Adi Shankaracharya teaching will transform how you look at victory in life

When contemplating on Adi Shankaracharya, words fail to capture the 32 year old scholar-turned-spiritual master's timeless wisdom, knowledge and greatness. Not only did he win every debate with religious scholars far older and learned than he had been, the factual precision of every argument he put forth remains undisputed.

 

                                                                             Image source: Shreemaa.org

Today's generation is familiar with trolls and loud, one-sided debates. In contemplating on Adi Shankaracharya, they will understand and appreciate the greatness of every open debate where he easily won every argument and still remained the epitome of humility. [READ: Wisest Lesson in 2019]

Adi Shankaracharya's teaching: Who is a real conqueror in this world?

Adi Shankaracharya, in an interaction, with students posed a question: 

"Who is a real conqueror in this world?" 

His disciples gave different answers. 

One said that a real conqueror is one who subdued the world and brought it under him. 

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Another said that a man who crossed the oceans was a real hero.

After listening to their answers, Adi Shankaracharya said, "You are looking at conquests solely in worldly terms. Viewed like that, anyone can achieve victories. An animal can fight another and establish its victory. Likewise, there can be a victor among birds. Birds cross oceans and fly over the Himalayas. Where is the victory in all this?" 

Think deeply now about this observation by Adi Shankaracharya. 

[READ: How to invest in yourself and why it is so powerful]

"Only the one who has subdued his mind is a real conqueror," Adi Shankaracharya declared.