Derived from the discourse on Srimadbhagavata, this is a precious teaching given by Pujyapad Puri Shankaracharyaji.
A teaching given by Dattatreya Muni to Bhakt Prahladji
We must learn from everything in this creation. The universe is like a university.
People who roam around as an authority, scolding and criticising others (as dandadhikari), their life becomes inferior, and is destroyed.
There are two ways to learn:
1. A person whose behaviour, thinking and attitude is as per vedas and shastras – we must attempt to imbibe their good qualities. (learning via vidhimukh)
2. A person whose behaviour, thinking and attitude is the opposite of what it should be – we must remember not to develop their qualities in our life. (learning via nishedhamukh)
We must avoid taking the responsibility of giving sermons/teachings (upadesha) to everyone. If someone expresses interest then only we must give upadesha, else keep silent.