The Story of Shvetaketu
The story of Svetaketu from Chandogya Upanisad was composed eight or seven centuries BC, so it describes an ancient world we don't know almost anything about. However, is there anything in this story that might be applied to the modern times? If yes, please expound.
This story, even though is very old, can be very well applied to today's world. Having advanced technology and everything at our fingertips, people often think very highly of themselves, thinking they possess all the knowledge in the world, just like Shvetaketu thought when he returned home after studying with his spiritual guide. What people today don't understand, and Shvetaketu did not understand also is that it is not enough to possess knowledge, but knowing how to use it. Shvetaketu learned a lot, but he didn't think about the knowledge he had. Just like a modern man, who needs the information, gets the information quickly using AI, Google, YouTube etc., and forgets about it. Modern man doesn't think about the things he learns, which is very depressing because he has all knowledge at his fingertips. That is the part of the story of Shvetaketu that mostly reminded me about 21st century people, because it is important for me to point out the quantity of knowledge we have with only two clicks on the keyboard, and we never try and think about it, or study it deeper, or even memorizing it to expand our knowledge. It is just temporary information and temporary knowledge we use at the times of need. But only when you spend some time thinking about the information you have is when you will actually gain knowledge.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Bobana!
ReplyDeleteThe story of Svetateku can be applied to modern society in so many ways. But the part that really stands out to me is when Svetateku lived alone with animals for many months, he even forgot what day it was. He existed completely in the present moment, and that was all he cared about. He didn’t think about the future or the past.
ReplyDeleteModern society, on the other hand, is programmed to always think ahead. We live fast, constantly running around, not truly enjoying anything, just striving for more and more. More money, more clothes, more degrees, better jobs, better vacations, more likes on social media. We rarely stay in the moment and truly feel it with our whole mind and body.
Svetateku learned that he didn’t need anyone’s approval to be fulfilled and happy. He realized that peace and stillness could bring him more joy than anything else. He learned which cannot be learned.
But people today often think differently. We tend to sacrifice our peace to feed our ego, trying to be better than others. But comparison is the killer of joy. We all play our own parts in this life, and we should move at our own pace, with peace and gratitude for what we have in this present moment.
Maša Raičević (1807/24)
Thank you, Masa!
DeleteThe Story of Shvetaketu even though old, ancient so to say, among other topics is centered around one controversial human trait, arrogance. This trait is common and on rise in modern times, thanks to many factors. One of them is social media, that encouraged ego inflammation in individuals and endless feeling of self-importance. But, more related to the story, arrogance could be described as feeling of bigger importance based on one’s talents, knowledge and status. In case of Shvetaketu, his years of studying and time spent with the guru, made him think he knows it all, he is more important than rest and that his knowledge is limitless. But one encounter with his father, and one task from the guru was enough to make him grounded and to make him realise that there is so much more to learn and never to be learned it all. This part of the story and this specific theme i chose is in my opinion very important in modern society and especially in academic circles. In our maternal language there is a saying that could be briefly translated as “educated fool”. Many professors, graduates and academic citizents have this feeling of bigger importance and egoistic manners. Even though their years of work are not negligible, and their results are something worth of an applause and praise, that applause is something they live for. Little do they know on concious level, that type of behavior is rooted in deep, deep insecurity.
ReplyDeleteDuška Karadžić (1818/24)
Thank you, Duska!
DeleteAlthough our story of Svetaketu was written thousands years ago, its message remains so relevant in todays world. In modern age, where technology has advanced so much that we dont even know whats real( yes AI, im thinking of you!), these stories are so valuable because we fail to separate informations and true meanings or understandings. We chase degrees but we dont seek for our true meaning. Ancient story reminds us not to only focus on facts and informations but to develop inner awareness and humility. We all have that potential in ourselves, we need time and space for it. Modern times require modern solutions says good old meme but Svetaketu told us solution long time ago and we still fail to hear him. Still there are people who have not been “reality checked” yet so they cant understand Svetaketus story. Although story is ancient we can definitely see connection with modern times, the point of story is so relevant for us and we must seek true knowledge if we want to experience LIFE.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Aleksa!
DeleteI think the story of Svetaketu can still teach us something important today. Svetaketu was proud because he thought he knew everything after finishing his studies. But his father showed him that real knowledge is not only about books or school. It is about understanding who we are inside and how we are connected with the world around us.For me, this story is a reminder that learning never really ends. Even when we go to school or university, there is always something more to learn about life and about ourselves. Sometimes people think that if they have good grades or a good job, they already know enough. But real wisdom is not about how much information we have — it is about how we use it and how it changes us.In modern life, we often run after success, money, or technology, and we forget to look inside ourselves. We spend a lot of time learning about the world, but not enough time learning about our own hearts. I think Svetaketu’s story tells us that true wisdom means knowing yourself, being humble, and finding peace inside. When we understand ourselves, we can also understand others better and live in a more kind and balanced way.
ReplyDeleteBoris Adzic 1813/24
Thank you, Boris
DeleteEven though the story of Svetaketu comes from an ancient world, its message is deeply relevant to modern times.
ReplyDeleteToday, people often focus on gathering information, getting degrees, and achieving status, much like Svetaketu did after mastering all the knowledge of his age. We live in a time overflowing with data and technology, yet many still feel anxious, restless, and disconnected. The story reminds us that true wisdom doesn’t come from information but from inner awareness. Svetaketu’s journey into silence can be compared to what we now call mindfulness, meditation, or disconnecting from noise and social media. Just as he had to leave behind pride, comparison, and constant mental activity, modern people also need moments of stillness to reconnect with themselves and the world around them.
The story teaches that self-knowledge and peace come only when the mind becomes quiet, something that remains just as important, if not more so, in our fast and distracted world. It’s a timeless reminder that wisdom isn’t about knowing more, but about being more present, humble, and aware.
Thank you, Jovana!
DeleteI think the story of Svetaketu has a lot of deep conections with the modern world. For example In today's world, people have enormous access to information ( internet, social media, school), but like Svetaketu many of us know everything but do not know themselves.Because of this story we are reminded that true knowledge comes with inner peace and understanding. Also when he was finished with guru tutoring he was full of pride and arrogance, just like todays professors and doctors when they get their deegres, but his father showed him that true knowledge does not create ego, but humility.
ReplyDeleteThank you Nevena!
DeleteDear Professor Andrijašević,
ReplyDeleteHere is my assignment.
The story of Svetaketu from the Chandogya Upanishad, although written in an ancient time, carries ideas that are still meaningful today. It shows that real knowledge is not only about studying and collecting information, but about understanding life and oneself.
In the story, Svetaketu returns home full of pride after learning everything that could be taught. His father’s question — whether he has learned “that by knowing which everything is known” — makes him realize that wisdom is more than memorizing facts. This lesson is very relevant to modern people who often measure success by academic degrees, wealth, or technology, but forget about inner understanding and humility.
The story also shows the importance of silence and simplicity. When Svetaketu lives in the forest with animals, he discovers peace and awareness that cannot be taught through words. In today’s busy and noisy world, this reminds us to slow down, disconnect from constant distractions, and listen to our inner self.
Therefore, although the story describes an ancient world, its message about humility, inner peace, and true wisdom is timeless. It teaches that real education is not about what we know, but about what we become through knowledge.
Best regards,
Jovana Mićanović (1800/24)
Thank you, Jovana!
DeleteI believe that modern times are increasingly reduced to an endless cycle of availability, and that, precisely because of this, a person loses not only their integrity but becomes someone’s dull and poor imitation, nothing more. Also, I believe that self-knowledge is an exceptional link every person should strive for, and that once it is reached, one will advance in emotional maturity, wisdom, and even spirituality.
ReplyDeleteI would like to refer to a quote by Albert Camus that came to my mind while reading the given text, his idea that in life will be many things we cant fathom, and that throughout it we will have countless questions and only a few answers… Therefore, precisely because of that, a person must be aware that they cant comprehend everything they desire, but at the very least, they should do themselves a favor and come to know their own self.
Thank you, Katarina!
ReplyDeleteThe story of Svetaketu was written centuries ago, but its message is still very relevant today. In the modern world, we have access to endless information through the internet, social media, and technology. However, just like Svetaketu, many people believe that having information means they are truly wise — but that’s not the case.
ReplyDeleteWhat this story reminded me is that real knowledge is not just about collecting facts, but about understanding ourselves and the world around us on a deeper level. Svetaketu returned from his studies full of pride, thinking he knew everything, but his father helped him realize that true wisdom comes with humility and self-awareness.
In today’s fast-paced world, we often forget to reflect on what we learn. We rush to find answers, but rarely stop to think about their meaning. This story is a powerful reminder that knowledge without reflection is empty — and that true learning begins when we look within.
Thank you Milica!
ReplyDeleteDear Professor,
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry for submitting my answer so late.
From my perspective, the story's universal truths are what keep it modern. Society has advanced so far. However, that advancement has become a strong base for people to get really overconfident really fast. Maybe there are objectively good reasons for that, but the man of 21st century is.. a bit arrogant and a know-it-all. And only when ChatGPT is in use can our man somehow 'admit' he doesn't know everything. We've seen that was, more or less, the beginning of the journey for our protagonist as well.
Next, we know very well that people are encouraging others to connect with nature more. Gen Z generation has a funny saying 'Go outside and touch some grass' for when you become too much. But the point still stands. We are part of the nature. We shouldn't push it away and treat it as it's going to get fine overnight. Shvetaketu had to learn that the hard way and for even attempting to do so, he was and is one step ahead of us already.
Now, these things are important. The knowledge we have, we must nourish it by applying it, not just knowing the theoretical side of it. And by using it, we must strive to find out why things are the way they are, what the point of them existing is. A bit philosophical, but it goes in our favor. And finally, we must be curious and ready to learn, not just study. Especially in today's overload of information and fast way of living. People need to learn how to slow down, go outside and touch some grass.
With kind regards,
Julija Mijušković 1809/24
Thank you, Julija!
DeleteIn my opinion, the ideas in the story of Svetaketu are timeless and they can be applied to the modern world. Svetaketu returns proud of his knowledge, but his father teaches him that true wisdom is not just memorizing facts, it is understanding deeper truths about life and the self. This is very relevant today, when education often focuses on information and achievement rather than reflection and self-awareness. Good guidance is also important. His father does not simply criticize him but patiently leads him to understanding through examples. This approach is still meaningful today in education and parenting, showing that true learning happens through dialogue, patience, and guidance rather than authority.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Ivana!
DeleteThe main aspect of Shvetaketu's story and life is about arrogance and egoism he finds the more knowledge he acquires from his master. Even though the other side of that concept speaks of the personal growth he experiences, bringing him back to humbleness, in the modern times, that outcome is rare to happen. Each time the science and technology progresses, people today gain more knowledge, and it soon appears to them as if there is not much that they need to know, that's where their ego begins to grow. The point in the story where Shvetaketu connects with the nature and realises he is nothing special, can teach us to try to balance living in the world overwhelmed by technology and power dynamics and living in the reality that each human begins and ends life the same way.
ReplyDeleteThe modern era is by far a lot different from ancient time from when the story was written, but life cycle of a human has not changed, and neither will when the same amount of time has passed in the future. Similar analogies can be found in different parts of the story, especially Shvetaketu's last task, which represents different stages in life of a person, where they search and finally find themselves.