True Education
According
to the Vedanta there are two types of education (vidya) viz para vidya
(higher) and apara vidya (lower) as stated in the Mundaka Upanishad.
Apara vidya is related to the knowledge of Rg-Veda, Yajur-Veda,
Sama-Veda, Atharva-Veda, the science of pronunciation etc., the code of
rituals, grammar, etymology, metre and astrology. The para vidya is
higher knowledge by which is attained the Imperishable. In other word apara vidya is related to worldly affairs and para vidya is related to spiritual affairs. Apart
from intellectual knowledge, apara vidya gives us relief as it is a
source of earning livelihoods with name and fame in the society but it
cannot put an end to the sufferings born out of cravings or
uncontrollable desires and passions. However, those who are vexed with
the worldly enjoyments and those who want attain spiritual
enlightenments are naturally inclined to para vidya. Para
vidya leads to knowledge of Supreme (or by whatever it may be called viz
Ishwar by a bhakta or Atman by a yogi or Brahman by a jnani or
Selflessness by karmayogi) one attains freedom i.e. cessation of birth
and death.
However, Swami Vivekananda
wanted to conjoin with the present educational system the attributes
that are prerequisites for spiritual development viz. self confidence,
manliness, sacrificing zeal for others and above all strength in
character. Swamiji categorically stated, ‘Well, you consider a man as
educated if only he can pass some examinations and deliver lectures. The
education which does not help the common mass of people to equip
themselves for the struggle for life, which does not bring out strength
of character, a spirit of philanthropy, and the courage of a lion – is
it worth the name? Real education is that which enables one to stand on
his own legs. The education that you are receiving now in schools and
colleges is only making you a race of dyspepties. You are working like
machines merely, and living a jelly-fish existence. According to him,”
education is the manifestation of the perfection already in man’. He
also stated, “The true education is not yet conceived of amongst us. I
never define anything, still it may be described as a development of
faculty, not an accumulation of words, or as a training of individuals
to will rightly and efficiently.” Thus, if our education system is
evolved with this spirit of Swamiji, neither apara vidya will be
neglected by spiritual-aspirants nor para vidya will be ridiculed by the
educated-intellectuals. Thus a balanced growth of material prosperity
and spiritual uplifting is possible and this is most desired goal of an
ideal society for all-round development of humanity. In fact we are
ushering in a new era when many educated people are motivated to imbibe
spiritual values and many enlightened souls are coming forward to share
social responsibilities.