CHARACTER IS THE GOAL OF EDUCATION
(Text of the Divine Discourse delivered by Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba
on 14th January 2004 at Sai Kulwanth Hall)
Students, Boys and Girls!
The present Vice Chancellor, the former Vice Chancellor, the Secretary of
the Central Trust and two other students have made excellent speeches in
beautiful vocabulary. In this vast world, wherever you see, you find most
wonderful and joyful events that awaken your inner being and fill your heart
with immense bliss. Our students also have developed great skill, intelligence
and expertise in the fields of sports, games and music and demonstrated their
talents giving joy to one and all. Whatever be the activity they undertake,
they do it to please Swami and not for temporary happiness.
Right from the time of birth, all activities of man are centred round the
process of learning and acquiring wisdom. It is absolutely necessary to teach
the spirit of idealism to our students so that they fill their hearts with love
and give happiness to one and all. Today, there are a number of educational
institutions all over the world, but, nobody seems to have understood what
education really means. Students fill their heads with mere bookish knowledge,
write examinations, secure pass marks and claim that they are educated.
In spite of his education and intelligence, a foolish man will not
know his true Self and a mean-minded person will not give up his evil
qualities.
(Telugu Poem)
Modern education leads only to argumentation, not to total wisdom.
What is the use of acquiring education which cannot lead you to immortality?
Acquire the knowledge that will make you immortal.
(Telugu Poem)
Vidya means Jnana (wisdom). Jnana does not mean worldly intelligence.
True education is that which develops inner vision and makes you experience
everlasting bliss. In what way are the students benefited by the present
educational system? They are merely acquiring degrees and earning the
appreciation of the authorities, but they do not understand the real
significance of education. Modern students are unable to realise the true
spirit behind their participating in sports and cultural events. In all events
of sports and games, you have a winner and also a loser. People are interested
only in the outcome of the events and not in enjoying the spirit of sports. The
aim of sports and games is not to produce a decisive result but to inculcate
the spirit of sportsmanship in the participants. Life is a game, play it. Life
is a dream, realise it. Life is love, enjoy it. It is only he who understands
the import of these statements and realises them in his daily life is a true
student.
Modern system of education, instead of developing the power of
discrimination in students, is making them narrow-minded. It neither bestows
true wisdom nor does it help them to become broad-minded. The present-day
education has become meaningless. The textbooks that are prescribed for
students do not contain the essence of true education. I wonder why the
government promotes such meaningless textbooks! May be, even the government is
unaware of the realities. It appears as though somebody at some low level is
taking these decisions without consulting the higher authorities. It is
bringing a bad name to the government, but nobody seems to be concerned about
it. Such an unhealthy trend is on the rise. Nobody is making efforts to
understand the sacredness associated with the ancient system of education.
Students are interested only in bookish knowledge, not in the essence of
education. Only their textual knowledge is tested, but not practical knowledge.
Students think that degrees are meant to earn a livelihood. Education is for
life, not for a living. But neither the students nor the parents realise this
truth. Parents are happy if their children score high marks in their
examinations. They are not bothered about the heap of bad remarks their
children get. If only they care to look into the remarks, they will truly
understand the type of education that their children are receiving. Due to the
advancement in modern education, the study of Vedas and Sastras has declined.
In this situation, how can the present education confer true wisdom on you?
Students!
You should acquire such education which will be beneficial to the society
and the world at large. What is the present state of society? In what way can
we make it ideal? How should one work for the advancement of the society?
Nobody seems to think on these lines. Even the present system of education does
not lay emphasis on service to society. If someone talks about reforms in the
system of education, the students just brush it aside. They think that textual
knowledge is the be-all and end-all of education. The elders should take up the
responsibility to give proper education to students. Students should uphold the
honour of the society. We should follow the teachings of our ancient sages and
seers who have given us the true meaning of education. It is a sign of
foolishness to become egoistic by merely acquiring a few degrees. You should
understand the needs of society and utilise your education for its progress.
People say they are serving the society, but without really understanding what
the requirements of the society are. Such service is not Samaja Seva (social
service), but Samadhi Seva, meaning a lifeless, mechanical activity. Society
will progress only when the system of education is set right. As the craze for
Western education has increased, the study of Vedic texts is being neglected.
Parents should teach their children what is good and what is bad right from
their childhood. They should not be satisfied merely by securing admission in a
college and acquiring a degree by their children. They should ensure that their
children utilise their education to serve the nation. The government may not be
able to do much in this regard; it is the responsibility of the parents to
guide their children on proper lines. They should encourage the children to
work for the progress of the nation. But nowadays, parents do not have such
broad-mindedness. Even teachers are not interested in the welfare of the
nation. They feel that their responsibility ends with imparting bookish
knowledge to students. They do not even enquire whether the information
contained in the textbooks is beneficial to society or not. They do not take up
the matter with the government. Even if they do take it up, the government is
not responsive. They are changing educational institutions into factories which
produce degree holders. Students alone are not to be blamed for this state of
affairs. Parents, teachers and the government are equally responsible for this
dismal state of affairs. It is not enough if students secure high ranks in the
class and earn a good name. They should work for the progress of the society
and the nation and thus bring a good name to parents. Parents should monitor
the progress of their children from time to time, inculcate virtues in them and
mould them into responsible citizens. They should not rest satisfied if their
children get good marks. They should also observe what type of books they read
at home. Some students read meaningless novels. But the parents do not bother
to correct them. On the other hand, they say, �What is wrong in reading novels?
It is enough if they are happy.� In this manner, they spoil their own children.
They do not care to observe how their children behave in their absence. There
is no point in merely educating the children without correcting their
behaviour. Parents should emulate the ideals of our forefathers who brought up
their children in the most ideal way.
Embodiments of Love!
The modern system of education needs reforms. Parents today, take pride
that their children are studying in English medium schools and are able to
recite English poems. They fail to understand what type of impact and influence
this modern education has on their children. The tiny tots in kindergarten are
taught nursery rhymes like �Ba � Ba � Black Sheep�. Because of such education,
the children are ultimately becoming black sheep themselves. I am really pained
and disgusted watching the present-day system of education which is totally
spoiling the lives of students. That is why I have established educational
institutions spending crores of rupees to mould the character of students. I am
providing even textbooks free of cost to the students. In the present-day
world, the situation is so bad that even for admission to a primary school one
has to register well in advance paying thousands of rupees as donation. Parents
are happy if their wards get admission in what they consider good schools, but
they do not bother about the benefit that would accrue on account of such an
educational system. The children do not appreciate the privations the parents
have to undergo for educating them. Parents take loans and even forgo proper
food and sleep to educate their children. Ultimately, the children do not
benefit out of this system of education. They are unable to understand what is
good and what is bad for them. Today when the quality of education has become
so �cheap�; how can such education make one a �chief�? Neither the parents nor
the teachers nor the students are able to understand how the society and the
nation are benefited by the present system of education. Therefore, all of them
should join hands and work unitedly to bring about a complete transformation in
the society. At present students� agitation is on the increase. However, it is
not their fault. They are in themselves very good-natured. Fault lies with the
teachers, elders and the government. It is a decided factor that the present
system of education is not designed to mould the character of the students.
There are many good students, but parents, teachers and textbooks do not guide
them properly. It is high time that the parents opened their eyes and seen the
real state of affairs. They should see to it that their children come up in
their life by acquiring proper education. They should encourage their children
to pursue such type of education which will lead them to immortality. Of
course, secular education is also necessary. But, secular education should be
harmonised with spiritual education to mould the character of the students and
make them better citizens of the country.
Students!
Do not feel proud that you are pursuing higher education. Along with
higher education, you should cultivate noble qualities. Education bereft of
virtues is useless. The end of education is character. Today many students read
useless, even immoral fiction novels. The authorities should ensure that such
books are not sold in the market. Students should read only such books which
can improve their character. They should participate in sports and games in the
true spirit. This advice would equally apply to the girl students as well. They
question, �When boys ride motor bikes, why can�t we do the same?� In this way
they argue and waste their time. Nobody says that girls should not ride motor
bikes. But one should act according to the time and circumstances. The number
of fatal accidents of young people involved in two wheelers is on the increase.
Parents make many sacrifices to bring up their children. But, if the precious
lives of students are lost in motor cycle accidents, I can understand their
agony.
Today, girls want to compete with boys in every field. They also aspire
for name and fame. Their argument is, �In what way are we inferior to boys? Why
can�t we acquire the same type of education as boys?� However, each one should
acquire such type of education that is appropriate and suitable to them. It is
essential for women to look after their families well and shape the character
of their children in an ideal manner. Along with inculcating virtues in
children, they should also be given proper education. The present-day education
is leading students in the wrong direction. Parents are to be partly blamed for
this. They want their children to acquire high qualifications and get married
to another highly qualified person. Some parents while trying to fix up
marriage alliance ask, �My daughter has completed her post graduation. She is
good looking. What about your son? Has he completed his post graduation? Is he
handsome?� In fact, beauty is related to character, not to the physical
appearance. Beauty of character is what one should aspire for. Is it always
possible to get a post graduate bridegroom for a post graduate bride? The
present-day education is leading to unhealthy competition and conflicts. I do
not say that girls should not pursue higher education. If I am against women�s
education, why should I establish women�s colleges? I have established various
educational institutions with the sole purpose of inculcating virtues in
students. I am providing education free of cost. There are no examination fees
even. My only aim is that students should acquire proper education, become
ideal citizens and give happiness to their parents.
Students!
Do not misunderstand My words. I am telling you all this for your own
welfare and progress. You should acquire such education which will bring a good
name to you and uphold the reputation of your family. Do not become egoistic
and take to wrong ways in the name of freedom. I quite often caution the boys
not to look here and there while walking on the road. Some boys, while speeding
on their motor bikes, keep looking at girls who are passing by. In the process
their attention is diverted and they end up in accidents. If your character is
good, you will always be protected. You should always keep your senses under
control. You should always have a check on your vision, listening and speech.
Buddha undertook various spiritual practices with a view to have mastery over
his senses.
Why are the eyes given to you?
Is it to look here and there? No.
The eyes are meant to see the beautiful form of the Lord.
Why are the ears given to you?
Is it to listen to vain gossip? No.
The ears are meant to hear the glories of the Lord.
(Telugu Poem)
The ears are given for hearing good words and putting them into practice
and thereby lead a virtuous life. Having realised that God has given the sense
organs for the purpose of leading a virtuous life, Buddha discarded all
ritualised spiritual practices and put his senses to sacred use. He assured
himself that what he had to achieve in life was virtues, and not sensual
pleasures. He realised that conscience was his true Guru and made efforts to
control his sense organs like eyes and tongue. If these two sense organs are
controlled, all the other organs would automatically come under control. Having
thus set a goal for himself in life, Buddha entered the wide world, after
renouncing his wife and only child. I am not however advising you to leave your
wife and children and go to the forest like Buddha. You look after them well
and fulfil your responsibilities towards them. Teach your children noble
qualities and bring them up in life. Lead a life of virtue. This is what Buddha
taught. If you cultivate Samyak Drishti (right vision) like the Buddha, the
whole world will be under your control.
Do not pay heed to the wrong advice of others. Foster noble qualities. If
you can control your senses, that itself amounts to realising the essence of
the epic, Bhagavata. The study of the epic Bhagavata is meant to transform you
into a man of virtue. Hence, control your senses and become a master of the
world. This is what you have to strive for, today. Explain to your parents also
about your priorities in life. Tell them,�Mother! You expect me to go for a job
which offers a fat salary. But, high salaries are not as important as a
virtuous life. If we give preference to money instead of a noble life, our life
itself will be ruined.� When you keep your senses under control, you will
become a person of noble qualities. You will also gain the strength of
character. Hanuman, the illustrious servant of Lord Rama is an example of such
noble qualities. He was extolled as �Santhudu�, �Gunavantudu� and �Balavantudu�
(calm and serene, one of virtues, one of mighty strength). He became a great
Guru because of his noble qualities. We should emulate his noble qualities.
Dear Students!
You are like pure gold. You are people of noble qualities. You are
precious. But, some of you are misguided by bad elements. Even if others try to
mislead you, do not deviate from your chosen path. Stand firm. Only then will
you acquire name and fame. This is My advice to the students. In today�s
education you are taught skills which will enable you to rise up in your
career, but, nobody teaches moral education. Morality is the most important
aspect of education. Money comes and goes, morality comes and grows. Therefore,
cultivate morality. That will earn you respect from society.
God is your sole refuge wherever you may be, be it in a forest or
in the sky or in a city or in a village or on the top of a mountain or in the
middle of a deep sea.
(Telugu Poem)
Cultivate noble qualities. I shall give you everything. Nay, I shall give
Myself to those who cultivate noble qualities and also to those who teach them.
In fact, I am living only for their sake. I do not seek anything in return from
them. Lead a life of character and nobility. Bring good name to your parents,
your institution and to Swami.
Dear Students!
You are all men of noble qualities, but you are influenced by the
contemporary society to a certain extent. Therefore, do not succumb to
distracting influences. First and foremost, make proper use of your senses. Any
elders you come across, revere them as your father and mother. Earn good name
for yourself by your thoughts, words and deeds.
Join good company, speak good words, cultivate Samyak Drishti and pursue
good education that will build your character � this is what I expect from you,
students. In fact, this is what your parents also wish for. No father or mother
will expect their children to be spoiled. But, they are unable to advise the
children properly and put them in order, out of some sort of inhibition. Of
course, I have no such qualms. Therefore, I am advising you, with all the
emphasis at My command, to see good, be good and do good. Cultivate noble
qualities. Thyaga (sacrifice) is the noblest of all qualities, not Bhoga
(indulgence). In fact, Bhoga will lead you to Roga (disease). The Veda has
proclaimed Na Karmana Na Prajaya Dhanena Thyagenaike Amrutatthwamanasu
(immortality is not attained through action, progeny or wealth; it is attained
only by sacrifice). Hence, Bangaru! (My dear golden students) cultivate such
noble qualities as Thyaga. I am prepared to sacrifice everything for you. But,
you must also be in a position to receive My grace. I am yours and you are
Mine. That should be the relationship between us. Try to understand Swami�s
love. All this is meant to advise you to tread the right path. Do not go
against the wishes of your parents. If, by any chance, you have to differ from
their views, explain to them lovingly your viewpoint. They will also feel happy
that you have respected their feelings. The Veda has declared, Matru Devo
Bhava, Pitru Devo Bhava, Acharya Devo Bhava, Atithi Devo Bhava (revere your
mother, father, preceptor and guest as God). Speak sweetly and softly to your
parents. Convince them, if necessary. I am prepared to sacrifice anything for
the sake of such students. Several students join our educational institutions.
Some of them may not be in a position to pay fees. Therefore, we have decided
that all education in Sathya Sai institutions should be totally free and no
fees be collected from the students. You should be free from all anxieties and
enjoy peace. By conforming to good behaviour only can peace be obtained.
Several students today wish to enjoy good things in life, but are following
wrong methods. They wish to partake of sugar, but consume bitter pills. They
say one thing and do another. That is why it is said
Manasyekam Vachasyekam Karmanyekam Mahatmanam
Manasyanyath Vachasyanyath Karmanyanyath Duratmanam
(those whose thoughts, words and deeds are in perfect harmony are noble
ones; those who lack harmony of these are wicked)
I like such students whose thoughts, words and deeds are in perfect
accord. I am prepared to sacrifice anything for them, nay, I will give away
Myself to such people.
Dear Students!
Knowingly or unknowingly you might have committed mistakes in the past.
But, at least in future, cultivate good qualities and try to keep your parents
as well as Swami always happy.
(Swami called students from Primary School, Higher Secondary School and
also from the three campuses and gave away glittering silver trophies in
appreciation of their performance in the Sports and Cultural Meet.)
Source: http://www.sssct.org/Discourses/2004/sankranti_04.htm
