TRUE EDUICATION

 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.