A person woke up, got ready, and began to step outside the house. His neighbour asked him where he was going and he said, ‘I don’t know’. He walks off not knowing where he was going. If you were his friend and heard his answer, wouldn’t you be worried for him? Wouldn’t you try to speak with him, or follow him, and let him know you are there for him?
Our acharyas also get worried for those who say ‘I don’t know what my goal is in life’. Out of boundless compassion, acharyas from time immemorial for generations have made themselves accessible to everyone in many ways to impart knowledge about life and its purpose. The goal of education is a part of that rich knowledge base.
If you ask a farmer who is ploughing the land what his goal is, he wouldn’t say ‘ploughing the land’. He would say his goal is to produce the intended crop. Similarly, goal of education is not to write exams, secure marks, make money alone… What is the final goal?
vidya: dada:thi vinayam
vinaya:th ya:th pa:thratha:m
pa:thrathva:th dhanam a:pnothi
dhana:th dharma thathah sukham
Vidya, education must impart vinaya, humility in one. Humility makes the person a pa:thratha, good person – one whose conduct is accepted by society and is recognized to be an inspiration. Such a person is encouraged by the society and nature by giving him dhana, wealth. He/she does not preserve the wealth but utilises it for dharma, righteous deeds. Thus,
A righteous deed is that which benefits the doer in the current life as well as after leaving the current body. It’s not limited to donating money in a temple, it is anything that benefits yourself and others who are in need. It is not that which benefits someone for short term pleasure, but for long run good. Alcohol for example could be ‘giving pleasure’ for those few moments, but it is harmful in the long run.
I know alcohol is not right for me. But, how do I know what my dharma is in general day to day life?
Do your duty. Share what you have for the well-being of others who need it. Trees do not ‘save’ fruits for themselves. Air does not ‘hold’ some for itself. Sun does not ‘store’ light or heat for itself. Learn and earn but use it to share and care for others. This is dharma. This is the goal of education. Don’t say ‘I don’t know’. Real education does not leave you in a state of vague but gives you clarity and enthusiasm to move forwards in life.
– From the discourse of HH Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji
– Inauguration of Pooja International School – Sainik School
– Proddatur ,27th June 2022
Sriman Raja has dedicated his life to serving orphans, mentally unstable, physically challenged, training students for service to the nation, and more! Such is the attitude of someone who is truly educated. He knows what to do with his life. He doesn’t say ‘I don’t know’…
Jai srimannarayana 🙏🏻🌺🌸🌺🌸🌺🌸
💕👌🙏👌💕
Jai SRIMANNARAYANA, this gave me more clarity of my duty in FUTURE. I will follow with dedication.