It is only with the help of a guru that one can understand true knowledge and make way for success. Hence a guru is given equal respect to that of God in Indian culture. Being the Almighty himself and the creator of knowledge, Shri Ram himself adheres to the discipline of being taught under a guru and he always respected his gurus as God in his life and stands as an inspiration to a student.
Shri Ram shared a special bond with his preceptor Rishi Vashisth. While undergoing their education, Shri Ram and his brothers lead a simple life in the Gurukul ashram doing all the regular chores required for a human to lead his life. They treat themselves as equal to the other students, but never disrespect the rules behaving like spoilt princes. Shri Ram learns his best virtue of humility from Rishi Vashisht. By implementing the virtue taught by his guru, Shri Ram treated Rishi Vashisht as his mentor and never went against the command of his guru all his life, which bought him great fame as a humble and noble prince.
The relation of Shri Ram and Rishi Vishwamitr is a very special one. The great Rishi had the responsibility of leading Shri Ram to his destiny in becoming the powerful warrior and uphold Dharma. On their father’s command, Shri Ram and Lakshman go along with the Rishi to kill the demons Marich and Subahu. They walk miles together in the forest without any complaints. When Rishi Vishwamitr asks to kill Tadaka, Shri Ram immediately obeys his order and kills it. Both the brothers later protect the Yagn by killing Subahu and hurling Marich miles into Lanka.
In Siddhashram, Shri Ram spends his time in a simple way gladly accepting the fruits and tubers given by the Rishis. He does not show any arrogance of his strength, but credits it to Rishi Vishwamitr for granting him great weaponry which could help him kill the demons. On Rishi Vishwamitr’s command, both the brothers set out to Mithila. On their arrival at Mithila, Shri Ram and Lakshman duly take care of Rishi Vishwamitr by pressing his feet, making arrangements of his austerities and all. They win everbody’s hearts at Mithila as the disciples of Rishi Vishwamitr and were praised by one and all for their humility and devotion towards their guru.
In the Swayamvar, although Shri Ram had all the love for princess Sita, he always adhered to the respect of his guru and broke the Shiv Dhanush only after the order of Rishi Vishwamitr, even though he knew that Mata Sita was worried that when would he step ahead and win her. His respect for his guru is so great that even when Maharaj Dasarath reaches Mithila, Shri Ram goes to his father only after Rishi Vishwaitr takes him along, but not individually as a son.
It takes a great deal to be powerful, but it is even more difficult to be simple, humble and respectful to the teachers who help one become powerful. Without getting attracted to the fame and attention, Shri Ram always credited his success to the blessings of his gurus. For a student, it is not important to run in the rat race of education, but understand the true meaning of seeking knowledge and in respecting the teacher who provides that knowledge. When one adheres to it, success follows in tune.