Thus Spake The Lord

April 25, 2007

Thus Spake The Lord

Education is the basis for leading a purposeful life in the physical world, in the realm of the mind and in society. It equips one with the mental strength and steadiness to face the challenges of life. It enables one to understand the myriad manifestations in nature. It is only when one understands the power of his mind that he can recognize the relationship between the world and society. Real education should enable one to realize that mankind is one family. It should help one to experience the unifying forces of society.

Unfortunately, education today does not promote these objectives. The present system of education aims at making you bread-winners and citizens, but it does not give you the secret of a happy life, namely, discrimination between the unreal and the real, which is the genuine training you need. Of course, it is not your fault, but of those who direct these affairs. They will have to do it, sooner or later. The cultivation of discrimination is the chief aim of education. The promotion of virtuous habits, the strengthening of Dharma, these are to be attended to; not the acquisition of polish or gentlemanliness, or collection of general information and the practice of common skills.

Let us cultivate common sense and general knowledge which are essential in our daily life. We scarcely find even the slightest trace of these two in our educational system. Students earn ranks in their examinations but in practical life they earn zeros. Which of these two is more important - success in the examinations or success in daily life? We should in fact take these two aspects as the two wings of a bird or as the two wheels of a chariot. We must blend education and life in one sweet harmony.

Reference: BA-BSSB, Nov. 22, 1982-Nov. 22, 1996, P. 80.

Sathya Sai Speaks; Vol. I, P. 35-36.