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Much has been said so far about the desirable changes in Indian Education
since independence. Recommendations of different committees and commissions
of Indian Education in general and in the field of spiritual and moral
education in particular have been discussed in detail on different
levels so far. Still, after fifty years of independence we are facing
a crisis of character.
On this background, it is really timely to take note of our very revered
Swami Krishnananda's contribution to Indian Education on this auspicious
event of his completing 75 years on this earthly plane.
Needless to say that he reiterates the views of Indian Saints add
Seers that education is a manifestation of perfection already in man.
Education: A Pleasant Process of Imparting Knowledge
While explaining one of his points, Swami Krishnananda says that education
is feeling of the needs of the students and supplying them with proper
thing at proper time and in proper way. For this task the teacher
should not regard teaching as a business with students and should
have a capacity to make himself liked by the student's mind. According
to Swamiji, this pleasant process of imparting knowledge is education.
The right type of education should exceed the limits of parochial
religions or the cult of any sect or society and should be free from
the prejudices of caste, creed and colour. Further he points out that
the system of education that rejects all the religions in the name
of secularism and also the human aspirations is thoroughly unsatisfactory.
Education constitutes a vital process and it grows out of its own
accord when soul is poured into it. The bread-earning education has
to become life-earning education; for, the latter, in addition to
supplying bread, shall also supply man with a soul to live by. The
present-day system of education is unsatisfactory because it is founded
on a mistaken concept of life's values. The human being is reduced
to a speck in the gigantic structure of cosmos. It is a fact that
man is not merely a humble cog in the machine of a relentless world,
but the essence of man is a spiritual principle, co-extensive with
the Universal Spirit. This view was lost sight of in Macaulian scheme
moving along the ruts of so-called modernisation of thinking, a rationality
of approach and a scientific attitude of life.
Need of a Textbook on "The Constitution
of Man in the Universe"
On the background of this erroneous mechanistic view of life, the
necessity of writing a small textbook on "The Constitution of Man
in the Universe", is mentioned. This book should contain information
on the structure of the human personality in relation to outer creation.
It should deal with fundamentals of human conduct on the basis of
this relation of man to creation. Ample illustrations are found in
this regard in the gospels of the Saints and Seers of all religions.
The students in the higher classes be introduced to the great heritage
of India, giving a broader vision of culture in general, expounding
the contribution of modern Saints like Vivekananda, Aurobindo, Ramana
Maharshi, Sivananda and others to the revival of Indian culture. For
bringing out unity underlying human aspirations, Swamiji recommends
that separate section may be devoted to the lives and teachings of
Buddha, Mahaveer, Christ, Mohammed, the Sufi Saints and Sikh Gurus.
Salvation of the Self and Welfare of the World
A careful thought of fourfold aim of human existence i.e. righteousness
in all stages and forms (Dharma), economic independence (Artha),
emotional satisfaction (Kama) and spiritual realisation (Moksha)
will provide a sufficient background thinking to the teachers and
help them keep in view the purpose of education which is likely to
be missed in achievements of material ends. Taking into consideration
that educational career is a holy pursuit, all types of indulgences
of the sub-human urges be strictly discouraged. At the same time it
is very important to note that no one side of human aspect be stressed
at the expense of the other. Else there is likely to be a revolt of
the neglected aspect at some later stage. Unless the relation between
the inner and the outer realities, the psychical nature of man and
the physical and social nature of the world is harmoniously maintained
at every stage of teaching, the aim of salvation of the self and welfare
of the world (Atmano mokshartha jagat hitayacha) will remain
a long way off.
Intuition
as One of the Abiding Values in Education
Swamiji frequently points out that the ignorance of the fact that
the student is a living being with outer desires and inner aspirations,
has led to the grievous condition of present-day educational institutions.
It is neglected that individual soul (Vyashti) and Universal
Soul (Samashti) are organically connected and not mechanically
dovetailed. The Universal Spirit speaks in various languages of mind
and intellect the same message of the integral value of the entire
existence, the law of action and reaction called Karma, the laws of
physics, chemistry, biology, psychology and sociology, of the moral
science and of political history are all different affirmations of
this Universal truth. Intuition is one of the abiding values that
India has contributed to the world of education as higher than intellect.
However, it is not understandable why it is still regarded mere fancy
when the very foundation on which science is based is being doubted.
One must know that sense, reason and intuition are stages of knowledge
and intuition is nearer to reality than the other two.
Residential Schools as Prototypes of Gurukulas
Swamiji recommends residential schools as prototypes of ancient Gurukulas.
He appeals to rich class to come forward with liberal donations. Then
alone we can serve the needs of the students from majority cadre.
By educating the majority we can free our country from mental slavery
and ignorance of culture. More important than this is to find proper
teachers. Teaching is a process in psychology and calls forth not
only super-human patience but also infinite understanding on the part
of the teacher. Last but not the least is the point that the authorities
of the institutions should try their best in making the students feel
that the management is genuinely interested in their welfare.
Swamiji Harps on the Note of Hope
Swamiji is hopeful that all these things can be achieved with efforts.
On this auspicious event of his completing seventy fifth year, we
pray to God and Gurudev to bestow their choicest blessings on him.
May Swami Krishnananda live long a healthy, happy and blissful life!
May his dream of educational reform come true and may new India of
21st century emerge with many more assurances for the entire humanity!
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