Character Is The Crest Jewel Of Education

If you leave ego, you become dear to all;
If you conquer anger, you become free from worries;
You become prosperous when you control your desires;
You attain happiness only when you conquer greed.
(Sanskrit Verse)

Embodiments of Love!

Today we find that not only the field of education but all other fields of human activity are beset with unrest, unrighteousness, and injustice. Wherever we see in the world today, we find only misery, sorrow, and unrest. Unrest is on the rise in all walks of life, be it politics, finance, or even spirituality.

Develop Courage And Fortitude To Overcome Fear

Wherever man goes, he is haunted by fear. In the present-day world, it is difficult to find a person who is without fear. What is the cause of this? Every moment of man's life is full of fear, which emerges from within. He is haunted by fear whether he is in his home, street, office, college, or bajaar. Is there any place where there is no fear? The only place which is free from fear is a temple, which is suffused with the love of God. The fundamental cause of this widely prevalent fear is man’s own defects and shortcomings. “Man has conquered everything, but he has not conquered himself,” said the British Prime Minister Churchill. The same thing was said by Prahlada to his father. The little boy Prahlada was full of courage; he could state spiritual truths even before his father without any trace of fear. Man today needs to understand how he can develop courage like Prahlada. Though they are quite capable of developing courage, yet the youth and even adults are full of fear today. It is necessary for man to develop courage and fortitude to overcome fear. He can get courage only from God. For this, he has to develop faith in and devotion to God.

Students, Boys and Girls!

You have to face the world with courage. In the present situation of the world, our true strength is in courage and fortitude. When you cultivate devotion to God, you can face the challenges of the world with confidence and courage. Life is a Challenge, Meet it. Life is a Game, Play it. You become a victim of fear because of a lack of courage. So, develop the courage to face all the challenges of the world.

Education does not mean merely the ability to read and write. What is vidya (education)? Saa vidya yaa vimuktaye (True education is that which liberates). True education develops courage and fortitude in the learner. It is the need of the hour that we should lead our lives with courage without faltering at any step to achieve success in all walks of life.

Wisdom Is Not Confined To Books Alone

People study sacred texts, acquire scholarship, and achieve success in many fields, yet they lack true knowledge. Once King Janaka was presiding over an assembly of Pandits (scholars). At that time, a great saint and scholar Ashtavakra entered the assembly hall. At the very sight of this person, the assembled Pandits burst into laughter. On seeing them laughing in this manner, Ashtavakra also started laughing rather more loudly. Seeing Ashtavakra laughing, one Pandit got up and said, “We have a reason to laugh at you. We laughed at the crooked shape of your body, which has eight bends. But why are you laughing at us?” Ashtavakra replied, “Oh Pandits! You started laughing at the crooked shape of my body. I am laughing at the crookedness of your mind. You should first master your mind.”

As the saying goes, ‘master the mind and be a mastermind.’ Ashtavakra continued, “Your laughter is unreasonable and meaningless. I thought that this was an assembly of great scholars. But I find no true scholar here. All are mere cobblers in this assembly.” On hearing this insulting remark, the scholars got angry. They asked Ashtavakra, “Cobblers are those who make sandals and slippers. We are scholars. How can you equate us with cobblers?” Ashtavakra said, “Only cobblers evaluate the skin, not the Pandits. Panditah sama-darshinah (Pandits who are equal-minded). In this assembly, there is none endowed with equal-mindedness.”

While all this was going on, Janaka sat there totally unruffled. He watched everything with an undisturbed mind. His heart was full of purity as he had given up all attachments. He was very happy to hear what Ashtavakra said. He said, “Oh Sage Ashtavakra, what you have said is absolutely true. No one in this assembly is equal-minded, who is treating all with equanimity. The mark of education and scholarship is equal-mindedness, purity of thoughts, and adherence to truth. We are indeed very fortunate to have a man of wisdom like you in this assembly.”

Modern education gives only bookish knowledge. Bookish knowledge is superficial. It does not fill the heart of the learners with love. What is the use of such an education? You should acquire practical knowledge which can provide you fulfillment in life. Only then can you earn the status of a true scholar. Today’s students acquire the first rank and score high marks in examinations. But, what is the use if the heart is not filled with the fragrance of love? King Janaka was endowed with great strength, scholarship, and virtues. He admired the teachings given by Ashtavakra in the assembly of scholars.

In ancient times, there were many eminent scholars and sages like Janaka and Ashtavakra in Bharat. Such scholars and rulers are not seen in modern times. Modern educationists lack the effulgence of virtues found in the scholars of yore. Hence, the type of knowledge acquired by them is meaningless. Education without character is no education. You may have everything in life but all this is a waste without character and good qualities. Do not boast of your so-called high education. What is the type of education you are having today? It is not education at all in the true sense of the term. It will be shameful to exult over this type of shallow education in an assembly of true scholars. Education is not merely the study of books. Education is meant to uphold human values in society and achieve the welfare of society. But education today is being made a business enterprise. Moreover, there is a lack of understanding among people about what is meant by true education. We should acquire education which helps to achieve liberation. We become truly educated when we acquire such education. There are many good students. They should aspire for this type of education.

What is it that you learn today when you go to school? You learn “Ba ... Ba Black Sheep.” Is it what you have to learn? Do you want to become black sheep? This is not what you have to learn. You have to learn about God. You have to acquire courage and good character through education. True power comes from the heart. You should acquire that education which develops the power of the heart.

Students!

The modern system of education has become crooked. Ashtavakra had only a crooked body, but educated people today are having a crooked mind. First and foremost, we have to get rid of this crookedness of our mind. Only then can we become truly educated. What we learn today is utterly meaningless. Even the bookish knowledge acquired by us is not proper. In the world today, there are many scholars. Even all of them put together cannot match Ashtavakra. You cannot find today even one Ashtavakra of the type that came to the court of King Janaka.

The End Of Education Is Character

Embodiments of Love!

We must enquire as to what is that we are studying. There are many kinds of education in the world today. The scope of education has become limitless. What is the essence of this education? Hiranyakashipu called his son Prahlada and asked him what his teachers Chanda and Amarka had taught him. Prahlada said:

Father! The teachers have taught me many subjects.
I have understood the four objectives of life – Dharma (righteousness), Artha (wealth), Kama (desire), and Moksha (liberation).
I have studied many things;
in fact, I have understood the very essence of education.
(Telugu Poem)

His father asked him to tell him what the essence of all education was. Prahlada said, “The essence of all education is: Om Namo Narayana.” Hiranyakashipu got enraged on hearing this. He admonished him not to utter the name of Narayana and pushed him away. The father got angry on hearing the essence of education from his son. This sort of hatred against spiritual education is found even today. Naturally, there is no trace of devotion, love, or sympathy in today’s education. How can love develop in such a situation?

Students!

You are all studying. All that you learn should get imprinted on your heart. In ancient times, the parents did not have formal education, but they taught profound truths to their children. Even illiterate mothers imparted great wisdom to their children. Are you learning even an iota of that sacred wisdom today? First and foremost, you should learn to pray to God and sing His glory. Spend your time in contemplation of God and earn His grace. This is the essence of true education. We have to give the students this type of education. Children should always obey their parents. They should adhere to the sacred path in life. What is the use of all your education if you cannot know yourself? You have to know your own truth before knowing everything else. In olden days, it was said:

Get up early in the morning at the crowing of the cock,
Have a bath after your morning ablutions,
Wear proper dress.
Eat properly and moderately.
Go to school and study diligently.
Earn a good name.
Don’t move out when it is raining,
And never go near the ditches.
Take part in games,
Run and play.
If you abide by all these rules,
You will have both health and wealth.
(Telegu Poem)

Parents of those days used to teach great lessons. We have to learn such good practices from our parents and elders and not from books alone. Today you go to school to learn. The word Badi is used for school. But the same word is also used for yoke, which holds the bullocks so that they do not go out of control. The yoke works as a regulating system. A school should have regulation and discipline. What is the use of a Badi (school) which has no regulation? You go to school and come back home. What is the use of this going and coming if you are not learning regulation and discipline? Modern education has only profusion of voluminous books devoid of wisdom. They are fit to be used only as pillows to sleep on. What you need to acquire is true wisdom.

Students, Boys and Girls!

First of all, you should learn Daiva chintana (contemplation on God). Try to understand the meaning of “Hari” (God). When you chant the name of Hari, you will have true education. Without learning this, learning of all other things is of no use.

You are not making efforts to acquire true education; you are studying just to eke out your livelihood. Today even highly educated people lack true wisdom. Bookish learning is not that important; it is the behavior that matters. You should tread the sacred path in your daily life. There is no use of your education if your behavior is not good. Of what use is all your learning?

Nobody can change what is written on your forehead.
If you do not use your discrimination and do not prevent wicked thoughts from entering your head, then what is the use of all your education?
(Telugu Poem)

First and foremost, you have to change your way of thinking and your mind. Your behavior will be good only when your mind is good. Without setting right your mind, there will be no use of education. You should have an independent mind; you should avoid borrowing others’ thoughts. Only then can you set good ideals for others. I wish that from today onwards, our students develop good character, foster good behavior, and nurture good qualities. You may have everything in life, but if you do not have character, then everything will be a waste. The end of education is character. Without character, education is useless. Every student should shine forth like a man of sterling character. His speech should be full of sweetness, purity, and wisdom.

Aswatthama was the son of a great teacher, but he was not a man of character. He had a jewel in his head which gave him the power of protection. When this jewel was removed from his head, he lost all his power. When Hanuman went to Lanka, Sita gave her crest jewel to him, which enhanced his power immensely. He could perform great acts of valour because he had this gem in his hand. He considered it as his very life. Can we see such a gem today? (Bhagawan mentioned that He materialized this gem of Sita and showed it to the students in Kodaikanal recently.) In today’s situation, this gem is the gem of character. What man needs today is the gem of character. What is the use of other gems when you do not have the gem of character?

Sacredness Of Hanuman’s Devotion To Rama
At the time of His coronation, Rama wanted to give rewards to all those who helped Him. Then Sita said:
Here is Hanuman, the crest jewel among all the monkeys, who fulfilled Your mission.
He is the one who found me out in Lanka.
He is full of valour who destroyed the city of Lanka.
(Telugu Song)

Sita asked Rama what reward He was going to give to Hanuman in this assembly. Rama said, “Sita, Hanuman would not like any ordinary reward. I know what he wants, and I shall give.” Sita, however, gave Hanuman the pearl necklace given to her by Janaka. Chewing the pearls one by one, Hanuman threw the pearls away. What is the use of a pearl which does not contain the name of Rama? Then Rama got up, hugged Hanuman, and said, “This is what I want to give you as your reward. I am with you, and you are with Me. We can never be separated. This bond of love between you and Me is eternal.” Hanuman was overjoyed. He said, “I do not want anything except You. What more can I ask for? I am not interested in any wealth. Your name is my only treasure, and Your form is my wealth.” Sita was also very happy to hear this.

Once Sri Rama’s birthday was being celebrated. Kaushalya prepared many delicious sweets and distributed them to all. She invited many persons for the function and distributed gifts to them. On this occasion, Kaushalya applied vermilion on the forehead of Sita. Then Sita went with Rama to their room. Hanuman also wanted to follow Rama. But, Kaushalya told him not to enter the room of Rama. She said, Sita with vermilion mark had the right to enter Rama’s room, but Hanuman had no right to do so. At this, Hanuman got angry, went to the bajaar, bought a lot of vermilions, and smeared it on his body. He then exclaimed, “When Mother Sita with a little vermilion on her forehead can enter Rama’s room, why not I with so much of vermilion?” Hanuman’s devotion was full of innocence and sacredness. People had very sacred feelings in ancient days. We do not find such sacred feelings in people today. But the past is past. You cannot get back that type of time. Without bothering about the future, you should make the best use of your present. Whatever you have got today, you have to maintain.

Once Anjana Devi, the mother of Anjaneya, came to the residence of Kaushalya. Kaushalya enquired who she was. Anjana Devi introduced herself, saying, “I am the mother of Anjaneya, who could cross over the mighty ocean in one leap.” After some time, the mother of Sage Agastya also came there. On being asked, she introduced herself, saying, “I am the mother of the one who swallowed the entire ocean in one gulp.” Then Kaushalya said to them, “Your sons could accomplish such stupendous tasks because of the mighty power of the name of my son, Rama.” As they were conversing, Rama came there and asked, “Mother, what is it that you are discussing?” Kaushalya replied, “Son, we are discussing the glory of your name.” Then Rama said, “Mother, it is not merely because of my name that they were able to perform such mighty tasks. Their purity of heart was also responsible for this. There are many who chant my name, but are all of them able to reap its benefit? Purity of heart is very essential.” Mothers in those days were women of great merit. But, many children today do not respect their mothers.

The Ideals Every Family Should Uphold

Once all the people of the village gathered to celebrate Swami’s birthday. They invited Mother Easwaramma to take part in this function. They said to her, “Today is your son’s birthday. You should participate in this function.” She happily agreed to come and said that it was her great good fortune to take part in it. She came walking from the village and sat down at the doorstep of My room, saying, “Swami, I could walk up to Your room but am unable to walk further.” On hearing this, Venkamma offered to help her. Then Easwaramma said, “Venkamma, I do not need anybody’s help. Only Swami will help me. Swami will protect me at all times.”

The Summer Course was going on at Brindavan. Easwaramma had her breakfast and coffee. After that, she was chewing betel. Suddenly, she shouted, “Swami, Swami, Swami” three times. I said, “I am coming, I am coming, I am coming.” I came down immediately, and she breathed her last. She had an easy death without any suffering at all. Who can pass away with such ease? All those related to this body had such experience. Pedda Venkama Raju also passed away likewise. He came to Me when I had called a lot of people for an interview. He said to Me, “Swami, I want to speak to You for a minute.” I said, “Many people are waiting as I have called them for an interview.” Then he said, “It is very urgent.” He took out some money and put it in My hand. He said, “I am a poor man. On the 12th day after my death, use this money to feed poor people.”

The parents of this body were generous. Those who are born to such parents are very fortunate. Easwaramma always helped the poor women who approached her for something or the other. Some women told her that they did not have bangles. Easwaramma would go into the house and bring some grains to buy bangles for them. In those days, people did not have money. Things were bought with grains.

The grandfather of this body, Kondama Raju, was also a man of very charitable disposition. He was a man of high character. He looked at everyone with equal-mindedness. He said, “I do not want any wealth. Pedda Venkama Raju, Chinna Venkama Raju, Subba Raju, and Venkatarama Raju can share the property between them. I want only one property.” All of them were there. They asked, “Father, what do you want?” He said, “Give me only Sathya. If Sathya is with me, that is enough.” At that time, I was very small. At the age of nine, I used to run to Bukkapatnam to study and return in the same way. In the evening, grandfather would call Me, “Sathya, come here.” He never called Me Sathyanarayana. He always called Me Sathya. All others used to call Me Raju. He would call Me near and say, “Sathya, our neighbor is having a fever. Prepare some Rasam for him.” I would prepare Rasam and give to the sick person. Rasam prepared by Me was treated as a medicine and would cure everybody.

In this way, I gave all help to My grandfather Kondama Raju. One day, I was pretending to sleep. As he also lay down near Me, he heard My breath sounding as “Om.” When he got up in the morning, he said, “Sathya, come here. Today we have to celebrate a festival.” I asked, “What festival, grandfather?” He said, “I have heard Your breath producing the sound of Omkar.” I said, “It is nothing new. It is always there.” Thus, Kondama Raju experienced the divinity of Swami and felt immense happiness.

The family had a good name, and every member tried to uphold its reputation. None of them ever indulged in any act of injustice or unrighteousness. Before his death, Pedda Venkamaraju gave Me some coins and told Me, “I have some money left with me from the earnings of my small business. Maybe I have committed some wrong to somebody. After my death, when my dead body is taken out, throw these coins over my dead body so that poor people can pick them up. This would free me from the debt which I might have incurred by mistake.” I told him, “Why do you want to give Me money? I have enough money.” Then he said, “No, I do not want anybody’s money. I want to give only my money.” All the members of this family were imbued with sacred ideals and spirit of sacrifice. Janakiramaiah (younger brother of Swami) is also doing a lot of charity. All the men and women of this family upheld the ideals of self-sacrifice and truth.

We have to uphold the principle of truth in our life. If we have it, that is enough. Before he passed away, Kondama Raju one day called Me near and said, “I know you are God, though people don’t know it.” Every morning, he used to come walking with a walking stick from the village. I would pretend to sleep when I saw him coming. He used to lift the rug, touch My feet, and go away. One day, he called Easwaramma, asked her to prepare Obbattu (a delicious dish he very much liked), and said, “Now my end is very near.” Easwaramma asked, “You are quite healthy. Why do you talk like this?” He replied, “I know; do as I say.” She prepared the dish. Kondama Raju asked Me to eat it, but I refused. He said, “I am now 112 years old, and I have never fed You. Today, I want to feed You with my hands. In the previous Yugas, You were fed by Yashoda and Kaushalya. Today I have this good fortune.” He put a little in My mouth. But, it was neither in his hand nor in My mouth. Easwaramma, who was watching this, wondered where it went. Kondama Raju said, “Swami’s Leelas (Divine pranks) are many. This is just one more.”

Kondama Raju had a peaceful death. All the members of this family had such a peaceful end. They faced hardships but always remained happy. They helped others even though they were not very affluent. In every respect, this was an ideal and noble family. All should emulate the ideals of this family. Every man should try to become a member of such ideal families.

Be Grateful To Your Parents

Students!

Try to help others to the best of your ability and strength. Help them to get a good education. I am here to help you always. Give food to those who need it. There is no charity higher than annadanam (giving food to the hungry). Give food free. Give everything free to needy people.

There are no greater gods than parents,
There is no virtue greater than character.
There is no greater Dharma than compassion,
There is no greater gain than the company of good,
There is no enemy greater than anger,
There is no greater misery than infamy.
There is no greater fortune than a good reputation,
There is no wealth greater than contentment.
There is no ornament better than the chanting of God’s Name.
(Telugu Poem)

Daiva chintana (contemplation of God) is the greatest sadhana. You should give the utmost satisfaction to your parents. Consider it as your bounden duty to offer water to your parents at the time of their passing away. You should touch their feet and pay obeisance to them every day. Having been born as a son or daughter to them, you have to do your duty and show respect to your parents. Only then will you attain fulfillment in life. Even when you are not seeing your parents physically, you should feel that they are with you. After their departure from the world, you perform the rite of tarpanam to them (ceremony in memory of the parents).

What is true tarpanam? Performing the formal ritual of feeding Brahmanas is not enough. You should shed tears of gratitude. Remembrance of your parents with gratitude is the most important thing that you should do. This is the greatest act of punyam (merit).

Blessing you all to continue showing such meaningful and heartfelt gratitude and reverence to your parents to sanctify your life, I bring My discourse to a close.

Divine Discourse, 2-6-2003, Brindavan, Bengaluru