CHARACTER IS THE GOAL OF EDUCATION

[Guest guest]

CHARACTER IS THE GOAL OF EDUCATION

(Text of the Divine Discourse delivered by Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai

Baba on 14th January 2004 at Sai Kulwanth Hall)

 

 

Students, Boys and Girls!

The present Vice Chancellor, the former Vice Chancellor, the

Secretary of the Central Trust and two other students have made

excellent speeches in beautiful vocabulary. In this vast world,

wherever you see, you find most wonderful and joyful events that

awaken your inner being and fill your heart with immense bliss. Our

students also have developed great skill, intelligence and expertise

in the fields of sports, games and music and demonstrated their

talents giving joy to one and all. Whatever be the activity they

undertake, they do it to please Swami and not for temporary

happiness.

 

Right from the time of birth, all activities of man are centred round

the process of learning and acquiring wisdom. It is absolutely

necessary to teach the spirit of idealism to our students so that

they fill their hearts with love and give happiness to one and all.

Today, there are a number of educational institutions all over the

world, but, nobody seems to have understood what education really

means. Students fill their heads with mere bookish knowledge, write

examinations, secure pass marks and claim that they are educated.

 

 

In spite of his education and intelligence, a foolish man will not

know his true Self and a mean-minded person will not give up his evil

qualities.

 

(Telugu Poem)

 

 

 

Modern education leads only to argumentation, not to total wisdom.

What is the use of acquiring education which cannot lead you to

immortality? Acquire the knowledge that will make you immortal.

 

(Telugu Poem)

 

Vidya means Jnana (wisdom). Jnana does not mean worldly intelligence.

True education is that which develops inner vision and makes you

experience everlasting bliss. In what way are the students benefited

by the present educational system? They are merely acquiring degrees

and earning the appreciation of the authorities, but they do not

understand the real significance of education. Modern students are

unable to realise the true spirit behind their participating in

sports and cultural events. In all events of sports and games, you

have a winner and also a loser. People are interested only in the

outcome of the events and not in enjoying the spirit of sports. The

aim of sports and games is not to produce a decisive result but to

inculcate the spirit of sportsmanship in the participants. Life is a

game, play it. Life is a dream, realise it. Life is love, enjoy it.

It is only he who understands the import of these statements and

realises them in his daily life is a true student.

 

Modern system of education, instead of developing the power of

discrimination in students, is making them narrow-minded. It neither

bestows true wisdom nor does it help them to become broad-minded. The

present-day education has become meaningless. The textbooks that are

prescribed for students do not contain the essence of true education.

I wonder why the government promotes such meaningless textbooks! May

be, even the government is unaware of the realities. It appears as

though somebody at some low level is taking these decisions without

consulting the higher authorities. It is bringing a bad name to the

government, but nobody seems to be concerned about it. Such an

unhealthy trend is on the rise. Nobody is making efforts to

understand the sacredness associated with the ancient system of

education. Students are interested only in bookish knowledge, not in

the essence of education. Only their textual knowledge is tested, but

not practical knowledge. Students think that degrees are meant to

earn a livelihood. Education is for life, not for a living. But

neither the students nor the parents realise this truth. Parents are

happy if their children score high marks in their examinations. They

are not bothered about the heap of bad remarks their children get. If

only they care to look into the remarks, they will truly understand

the type of education that their children are receiving. Due to the

advancement in modern education, the study of Vedas and Sastras has

declined. In this situation, how can the present education confer

true wisdom on you?

 

Students!

You should acquire such education which will be beneficial to the

society and the world at large. What is the present state of society?

In what way can we make it ideal? How should one work for the

advancement of the society? Nobody seems to think on these lines.

Even the present system of education does not lay emphasis on service

to society. If someone talks about reforms in the system of

education, the students just brush it aside. They think that textual

knowledge is the be-all and end-all of education. The elders should

take up the responsibility to give proper education to students.

Students should uphold the honour of the society. We should follow

the teachings of our ancient sages and seers who have given us the

true meaning of education. It is a sign of foolishness to become

egoistic by merely acquiring a few degrees. You should understand the

needs of society and utilise your education for its progress. People

say they are serving the society, but without really understanding

what the requirements of the society are. Such service is not Samaja

Seva (social service), but Samadhi Seva, meaning a lifeless,

mechanical activity. Society will progress only when the system of

education is set right. As the craze for Western education has

increased, the study of Vedic texts is being neglected. Parents

should teach their children what is good and what is bad right from

their childhood. They should not be satisfied merely by securing

admission in a college and acquiring a degree by their children. They

should ensure that their children utilise their education to serve

the nation. The government may not be able to do much in this regard;

it is the responsibility of the parents to guide their children on

proper lines. They should encourage the children to work for the

progress of the nation. But nowadays, parents do not have such broad-

mindedness. Even teachers are not interested in the welfare of the

nation. They feel that their responsibility ends with imparting

bookish knowledge to students. They do not even enquire whether the

information contained in the textbooks is beneficial to society or

not. They do not take up the matter with the government. Even if they

do take it up, the government is not responsive. They are changing

educational institutions into factories which produce degree holders.

Students alone are not to be blamed for this state of affairs.

Parents, teachers and the government are equally responsible for this

dismal state of affairs. It is not enough if students secure high

ranks in the class and earn a good name. They should work for the

progress of the society and the nation and thus bring a good name to

parents. Parents should monitor the progress of their children from

time to time, inculcate virtues in them and mould them into

responsible citizens. They should not rest satisfied if their

children get good marks. They should also observe what type of books

they read at home. Some students read meaningless novels. But the

parents do not bother to correct them. On the other hand, they

say, "What is wrong in reading novels? It is enough if they are

happy." In this manner, they spoil their own children. They do not

care to observe how their children behave in their absence. There is

no point in merely educating the children without correcting their

behaviour. Parents should emulate the ideals of our forefathers who

brought up their children in the most ideal way.

 

Embodiments of Love!

The modern system of education needs reforms. Parents today, take

pride that their children are studying in English medium schools and

are able to recite English poems. They fail to understand what type

of impact and influence this modern education has on their children.

The tiny tots in kindergarten are taught nursery rhymes like "Ba … Ba

… Black Sheep". Because of such education, the children are

ultimately becoming black sheep themselves. I am really pained and

disgusted watching the present-day system of education which is

totally spoiling the lives of students. That is why I have

established educational institutions spending crores of rupees to

mould the character of students. I am providing even textbooks free

of cost to the students. In the present-day world, the situation is

so bad that even for admission to a primary school one has to

register well in advance paying thousands of rupees as donation.

Parents are happy if their wards get admission in what they consider

good schools, but they do not bother about the benefit that would

accrue on account of such an educational system. The children do not

appreciate the privations the parents have to undergo for educating

them. Parents take loans and even forgo proper food and sleep to

educate their children. Ultimately, the children do not benefit out

of this system of education. They are unable to understand what is

good and what is bad for them. Today when the quality of education

has become so `cheap'; how can such education make one a `chief'?

Neither the parents nor the teachers nor the students are able to

understand how the society and the nation are benefited by the

present system of education. Therefore, all of them should join hands

and work unitedly to bring about a complete transformation in the

society. At present students' agitation is on the increase. However,

it is not their fault. They are in themselves very good-natured.

Fault lies with the teachers, elders and the government. It is a

decided factor that the present system of education is not designed

to mould the character of the students. There are many good students,

but parents, teachers and textbooks do not guide them properly. It is

high time that the parents opened their eyes and seen the real state

of affairs. They should see to it that their children come up in

their life by acquiring proper education. They should encourage their

children to pursue such type of education which will lead them to

immortality. Of course, secular education is also necessary. But,

secular education should be harmonised with spiritual education to

mould the character of the students and make them better citizens of

the country.

 

Students!

Do not feel proud that you are pursuing higher education. Along with

higher education, you should cultivate noble qualities. Education

bereft of virtues is useless. The end of education is character.

Today many students read useless, even immoral fiction novels. The

authorities should ensure that such books are not sold in the market.

Students should read only such books which can improve their

character. They should participate in sports and games in the true

spirit. This advice would equally apply to the girl students as well.

They question, "When boys ride motor bikes, why can't we do the

same?" In this way they argue and waste their time. Nobody says that

girls should not ride motor bikes. But one should act according to

the time and circumstances. The number of fatal accidents of young

people involved in two wheelers is on the increase. Parents make many

sacrifices to bring up their children. But, if the precious lives of

students are lost in motor cycle accidents, I can understand their

agony.

 

Today, girls want to compete with boys in every field. They also

aspire for name and fame. Their argument is, "In what way are we

inferior to boys? Why can't we acquire the same type of education as

boys?" However, each one should acquire such type of education that

is appropriate and suitable to them. It is essential for women to

look after their families well and shape the character of their

children in an ideal manner. Along with inculcating virtues in

children, they should also be given proper education. The present-day

education is leading students in the wrong direction. Parents are to

be partly blamed for this. They want their children to acquire high

qualifications and get married to another highly qualified person.

Some parents while trying to fix up marriage alliance ask, "My

daughter has completed her post graduation. She is good looking. What

about your son? Has he completed his post graduation? Is he

handsome?" In fact, beauty is related to character, not to the

physical appearance. Beauty of character is what one should aspire

for. Is it always possible to get a post graduate bridegroom for a

post graduate bride? The present-day education is leading to

unhealthy competition and conflicts. I do not say that girls should

not pursue higher education. If I am against women's education, why

should I establish women's colleges? I have established various

educational institutions with the sole purpose of inculcating virtues

in students. I am providing education free of cost. There are no

examination fees even. My only aim is that students should acquire

proper education, become ideal citizens and give happiness to their

parents.

 

Students!

Do not misunderstand My words. I am telling you all this for your own

welfare and progress. You should acquire such education which will

bring a good name to you and uphold the reputation of your family. Do

not become egoistic and take to wrong ways in the name of freedom. I

quite often caution the boys not to look here and there while walking

on the road. Some boys, while speeding on their motor bikes, keep

looking at girls who are passing by. In the process their attention

is diverted and they end up in accidents. If your character is good,

you will always be protected. You should always keep your senses

under control. You should always have a check on your vision,

listening and speech. Buddha undertook various spiritual practices

with a view to have mastery over his senses.

 

Why are the eyes given to you?

Is it to look here and there? No.

The eyes are meant to see the beautiful form of the Lord.

Why are the ears given to you?

Is it to listen to vain gossip? No.

The ears are meant to hear the glories of the Lord.

 

(Telugu Poem)

 

The ears are given for hearing good words and putting them into

practice and thereby lead a virtuous life. Having realised that God

has given the sense organs for the purpose of leading a virtuous

life, Buddha discarded all ritualised spiritual practices and put his

senses to sacred use. He assured himself that what he had to achieve

in life was virtues, and not sensual pleasures. He realised that

conscience was his true Guru and made efforts to control his sense

organs like eyes and tongue. If these two sense organs are

controlled, all the other organs would automatically come under

control. Having thus set a goal for himself in life, Buddha entered

the wide world, after renouncing his wife and only child. I am not

however advising you to leave your wife and children and go to the

forest like Buddha. You look after them well and fulfil your

responsibilities towards them. Teach your children noble qualities

and bring them up in life. Lead a life of virtue. This is what Buddha

taught. If you cultivate Samyak Drishti (right vision) like the

Buddha, the whole world will be under your control.

 

Do not pay heed to the wrong advice of others. Foster noble

qualities. If you can control your senses, that itself amounts to

realising the essence of the epic, Bhagavata. The study of the epic

Bhagavata is meant to transform you into a man of virtue. Hence,

control your senses and become a master of the world. This is what

you have to strive for, today. Explain to your parents also about

your priorities in life. Tell them,"Mother! You expect me to go for a

job which offers a fat salary. But, high salaries are not as

important as a virtuous life. If we give preference to money instead

of a noble life, our life itself will be ruined." When you keep your

senses under control, you will become a person of noble qualities.

You will also gain the strength of character. Hanuman, the

illustrious servant of Lord Rama is an example of such noble

qualities. He was extolled as `Santhudu', `Gunavantudu'

and `Balavantudu' (calm and serene, one of virtues, one of mighty

strength). He became a great Guru because of his noble qualities. We

should emulate his noble qualities.

 

Dear Students!

You are like pure gold. You are people of noble qualities. You are

precious. But, some of you are misguided by bad elements. Even if

others try to mislead you, do not deviate from your chosen path.

Stand firm. Only then will you acquire name and fame. This is My

advice to the students. In today's education you are taught skills

which will enable you to rise up in your career, but, nobody teaches

moral education. Morality is the most important aspect of education.

Money comes and goes, morality comes and grows. Therefore, cultivate

morality. That will earn you respect from society.

 

God is your sole refuge wherever you may be, be it in a forest or in

the sky or in a city or in a village or on the top of a mountain or

in the middle of a deep sea.

 

(Telugu Poem)

 

Cultivate noble qualities. I shall give you everything. Nay, I shall

give Myself to those who cultivate noble qualities and also to those

who teach them. In fact, I am living only for their sake. I do not

seek anything in return from them. Lead a life of character and

nobility. Bring good name to your parents, your institution and to

Swami.

 

Dear Students!

You are all men of noble qualities, but you are influenced by the

contemporary society to a certain extent. Therefore, do not succumb

to distracting influences. First and foremost, make proper use of

your senses. Any elders you come across, revere them as your father

and mother. Earn good name for yourself by your thoughts, words and

deeds.

 

Join good company, speak good words, cultivate Samyak Drishti and

pursue good education that will build your character – this is what I

expect from you, students. In fact, this is what your parents also

wish for. No father or mother will expect their children to be

spoiled. But, they are unable to advise the children properly and put

them in order, out of some sort of inhibition. Of course, I have no

such qualms. Therefore, I am advising you, with all the emphasis at

My command, to see good, be good and do good. Cultivate noble

qualities. Thyaga (sacrifice) is the noblest of all qualities, not

Bhoga (indulgence). In fact, Bhoga will lead you to Roga (disease).

The Veda has proclaimed Na Karmana Na Prajaya Dhanena Thyagenaike

Amrutatthwamanasu (immortality is not attained through action,

progeny or wealth; it is attained only by sacrifice). Hence, Bangaru!

(My dear golden students) cultivate such noble qualities as Thyaga. I

am prepared to sacrifice everything for you. But, you must also be in

a position to receive My grace. I am yours and you are Mine. That

should be the relationship between us. Try to understand Swami's

love. All this is meant to advise you to tread the right path. Do not

go against the wishes of your parents. If, by any chance, you have to

differ from their views, explain to them lovingly your viewpoint.

They will also feel happy that you have respected their feelings. The

Veda has declared, Matru Devo Bhava, Pitru Devo Bhava, Acharya Devo

Bhava, Atithi Devo Bhava (revere your mother, father, preceptor and

guest as God). Speak sweetly and softly to your parents. Convince

them, if necessary. I am prepared to sacrifice anything for the sake

of such students. Several students join our educational institutions.

Some of them may not be in a position to pay fees. Therefore, we have

decided that all education in Sathya Sai institutions should be

totally free and no fees be collected from the students. You should

be free from all anxieties and enjoy peace. By conforming to good

behaviour only can peace be obtained. Several students today wish to

enjoy good things in life, but are following wrong methods. They wish

to partake of sugar, but consume bitter pills. They say one thing and

do another. That is why it is said

 

Manasyekam Vachasyekam Karmanyekam Mahatmanam

Manasyanyath Vachasyanyath Karmanyanyath Duratmanam

(those whose thoughts, words and deeds are in perfect harmony are

noble ones; those who lack harmony of these are wicked)

 

I like such students whose thoughts, words and deeds are in perfect

accord. I am prepared to sacrifice anything for them, nay, I will

give away Myself to such people.

 

Dear Students!

Knowingly or unknowingly you might have committed mistakes in the

past. But, at least in future, cultivate good qualities and try to

keep your parents as well as Swami always happy.

 

(Swami called students from Primary School, Higher Secondary School

and also from the three campuses and gave away glittering silver

trophies in appreciation of their performance in the Sports and

Cultural Meet.)

 

sourced from http://web1.mtnl.net.in/~sairam or

http://www.sairam.ar.cx

 

Priya