न हि ज्ञानेन सदृशं पवित्रमिह विद्यते |
तत्स्वयं योगसंसिद्ध: कालेनात्मनि विन्दति ||4.38||
श्रद्धावान् लभते ज्ञानं तत्पर: संयतेन्द्रिय: |
ज्ञानं लब्ध्वा परां शान्तिमचिरेणाधिगच्छति ||4.39||
‘In this world, there is nothing as purifying as divine knowledge. One who has attained purity of mind through prolonged practice of Yoga, receives such knowledge within the heart, in due course of time.
Those whose faith is deep and who have practiced controlling their mind and senses attain divine knowledge. Through such transcendental knowledge, they quickly attain everlasting supreme peace.’
A kind of cognition or familiarity is knowledge. It is frequently taken to mean factual knowledge or practical abilities, but it can also refer to familiarity with things or circumstances. Knowledge can be interpreted in several ways. Knowledge can be acquired via memory, rational intuition, inference, testimony, and perception, but perception plays an important role because it comes from the senses. The link between illusion and reality is knowledge. It has the power to create and destroy life on Earth. Furthermore, knowledge helps us to distinguish between right and wrong. It aids us in confronting our flaws, vulnerabilities, and risky situations in life. Furthermore, those with information are morally and emotionally healthier than those with money but no education. The most vital ingredient for success in life is knowledge.
The Mandako Upanishad refers to two kinds of knowledge the one is superior Para vidya and the inferior Apara vidya. All empirical and objective knowledge falls under the category of lower knowledge, which is of the intellect and senses. It consists of the study of Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda, Atharvaveda, phonetics, the code of rituals, grammar, etymology, metrics, and astronomy. It is, however, limited to the finite world. Empirical knowledge involves a knower, the thing known, and the act of knowing. However, Para Vidya is the knowledge of the Atman and of Brahman. It is not familiar to the outside world. Additionally, it is not the subjective experience of ideas and feelings. Man's primary goal in life is to reach this Para Vidya, and it is thought that if one does not make an effort to do so, his life has been squandered. By transcending the bonds of ignorance, Para Vidya leads to the realization of God. It frees one from the birth cycle.
This type of knowledge and teachings were taught in Gurukul, when Gurukul disappeared, this knowledge also disappeared! A Gurukul or Gurukulam (Sanskrit: गुरुकुल, romanized: gurukul) is a form of education system used in ancient India where Shishya ('students' or 'disciples') lived nearby or in the same house as the guru for a period where they learned and received education from their guru. The Sanskrit words guru (meaning "teacher" or "master") and kula (meaning "family" or "home") are combined to form the word Gurukula. The Macaulay technique is destroying the youth of our nation's future today. In the Indian subcontinent, the Gurukul system of residential education dates back to about 5000 BC.
The educational system in India has historically been one of tradition. In other terms, you could refer to it as the Gurukul system, where the students received education in all subject areas. They weren't mysterious in any way. They used to study literature, archery, yoga, music, and other subjects. But throughout time, our educational system saw a lot of changes, and the modern system of education was born. Compared to the 'Gurukuls' system of the past, this new educational system was significantly different. At that time, all subjects were taught, from Sanskrit to the sacred texts and from mathematics to metaphysics. When students were taught many disciplines and how to have an educated and disciplined life, it was more common during the Vedic era. Gurukul, the residence of a teacher or Acharya, served as an epicenter of learning where students lived till the completion of their studies. Students assist the guru with his daily tasks, such as doing basic domestic duties, while also learning from him. However, some scholars suggest that the activities are not mundane and very an essential part of the education to inculcate self-discipline among students. The relationship between a guru and the shishya is thought to be extremely sacred, hence typically a guru does not take or accept any money from the Shishya studying with him.
Before leaving the gurukul after their education, shishyas offer the guru dakshina. The Gurudakshina is a traditional act of acknowledgment, respect, and gratitude to the guru. It might take the form of a monetary gift or a particular task that the teacher wishes the pupil to complete. The students would spend months or probably years at a time away from home while studying in a gurukula. Students used to learn self-discipline, manners, excellent humanism, and spirituality through the Gurukul which would help them become enlightened individuals in the future.
But Macaulay examined the educational system in this country (India), and several British provided their evaluations. Macaulay was a patriotic Englishman who believed in the glory and accomplishments of his own country, which he saw as the greatest whether it be in the sciences or the arts. There's nothing wrong with it, but he might have been too biased to see things from another angle. Macaulay supported exclusively funding Western education and opposed funding for education in other cultures. He called for the closure of all universities that taught only Eastern philosophy and disciplines. He has of course been successful in creating a class of Indians who have taken to the English language enthusiastically. Many in the country use it as a first language although this number is small. This was Macaulay's plan: a civilization that is cut off from its mother tongue never develops! They have practically predominated since young people today are more familiar with Europe than India.
Education is crucial for the growth of the individual, society, and country. Any nation can benefit from education. Education plays a role in producing a nation's citizens who are responsible. Therefore, our educational system needs to be robust. However, the Indian educational system has several flaws.
As a consequence, the current educational system only offered topics like science, English, and mathematics, leaving no room for metaphysics or philosophy. More and more degrees are being earned without the requirement for skill, according to modern education. Parents and instructors place a strong emphasis on studying and receiving high marks from the start. They never promote other industries. In reality, if someone attempts other disciplines, they will have to give up because there aren't many opportunities in such fields. The Indian government does not offer the resources or environment necessary for the growth of a different field. In India, hobbies such as sports, photography, acting, and music are valued more than careers. The educational system excludes it.
In the Indian educational system, grades are considered to be the primary indicator of a student's intelligence and ability. This has an impact on kids who struggle in particular subject areas. The primary foundation of the Indian educational system is bookish knowledge. Extracurricular activities are additionally seen as a way to disconnect from academics. This theory is based on the notion that only professionals, such as doctors, lawyers, engineers, and chartered accountants, are good, and that everyone wants their child to follow in their footsteps. In India, one must obtain 99.9% to do it. This diminishes the value of education and is an unacceptable method of acquiring knowledge. Learning is only valuable when it develops from a subconscious desire to understand and grow, rather than from a need to obtain grades and pass tests. If all you ever pursue in life is money, fame, and status symbols, you will have accomplished your goals feeling void within.
Competition in education is widespread and getting worse daily. Friends compete against one another for higher grades. Schools compete with one another for the best board examination results. Due to the pressure and competitiveness, adults may experience low self-esteem, personal dissatisfaction, disappointment, hyperactivity, and even lack of affection. These guys are being rapidly overtaken by the energy of the 21st century and the digital era, which is swallowing their affection like a prairie wildfire. No matter the situation, parents, teachers, and all other carers have the burdensome duty to develop and protect the future of children and adolescents as they are going through the process of maturing as we develop future leadership. The future we discussed yesterday is now here, just as we are currently cultivating the seeds of tomorrow by intentional behavioral practices. Ignoring these behaviors in today's teenagers creates a greater threat to the leadership of tomorrow.
Science suggests that the obsession with these behaviors may have an impact on how our brains function when distraction rises exponentially. Younger brains today can digest information more quickly than at any prior period, according to new research, which makes switching between tasks simpler. The research also demonstrates that people born in this new period appear to be more prepared for continuous task-switching. So how can a generation that is so distracted learn anything?
According to our shastras, Vidyarthi – Vidhya means knowledge and arthi means one who desires knowledge. All students should possess Panch Lakshman, these five characteristic features, and qualities.
काक चेष्टा बको ध्यानं, श्वान निद्रा तथैव च ।
अल्पहारी गृह त्यागी, विद्यार्थी पंच लक्षणं ॥
- Kaka chesta referred to the crow's perseverance, diligence, and endeavours. We must endure some grueling honing of kak chesta (hard work) if we want to work on our lives and actually bring what is inside outside.
- The crane's focus is known as Bako Dhyanam. When one looks at the crane standing on one leg with its entire attention fixed on the water, it is easy to perceive the crane's tremendous concentration. Similar to this, when trying to concentrate on the major things in life, we should let the minor details slide and avoid getting sidetracked by them. There may occasionally be a few interpersonal problems and disagreements, as well as health and financial catastrophes. Let the little things go since there are so many bigger things to worry about in life.
- Shwan Nidra (The Canine Alertness) Nidra is sleep, and Shwan is a dog. The word "Shwannidra" refers to a dog's nap. more specifically, a dog's alertness. All individuals who desire to learn new things and pursue worthwhile endeavours must cultivate awareness. Even if we may not be actually closing our eyes and doing nothing but what we will be doing in life, we shouldn't neglect to be aware of our surroundings. There is much to be learned from people, things, circumstances, and the environment, but we can only learn this if we are vigilant.
- Alpa means less and ahaar means food. Alpahaari hence literally indicates that one who is vidyarthi, or one who seeks knowledge, should consume less. When a vidayrthi is instructed in this verse to be alpahaari, it suggests that he should be extremely cautious about the inputs he provides to his sensory system. Whatever we expose our senses to genuinely leaves a lasting, profound effect on our inner system and psyche. It is known as sanskara in Sanskrit. Sanskara is the Sanskrit word for the permanent impression that sensory inputs have on our thoughts.
- Leave your comfort zone, or Gruha Tyagi - A Vidyardhi should be willing to step outside of their comfort zone and keep an open mind. It makes intuitive sense that one should step outside of their comfort zones to develop their minds and discover themselves.
All of us should encourage these characteristics in our pursuit of self-realization, not just students in schools or colleges. Giving youngsters practical knowledge should be the most important factor. The curriculum should be designed to meet the needs of the global community right now. The mechanism for hiring professors and teachers has to be changed. Teachers and instructors should possess knowledge in order to provide appropriate instruction. The government should place a priority on high-quality education. The value of education and quality must be understood by the government and other organizations. A child's overall development must be taken into account, and emphasis should be placed on fostering the children's full, holistic growth. Without a doubt, the Indian educational system needs a lot of change, and we are all victims of it. Education that is quality and skill-based is essential if we want to see progress in our nation.