The Essence Of Education

30 May 1995, Summer Course 1995, Brindavan

Published English.

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Na Tvevaham Jatu Nasam Na Thwam Neme Janadhipah Na Chaiva Na Bhavishyamah, Sarve Vayamatah Param. There was never a time when I, Or you, or any of these ruling Kings did not exist. And we shall exist in the future, For all time hereafter.

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The universe is full of many powers. An omniscient, omnipotent and omnipresent power pervades all of Creation. This divine Force is immanent in every atom, like sugar in syrup. The call this or all-pervading sweetness. God is an embodiment of sweetness. Although this sweetness is everywhere, it is not possible to recognize its omnipresence. However, it is possible for all to observe the existence of Divinity.

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The existence of Divinity Sweetness in sugarcane, bitterness in leaves, burning in chili, acerbity in lemon and fire in wood - all these are direct proofs of God’s existence. A plant germinates from a seed. A bird emerges from an egg. The newborn infant becomes a mother one day. These are all living proofs of the existence of Divinity. Man experiences exhilaration upon seeing majestic peaks, gurgling rivers, the deep ocean, lush forests and colorful gardens. What is the basis of these phenomena? It is God’s existence alone.

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It is not given to everyone to grasp the omnipresence of God, but all have the capacity to identify His presence. - Of all kinds of knowledge, is the foremost and the best. We find various forms of knowledge in the world - music, literature, painting, sculpture, dance, materials and so on. is paramount. Worldly knowledge might endow you with scholarship, fame, honor and titles. But, - The title higher than all worldly titles is that you are the . The say that man is - a child of immortality. This is the highest title.

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Qualities for earning wisdom All worldly knowledge changes with time and deludes your intellect. For this reason, our ancient sages dedicated their lives to the acquisition of , which is changeless and illumines the intellect. Some qualities are necessary for earning such wisdom.

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Desire the welfare of all beings by engaging in actions that benefit others. We should cultivate readiness to serve. Your education should equip you better to render service. Then you will evoke true respect from others.

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Students should excel in all forms of knowledge. This is also called "awareness." You should understand and experience all the angles of a situation. Worldly subjects grant you competence within a narrow scope. You perceive situations with a limited outlook. If I ask you what this [handkerchief] is, you say, "a piece of cloth". This answer shows your restricted, worldly knowledge. With broader vision, you identify it as a handkerchief. Spiritual knowledge is complete and enables one to grasp all fields of knowledge. This is 'total awareness' .

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The student must embody every virtue or . What is meant by ? Traditionally, the three qualities of creation (, , and ) are called . Indeed, virtue is the union and balance of these three . In practice, it is very important to disregard the faults of others and to express your own Divinity. This is true . This trait is crucial for students and it is the source of all virtues. That which inculcates such virtue alone can be called education. Modern educational systems impart information but not virtues.

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Nonviolence Without human values you cannot deliver the fruits of your learning to society. Therefore, human values must be cultivated. Of these, is the most important. Truth is God. Some people went to and argued about the existence of God. told them, "All these disputes are a waste of time. , , and are the same as God. Therefore, worship God as the form of Truth first. Speak the truth. Practice . Observe nonviolence."

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Therefore, nonviolence can be defined as the regulation of human life along moderate and beneficial paths. The say, - Speak the truth and follow . Truth is God. Right action is God. That is why the advise us to adhere to and . This is true virtue.

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Individual soul and All-pervading Soul Nowadays, people make many attempts to reach Divinity. But they go around in circles because some spiritual concepts have been left inadequately explained for a long time. These are: and (individual soul and God), and (limited soul and all-pervading soul), and (atom and universe), and (gross and subtle). No one is able to interpret these concepts correctly today.

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discovered such profound concepts which science has never been able to fathom. On the other hand, science has gathered facts that considered unessential. But in spite of investigations by both scientists and , these basic truths are not understood properly by the common man. How should we describe Divinity? What is the distinction between and , between and ?

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If we reflect, the atom and the universe are one and the same! This tumbler has water from River . Suppose we bring water in a huge pot. And then again, in a big tanker. All of them are the same water. They differ only in quantity. Quality is one.

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In the same way, when we study the atom we come across microcosmic phenomena. In the flame of a lamp, we find heat and light. Upon closer examination, a flame has the same innate qualities as an atom. The water in this tumbler has the same taste, color and form as that in River . This is That, That is This. When we grasp this one principle, we grasp everything.

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God is described in our scriptures as - smaller than the smallest, bigger than the biggest. The universe is really a reflection of the same forces present in an atom. Without the combination of atoms, the universe cannot exist. The principle that is present in all is Divinity alone.

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This is what Sage taught his son. "Son, God is everywhere. Observe the relation between an atom and the cosmos and you will understand and . Go into the house and bring some sugar and some water." His son obeyed. said, "Observe the sugar carefully." The boy looked at it and felt it. Then he mixed it in water. Then asked him to find the sugar. But the sugar could not be collected with the hand because it had dissolved. Still, its presence could be proved by tasting a drop of the sweet water. Where was the sugar? It cannot be said to be 'here' or 'there' . It was everywhere in the water.

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In the same way, the sugar that can be seen and touched is . It is limited. The sugar that is dissolved, which is beyond touch and sight, beyond name and form, beyond spatial limitations, is . The present in your body also pervades the universe as . is called Consciousness. The in the body is called Conscience. That Consciousness is present in your Conscience and your Conscience is a part of the Consciousness.

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A seed contains roots, branches, leaves, fruits, flower - everything. said, - I am the seed of all beings. This seed is present in the mighty tree and the entire tree is present within the seed. - smaller than the smallest - that is the seed. - bigger than the biggest - this is the tree. There is no difference between the seed and the tree. The difference is only in vision. Meaning, the extroverted vision sees multiple forms but the inner eye perceives unity in diversity.

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Know yourself Therefore, it is not possible for anyone to recognize this all-pervasive Divinity. But that is not required! If you recognize the divine spark present in yourself, you become the knower of the omnipresent Divinity also! That is why urges man, "Know Thyself."

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If you ask a person, "Who are you?" he answers, "I am the son of..." Or he may say he is a doctor or a lawyer. Or he may say, "American,' ' Indian,' ' Italian." None of these is correct. When you base your identity on your father, you speak out of body-consciousness. Doctor or lawyer is your profession. The third response is your country of birth. These answers are like artificial dialogue heard in a cinema. Your true nature is . No one can change the conscience in each person. You may change countries and behavior, but not the conscience.

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The principle present in everyone is the . Modern people do not perform such subtle investigations and so, do not believe these truths. They dedicate their time, body and actions to this temporary, physical existence. Hence, they give only worldly responses. - is the best kind of knowledge. Once you have , you may blend other sciences in it. is the ocean, worldly sciences are rivers. - all rivers merge into the ocean.

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A small example. Rice is your staple food. But you do not eat rice by itself. You mix vegetables and curries in it. With such side dishes you can enjoy a tasty meal. Take the rice of and mix into it the dishes of worldly knowledge. This will lend taste to your physical life. In any situation, must never be renounced.

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, , and The principles that teach and nourish , sustain its awareness and protect it are known as , , and . These are only names. Today, there is no one who has seen these Beings. Yes, we see them in cinemas and books, but no one has seen them directly. As per philosophy, this is delusion also!

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Truly, who is this and where is He? is the Creator. The subtle secrets of the Creator are present in every mother and father. The parents who bestow this physical body on you have all the qualities of . Make every effort to understand the sacred principles in your parents. Your mother is the basis of your birth. She sustained you and brought you into this world. The one who created you is none other than your mother. The mother fosters her child in hundreds of ways, like . Therefore, when you respect your mother and worship her, you worship . That is why our ancients said, - The mother is equal to God.

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Birth is not enough. The means to live must be provided to the child. When the child ventures into the world, it must be taught right behavior. The ways for earning respect in society must be inculcated. Education and a home must be furnished. All these are responsibilities of the father. Lord sustains and protects the souls created by . That same is the father. When you worship and honor your father, you truly worship .

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Next, . He is described as (innocent) by devotees. He is known for granting every desire, without hesitation, even if the boons might result in trouble to Him! He is - easily pleased. You know the story of the demon . gave him the boon of burning anything with his palm. Then He Himself ran to escape the demon’s palm! What does this mean? grants desires without prejudice or hesitation. A teaches all without preference. To one who wants proficiency in mathematics, the teacher teaches math. If another desires physics, that is taught. The teaches whatever one wishes to learn, to anyone who comes with the desire. When the student’s desires are not elevating, he advises him accordingly. No student turns back from a empty-handed. Thus, the is equal to . When you respect your , you really worship .

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Pillars of Indian culture Therefore, consider mother, father, and teacher as being equal to God. The propagate these glorious values by saying:

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. . . Treat the mother as God. Treat the father as God. Treat the teacher as God.

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This is Indian Culture. This is the first pillar of Indian culture: devotion and obedience to mother, father, and .

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Next, in what manner must a child born of such parents conduct himself in society? Speak the truth, he is advised. Never yield to falsehood out of selfishness. Never follow unrighteousness for self-interest. To uphold our respect in society, we should speak the truth and follow . Indian Culture says:

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Speak the truth, Follow .

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Spirituality teaches the same concept: People may be different. Names and forms may differ, cultures may differ, but the force within everyone is the One . Scientists took thousands of years to discover this truth. Since when? Not just in the modern era. The first scientist, the greatest scientist, was , who existed thousands of years ago. investigated into the five elements that constitute creation. He even brought the elements under his control!

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But despite his towering accomplishments in the physical realm, could not limit his own bad qualities.

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For this reason, what did our ancients teach? Science is preoccupied with describing the forces within an atom. Our ancient says, "O foolish scientists! First of all, everything is in You!" The external world has been described by scientists. The inner cosmos is the subject of . Scientists are reluctant to develop inner vision. And has neglected the external world. But which of these is more important?

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Students should recognize one fact. You can see the branches, leaves, flowers, and fruits of a tree. But the bases for their existence are the unseen roots. Which are more important, roots or branches? Without roots, branches cannot exist. However, you may chop off the branches and the roots will make them grow again. Those who are content understanding the branches, venturing no further, are scientists. The ones who go to the roots are .

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Scientists describe the branches, the effects, not the cause. Therefore, the - Primal Cause - is very important. Once we find the Primal Cause behind everything, we can build a foundation upon it and live in the world as we please.

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Students know that two parts of hydrogen and one part of oxygen produce water. Scientists pride themselves on this discovery. Yes, you can produce water. But if we ask, "Who created hydrogen and oxygen?" there is no answer. When confronted by such questions, scientists evade them by saying, 'Law of Nature' . Fine. From where did Nature emerge? Who is its basis? When we inquire in this fashion, the is God alone. No one can grasp Divinity. We can only attempt to describe it as a power that is changeless, indestructible, omnipotent, omnipresent, and omniscient.

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The study that reveals to us our innate Divinity has been termed (education). Worldly studies do not measure up to this qualification. However, worldly studies have got their importance. Today man studies, gets a job, goes overseas, accepts positions of authority - all for money alone. - Money is the basis for the world. Money is the basis for worldly existence. But does not give it such importance.

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is the basis for the world. This is the declaration of . This is Indian Culture.

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You find planets revolving around the Sun, stars in distant galaxies shining brightly, the Moon orbiting the Earth, rivers flowing into the ocean, the sea rising and ebbing with tides, and so on. All these phenomena occur within the limits of . When is transgressed, all is destroyed. All these activities are possible only by adherence to . These are proofs of God’s existence.

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Inquire, inquire, inquire. Make a determined attempt. Don’t relax your spiritual efforts in any way. What we need to recognize is the principle. This principle is not visible through a telescope and cannot be captured through a camera. You only need yearning in your heart, which gets transformed into spiritual inquiry. Without yearning, the search for God cannot be sustained. Every student should cultivate yearning, "I should know, I should know." Then you will realize the fruits of your search for God, sooner or later.

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Develop good thoughts. Your desires may or may not be fulfilled. Students! You are living for desires () today. This is not the right approach. Live for ideals (). Even if

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Today man wishes for a long life. This is not important. A life permeated with divine feelings is more desirable. A divine life, even for a moment, brings lasting bliss and fame. What is the meaning in surviving for a thousand years if you live a crow’s life? So, do not be satisfied with worldly education. While pursuing your studies, acquire as well.

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Unity of thought, word, and deed Once, went with thirteen disciples to . With our extroverted intellect, we think that 'sin' means inconveniencing or harming others. Students should recognize correctly what is meant by sin. was proceeding for a bath in River . He saw a boy, seated under a tree, learning by heart the rules of grammar (). stood for some time, observing the student recite his lessons aloud. Then approached him.

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Then said: Sing the name of , Sing ’s name, O fool!

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After giving this advice, bathed in the River and proceeded to the temple for Lord ’s . He stood in front of the altar and prayed: "! I have come to You after committing three heinous sins. I pray to You in expiation of those sins." Students should pay careful attention to his words.

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"I have extolled and described You in many ways. However, I know that You are - beyond word and thought. The say, - From where words and thoughts return, unable to comprehend anything. That is You. I taught my students that You are beyond word and thought. At the same time, I dared to describe You. I preached something and practiced otherwise. This is my first sin."

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See, how subtle is the concept of sin! To say something and do something else is sin. "I taught to everyone, , - God is immanent in every being. You are present everywhere. But I have come to to see You as . Again, I acted contrary to my words. This is my second sin.

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" - God is present in everyone. In fact, God is manifest as all beings. I taught this truth. Now, am I not one of those beings? Is God not present in me? I have neglected the Divinity in myself. I have journeyed here to see myself! I considered myself different from You. This is my third sin.

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"So, Lord, my words and actions are not in unity. Please free me from these faults." Saying so, closed His eyes and meditated intently on the Lord. In a few moments, He got the Lord’s vision along with His response. told him, "! Past is past. Your repentance itself is atonement for your sins. Take care that you do not repeat these mistakes."

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Keeping these three in unity, love and respect your parents and teacher. Consider your mother, father, and teacher as , , and and make every effort to secure their blessings. This is true worship. But we must not be content even with this. Do not stop there and waste the sacred time at our disposal. There is an unknown power pervading everything. This sacred power is within your mother, father and teachers. You must think, "I will worship, follow and attain that Divinity." For this reason, , , meditation, and are very essential.

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Good company Now the term (good company) is frequently misunderstood. What is ? Getting together with devotees, singing , undertaking pilgrimages, listening to interpretations of scriptures - these are common conceptions of . But this is only worldly . In fact, these are not at all! The devotees around you have many faults. Scholars also explain scriptures with some expectation in mind. So, none of these can be true .

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is derived from - Being, Awareness, Bliss. is Being. Not this temporary, worldly being, but the Being that remains changeless through past, present and future. is devoid of name and form. The form of is bliss (). is God.

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Cultivating thoughts of God is true ! We must acquire the company of Godly thoughts, and thereby, the company of God Himself. Assimilate the principle of the .

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When we do this, (Awareness) dawns. When we inquire into God, all knowledge, all awareness becomes part of us. That total awareness is . Now, bliss () is the natural consequence of and coming together.

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So, the quality of is changeless. When these concepts are taught with simple analogies, children absorb them easily. is sugar. You may mix sugar in pudding, tea, coffee, water - its sweetness is constant. is the sweetness. God is the embodiment of sweetness. - God is sweetness, sweetness, sweetness. In one hand, take this sugar of . In the other hand, take - awareness of the . Everyone may not be able to use . For example, diabetic patients are barred from sugar! Atheists are like diabetics. They do not look at the sugar of , although they have the desire to taste it! But their disease does not allow them to taste the sweetness.

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However, - total awareness - is essential for everyone. is like water. No one can survive without water. Water is crucial for life. Therefore, water is a form of Divinity. All need water, be they millionaires or paupers, renunciants or hedonists. This water is - knowledge, awareness. Mix sugar and water. The result is neither sugar not water, but syrup. Unite and , and the syrup of (bliss) will flow in you.

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Use education to serve society In the past ten days, you have participated in this Summer Course on culture and spirituality. and - these are our culture. , , - these constitute our culture. When you keep these three injunctions in view, when you experience Divinity in these three relations, only then will you experience the unity of culture and spirituality, or the unity of matter and energy.

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Suppose you are thirsty. Quench your thirst with a glass of water. But today’s man says, "I am not satisfied with a glass. I want to drink the whole River !" If you try to drink , it will drown you. This is only danger, not enjoyment. Another example. You need air to live. Do you try to inhale all the air in the world? The five elements must be used within limits. The body needs heat to survive. But the body cannot function with excessive heat, like a 105°F temperature. Have limits, have limits, have limits.

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