The story
Satyakama was a boy who lived with his mother, Jabala. He wanted very much to study with the great teacher Gautama. "Mother, what is my family name? The teacher will ask," he said.
His mother answered honestly: "My son, I worked as a servant in many houses when I was young, and I do not know who your father is. I am Jabala, so call yourself Satyakama Jabala."
Satyakama went to the teacher Gautama and asked to become his student. "What is your family?" asked the teacher. Satyakama told him exactly what his mother had said, without hiding anything.
The teacher smiled. "Only a true seeker of truth would speak so honestly," he said. "Bring firewood, my son — I will teach you." He accepted Satyakama as his student. In time, Satyakama became a great teacher himself.
What we learn
- Always tell the truth, even when it is hard.
- What matters is how you live, not where you come from.
- A good teacher values honesty above all.
A shloka to learn
Satyam vada (Taittiriya Upanishad)
सत्यं वद । धर्मं चर ।
satyaṃ vada | dharmaṃ cara |
Speak the truth. Do what is right.
Questions to talk about
- What did Satyakama's mother tell him?
- Why did the teacher accept him?
- Is it always easy to tell the truth? Why is it important?
- How did Satyakama get his name? What does "Satyakama" mean? (One who loves truth.)
Parents and teachers: read the story aloud, then talk about the questions together. Let children retell it in their own words.
Frequently asked questions
Where does the story of Satyakama — the Boy Who Told the Truth come from?
It is told in the Chandogya Upanishad. This is a simple retelling for children.