SATHYA SAI SPEAKS

TRUE EDUCATION EMERGES FROM THE HEART

In this world, there are millions of educated people. Right from a child to a learned old man, everyone is interested in reading books and acquiring knowledge. But in what way are they benefited by the acquisition of bookish knowledge? Such education can only help you to eke out a livelihood.

	Bookish knowledge only burdens our brains

One may study a number of books and master various branches of knowledge, but does he/she enjoy peace and tranquility? All the knowledge that we acquire from books can only take care of our physical needs.

The fact is, true knowledge is latent in everyone. Women do not lag behind men in academic excellence. People think that education confers on them respect and esteem. But, people lack true wisdom in spite of their high academic achievements.

Education Should Turn the Students Inward

In the present times parents want their children to pursue solely job-oriented education. But, what is the use of such education which does not bring about transformation among children?

Neither are the children benefited nor are they able to render any help to their parents. Modern man develops ego on account of his educational achievements.

Humility is the hallmark of true education. If a man lacks viveka (discrimination) and vinaya (humility), all his education is of no value. You should understand that your education is meant for the welfare and progress of society. But, in what way is society benefited by educated people?

Students should strive to earn a good name in society. Today’s education is making the students materialistic. It does not prepare the students to turn inward to listen to their inner voice. One should acquire Atma Prabodha (Atmic knowledge). That is true education.

Mere accumulation of degrees drives us to money and materialism

Students should strive to earn a good name in society. Today’s education is making the students materialistic. It does not prepare the students to turn inward to listen to their inner voice.

One should acquire Atma Prabodha (Atmic knowledge). That is true education. Without awareness of the Self, all other knowledge is useless. Why should one pursue such education?

People are interested in exercising their influence and power; they are not making efforts to cleanse their mind and heart.

This is the result of modern education. People have learnt to talk sweetly, but they do not translate their words into action.


True Education Should Purify the Heart

Mere learning by rote the contents of books is not important. You should imbibe the gandha (essence) of all granthas (texts). That is true education. People read a number of books, but what is the use? They merely quote what others have said.
Is this what you one is supposed to learn? You should listen to the prompting or utterance of your inner voice and share it with others. But, scarcely anybody thinks on these lines today.

There are three important principles in every human being – Manas (Mind), Buddhi (Intellect) and Atma (Self). What is the nature of Self? It is all-pervasive. True education is that which originates from the heart. The reference in this context is to the spiritual heart and not the physical heart.

When you understand the principle of love
and develop love to love relationship,
all will become one. The Veda says,
“Sahasra Seersha Purushah ...” It means
that all heads, all eyes, all feet are His.

There are many noble souls who are setting ideals to society by translating their knowledge into action. If you do not act in a principled manner, all your education becomes useless. It is what you practise that matters, not what you speak. Wherever you may go, your behaviour should be exemplary. That is what pleases Me.

True education is that which originates from the heart. Heart is very important for human existence. When a child is born, the first thing that people observe is the heart beat. You should rely more on your spiritual heart than on the physical heart.

Conscience is another name for spiritual heart. Keep your heart pure. That should be your main endeavour. Whatever is done with love and purity of heart will confer bliss on you.

First of all one should understand the principle of unity. Unity leads to purity and purity leads to divinity. A true human being is one who strives for unity, purity and divinity. Otherwise, he is no better than birds and animals. First, purify your senses and develop unity. Consider all as your brothers and sisters and live in harmony.

Love in Practice is Real Education

When all the tanks and lakes are dried to a trickle, you can imagine the joy that a continuous downpour brings with it. Similarly, serve those who are in desperate need of your help. Give them happiness. You can attain divinity only through service. Human life is most precious. But, man is behaving like an animal and thus wasting his life.

You can certainly acquire secular knowledge. But you should not rest contented with that. You should turn inward and acquire spiritual knowledge as well. Only then can you attain peace.

So many have assembled here (in Prasanthi Nilayam). Everyone’s attention is focused on Swami. In the same manner, let your mind be focused on divinity always.

Contemplate on God. Serve your fellowmen. If a person who has been starving for ten days is served a sumptuous feast, you can well imagine the joy he experiences.

When all the tanks and lakes are dried to a trickle, you can imagine the joy that a continuous downpour brings with it. Similarly, serve those who are in desperate need of your help. Give them happiness. You can attain divinity only through service. Human life is most precious. But, man is behaving like an animal and thus wasting his life.

First of all, develop love. When you have love in you, everyone will become your friend. If your heart is not suffused with love, your life will become artificial. Life is meaningless without love.

If everyone shares his love with his neighbour, there will be no room for hatred at all. Share your love with everyone and live like brothers and sisters. Today we find conflicts and differences even among brothers and sisters, because they lack proper understanding.

People do not understand the true meaning of love. Their love is tainted with physical and worldly feelings. When you understand the principle of love and develop love to love relationship, all will become one.

The Veda says, “Sahasra Seersha Purushah ...” It means that all heads, all eyes, all feet are His. Once you understand the principle of oneness that is present in all, you can live in tune with the true spirit of brotherhood.

- Divine Discourse on August 17, 2005 on the occasion of
the International Conference of Eminent Educationists.