Page 23 - Adhiyoga Purana

Adhiyogi’s Schooling and Vinayak
As Adhiyogi stepped into the realm of middle school, the atmosphere at home was one of both quiet struggle and unwavering resilience. His father, Vinayak, was already nearing the age of 65, yet continued to shoulder the responsibility of the family with tireless determination. Despite his advancing age, Vinayak retained his job as a teacher in a Christian Convent School. However, a test of faith and principle soon arose. The school’s bishop, recognizing Vinayak’s revered position in the society, tried to influence him to adopt and promote Christian teachings.
Vinayak, deeply rooted in his own spiritual path and believing in harmony over conflict, chose silence over confrontation. But silence came at a cost. Eventually, the pressure became too great, and Vinayak quietly resigned from his post. This decision, though morally dignified, came at a challenging time—coinciding exactly with Adhiyogi’s entry into a critical academic phase.
With few options, Vinayak sought work from one of his former disciples—someone whose devotion had been overshadowed by a growing materialistic mindset. This disciple employed Vinayak initially as a supervisor. But soon, the respected teacher found himself reduced to the role of a laborer, working long hours inhaling the scent of incense sticks. He performed this humble, physically demanding work for nearly a decade, sacrificing his health to ensure the family could survive.
Remarkably, his new workplace was right outside their residence. Vinayak made a simple yet profound request to young Adhiyogi: to meet him every time he left or returned home. These brief yet regular encounters became windows of mentorship. Each meeting infused Adhiyogi with words of courage, focus, and encouragement. These interactions were transformative. Fueled by his father's silent sacrifice and spoken wisdom, Adhiyogi excelled in his studies, climbing to the top ranks of his school.
Vinayak, though a Yogi at heart, continued to emphasize the need for worldly success and financial independence. His conviction that material stability was essential for spiritual progress was deeply impressed upon Adhiyogi. This balance between the sacred and the practical became one of the earliest teachings that shaped the young seeker’s path.
When the time came, Adhiyogi secured admission to one of the most prestigious institutions in India—the Indian Institute of Technology, located far away in Bengal. It was a moment of great pride and spiritual significance, not just for the boy, but for the father whose quiet strength had helped him rise.
OM Shantiḥ
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