ubhaya Bharati imparted such sacred teachings and transformed many people. As she understood the principle of unity, she ultimately attained liberation. On the other hand, Mandana Misra could not attain liberation as he was immersed in worldly feelings. Ubhaya Bharati started preaching and propagating the path of wisdom. She became the Guru of one and all. A true Guru is one who dispels the darkness of ignorance and lights the wisdom in the heart of his disciples. That which remains changeless in all time is true wisdom. People accepted Ubhaya Bharati as their Guru because of her thoughts, words, and deeds were I complete harmony.

Manasyekam Vachasyekam Karmanyekam Mahatmanam

Manasyanyath Vachasyanyath Karmanyanyath DurAtmanam

(Those whose thought, words and deeds are in perfect harmony are noble ones; those who lack harmony of these are wicked.)

Manonasana (annihilation of the mind) is what you should strive for. You should not entangled in the worldly relationships. That is true wisdom.

The teachings of Ubhaya Bharati spread far and wide and she became highly reputed for her wisdom. Even today there are many such people of wisdom. Without men of merit and wisdom, how can there be light in the world? However, wisdom cannot be acquired from individuals. It can be acquired only developing love foe God.. A beggar who comes to our doorstep begs for alms saying Bhavati Bhiksham Dehi. He addresses Dehi (In-dweller) and not Deha (physical body). In this manner, you can learn profound spiritual truths even from a beggar.

One may acquire a high academic qualification such as M.A. and B.A. and attain exalted position,

One may amass wealth, perform acts of charity and attain name and fame,

One may have physical strength and enjoy a long and healthy life,

One may be a great scholar studying and preaching the Vedas,

But none can equal a true devotee of the Lord. (Telugu Poem)

No doubt, worldly education is also essential to eke out a livelihood and to take care of your physical needs. You should not give up altogether. But it cannot impart true wisdom. Only Atmavidya (knowledge of the Self) can grant you everlasting happiness. Worldly education is negative and spiritual education is positive. Both are essential for happiness here and hereafter. Students! You should become masters in both forms of knowledge, secular and spiritual. But always remember like Ubhaya Bharati that only Atmic knowledge is true knowledge. Once you acquire it, you would have acquired everything else. (SS Mar 04, pp. 71-73)