In former times, when parents had their children begin their letters, they invited elders, had them shower the sacred rice, and asked them to bless the children to become well educated. They began the learning of letters with sacred prayers to God such as “Oṃ namaḥ śivāya” and “Oṃ namo nārāyaṇāya”. But what is the first thing children learn today? Ba..... Ba..... Black sheep... Studying such lessons, children too are turning into black sheep.
Guard the human qualities
Students! You are growing up here in a sacred, spiritual atmosphere. You must practise this and go on developing it. What is Educare? We must bring out the human qualities that are within us. We must guard them carefully. You must carefully watch your words, thoughts and conduct, and your heart. ‘Am I using sacred words? Or am I using unholy words?’ — this you must watch. ‘Am I doing work bound by Dharma? Or am I doing work against Dharma?’ — this you must watch. I often tell the children the inner meaning of this word watch:
W - Watch your wordsA - Watch your actionsT - Watch your thoughtsC - Watch your characterH - Watch your heart
Your wristwatch may break down at some time, but this WATCH never breaks down. It gives nothing but purity, always. Our ancient education went on shaping man into an ideal with such divine teachings.