# Arjuna’s Aim - Link: https://thecuriosi.com/english-language-lab-for-kids/stories-for-kids/cultural-and-mythological-tales/arjunas-aim/ - Published: 2026-10-30T02:32:48+05:30 - Author: MAHENDRA MANCHIKALAPATI [English Language Lab](https://thecuriosi.com/english-language-lab-for-kids/)/[Stories for Kids](https://thecuriosi.com/english-language-lab-for-kids/stories-for-kids/)/ [Cultural & Mythological Tales](https://thecuriosi.com/english-language-lab-for-kids/stories-for-kids/cultural-and-mythological-tales/)/ Arjuna’s Aim ✦A gentle retelling from the Mahabharata # Arjuna’s Aim During Drona’s archery test, Arjuna concentrates on one small part of a carefully prepared target. 📖 3-minute read🍃 Ages 5–11✨ Attention, practice, and listening [Begin reading ](https://thecuriosi.com/english-language-lab-for-kids/stories-for-kids/cultural-and-mythological-tales/arjunas-aim/#sf-story-text) [More cultural & mythological tales](https://thecuriosi.com/english-language-lab-for-kids/stories-for-kids/cultural-and-mythological-tales/) ![Arjuna holds a traditional bow aimed towards a clearly artificial bird target high in a tree while teacher Drona observes from beside him.](https://thecuriosi. com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/arjunas-aim-illustration.png) **A lesson in focused attention**Read together · Retell · Imagine Settle in and read at your pace A story to read together ## Arjuna’s Aim Take your time. Let the story unfold. In the Mahabharata, the princes study archery and other skills with their teacher Drona. Arjuna works with great dedication and becomes an outstanding pupil. One day, Drona prepares a test to discover how carefully his students can concentrate. The target is an artificial bird placed high in a nearby tree. No living bird is being hunted. Chapter one ### A target in the tree Drona gathers his pupils and explains the task. Each will take a turn aiming at the artificial bird. They must wait for his command before releasing an arrow. While each pupil stands ready, Drona will ask questions to discover where the pupil’s attention rests. Chapter two ### What the others notice Yudhishthira is called first. Drona asks whether he can see the bird, then asks about the tree, his teacher, and the other pupils. Yudhishthira says that he can see them all. Drona tells him to stand aside without shooting. The other princes take their turns. Their answers are much the same: the bird is there, but so are the people and the tree around it. None is given the command to release. Chapter three ### Arjuna’s answer Then Drona calls Arjuna. The pupil takes his place and draws his bow. Drona asks about the bird, the tree, and himself. Arjuna’s attention is on the bird alone. Drona asks him to describe it more closely. Now Arjuna says that he sees the bird’s head, rather than its body. The part he is aiming at has become the centre of his attention. Drona is delighted by the answer. Chapter four ### The arrow reaches its mark Drona gives the command. Arjuna releases his arrow, strikes the artificial bird’s head, and brings it down. His teacher embraces him with joy. The test is complete. Arjuna’s success follows dedicated learning as well as concentration in that moment. Readers can consider how close attention helps them with their own everyday tasks. The end ### Story path [01A target in the tree](https://thecuriosi.com/english-language-lab-for-kids/stories-for-kids/cultural-and-mythological-tales/arjunas-aim/#sf-chapter-1) [02What the others notice](https://thecuriosi.com/english-language-lab-for-kids/stories-for-kids/cultural-and-mythological-tales/arjunas-aim/#sf-chapter-2) [03Arjuna’s answer](https://thecuriosi.com/english-language-lab-for-kids/stories-for-kids/cultural-and-mythological-tales/arjunas-aim/#sf-chapter-3) [04The arrow reaches its mark](https://thecuriosi.com/english-language-lab-for-kids/stories-for-kids/cultural-and-mythological-tales/arjunas-aim/#sf-chapter-4) ### Word basket **artificial**made by people rather than living or naturally grown **concentrate**to give close attention to one thing **command**an instruction to act **dedication**continued effort and commitment **Tradition and retelling** A newly worded retelling of the artificial-bird test in the Mahabharata, Adi Parva, sections 134–135 in the Ganguli translation. This account names the bird’s head as the target; some popular retellings say its eye. Teaching reflections are added. The activity below uses paper and pencils, not archery equipment. Traditional account: [Mahabharata, Adi Parva, section 134 (Ganguli)](https://sacred-texts.com/hin/m01/m01135.htm)· [Mahabharata, Adi Parva, section 135 (Ganguli)](https://sacred-texts.com/hin/m01/m01136.htm) ## After the final page There is no single right answer. Invite young readers to notice, wonder and imagine. Remember Why does Drona ask questions before allowing a shot? Think What is different about Arjuna’s answer? Imagine What small part of a reading or drawing task could you focus on? **Make something:** Draw a simple shape on paper. Look closely for ten seconds, cover it, and draw what you remember on a second sheet. Compare the drawings and describe which details you noticed. 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