Passage 4

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In plain words

If one is born in ignorance and dies in ignorance, can he be called a man? It means there is the form of a man, but not the qualities of a man. Satya, Dharma, Śānti and Prema are the qualities of a man. Anger, hot temper, jealousy, envy, pomp and Ahaṅkāra: these are the marks of a beast. Such animal nature must be put far from us.

To depend on others is to become a slave!

The Sanātana Dharma, which is in the form of the knowledge of the Vedas, is our foundation. This alone we must follow and practise. Students must lead an ideal life and become guides to the world. Above all they must have forbearance, humility and obedience. They must give up the outlook of selfishness and self-interest. In today's world, progress has to be won through the children themselves. Holding their degree certificates, round and round the offices, ‘Sir! A job!’ ‘Sir! A job!’ they cry, begging as they go: we did not found colleges to make them into that. Students must live rightly by their own strength, and must not depend on others. To depend on others is to become a slave! They must look after the work of their own fields. They must help their mothers and fathers. There is no greater heartlessness than to read some B.A., go home, and sit in a chair with one leg crossed over the other while the father toils. By helping their mothers and fathers they must bring them comfort. To torment one's mother, wring money out of one's father and roam the bazaars is not education. That is ignorance. The learning of a beast.

In this moment we may be well. What will happen the next moment we cannot say. So we must at all times remain constant, true and steady. Only if we hold fast to the principle of Dharma can we live on as human beings. ‘Na śreyo niyamaṃ vinā.’ Without niyama there is no good. One must bow with respect to one's elders and behave with humility. One must act with discerning knowledge. One must not speak just anyhow. One must not behave just as one pleases. If children conduct themselves with discipline in this way, there is no doubt that the future of Bhārata will shine in splendour.