In plain words
Worldly studies too are needed. Otherwise why would we found educational institutions? “For happiness here, the learning that wins gold; for happiness hereafter, Brahmavidyā.” All these worldly kinds of learning are learning that helps the body, not learning that helps life. They do not make the principle of the Ātma known. What makes the principle of the Ātma known is itself true education. There is no education beyond it.
Today is the Convocation. You are receiving your degrees. For what? Only to feed your bellies? Education is not merely for filling the belly. But as long as the feeling of the mind is in you, you have to study these worldly kinds of learning! The day the feeling of the mind goes, you will not need this learning. Humanness is what goes with the mind. What remains after the mind is gone is itself the nature of Mādhava. This very thing foreigners proclaim as Cosmic Power. They have come to know this truth today, but the people of Bhārata knew it long ago. But what use is it? They cannot put the truth they know into practice. Only through practice can the principle of the Ātma be recognised.
Only When You Follow the Ātma Within Is Your Birth Fulfilled
The man of today asks whomever he sees, ‘Who are you?’ Instead, he must ask himself, ‘Who am I?’ Only then can he know his own worth. Without knowing who he is, after he has learned about others, everything about everyone comes to be known. For the very principle that is in oneself is in all. Once one has recognised the divine power within oneself, there is no sorrow of any kind, no grief of any kind. Look at Me. I have no sorrow of any kind, no grief of any kind. My life itself is My message. Many people say, “Swami! Happy Birthday.” I am always happy as it is. So you have no need to tell Me. To those who are not happy, give happiness. Bodies keep coming and going. Why be frightened at the sight of passing clouds? The body is a bubble of water. The mind is a mad monkey. So do not follow the body and the mind. Follow the Ātma within you. That itself is the goal of your life. Only then is your birth fulfilled.