In plain words
Have nothing to do with these sufferings, these hardships, these sorrows. Many clouds come and go in the sky. None of them can stand before the sun for ever. Only in the rainy season do clouds come across the sun. In the same way, only when our mind is unsteady do all these troubles befall us. When our mind is steady and firm, there is no way at all for the ‘clouds’ to get in the way. So keep your mind spotless and unwavering. Nourish courage and daring.
What is human life like today? People have come onto the stage called the world; singing the songs of desire and anger and playing games full of pride and Ahaṅkāra, they carry on the drama of life. Seeing this, many people are delighted: ‘This is very good.’ But a few do not trust it; they are not deluded by the sight of this ‘action’, not afraid of the ‘reaction, reflection, resound’ that come from it, and they keep their gaze on the ‘reality’ alone. That ‘reality’ itself is divinity. It does not waver, it is not deluded, it cannot be seen by the eye. We must hold fast to that ‘reality’. When we make the ‘reality’ our foundation, our thoughts, our conduct and our words (reaction, reflection, resound), all three, remain pure. So, students! You must not be afraid in the least on seeing the ‘passing clouds’. Nor must you worry at all. Carry out your duty well. Fulfil what your parents hope for from you. Your parents sent you here with hopes as high as a mountain. Think how much they will grieve if you behave against their wishes. If you hurt your parents, you hurt Swami too.
“You alone are mother and father, You alone are kinsman and friend, You alone are learning and wealth, You alone are my all, O God of gods!”
So you pray, don't you! There is no difference between God and parents. So make your parents happy. Swami is ever happy. Keep this Satya safe in your heart. Only when you are like that will you truly earn the name of students.
You think that ‘education’ means worldly study. No, no. Education belongs to the heart. The education that comes from the heart never wavers and is never lost from sight. The education of the Ātma alone is true education. Once Prahlāda's father Hiraṇyakaśipu called him close: “My dear son! I have put you in the care of teachers. I told them to teach you well. What are they teaching you?” he asked. Then Prahlāda said:
“My teachers made me study; I studied the chief śāstras, of Dharma, Artha and the rest; many are the things I have studied; the whole secret within learning I have studied, father!”
Hiraṇyakaśipu was delighted and said, “Come then, tell me what that secret is, my son!” Prahlāda: “Father! All that we see and experience is transient and impermanent. God alone is Satya,” he said. His father grew angry. He seized Prahlāda by the neck and pushed him down. “One who defies his father's command cannot stay before my eyes.