The Importance of Dharmic Education

The Importance of Dharmic Education.
There are many things to learn in this universe. Some of our learning’s are useful in life and some others are useless. After studying many things, still if the essence of knowledge is unknown, then the entire process of learning is incomplete. What is the ultimate aim of life? What would make a person blissful and satiated? In spite of all opulence, why are some still unhappy and not contented? Many philosophies, religions and spiritual civilizations have come to the world from various corners of the globe. However there are not many philosophies as Indian philosophy which has clearly stated unequivocally the aim of life and how to achieve it in this human life itself in a pragmatic way. The ultimate aim of life is achieved by following strictly the principles of four important steps in life called ‘dharma’ (the right code of good living), ‘artha’ (wealth), ‘kama’(desire) and ‘moksha (salvation). They are collectively known as ‘purushartha’s. People are seen either dejected or unsatisfied because of the failure to achieve ‘purushartha’s in their life. All the first three among them make a person fit to achieve the final aim that is ‘moksha’ or salvation.
The basic educational system should emphasize on ‘dharma’- the right conduct & code of leading a principled good living. If a person doesn’t follow ‘dharma’ in his life, then what ever he has is of no real spiritual value. Education should make a person think, talk, act and behave in a civilized manner. It should give gentleness to one’s dealings with a global outlook on humanity and compassion towards fellow human beings and other living beings. Education should also make a person fit to compete with the hardships of life for leading a standard life. If a student excels at his studies but leads a very immoral life, then his entire education is a failure to mold him to a civilized person to lead a successful life. So the foundation of other three ‘purushartha’s are based on solid ‘dharma’ at the young age. An educational system which does not give importance to ‘dharmic’ values will produce intellectuals of criminal tendency who won’t hesitate to use their acquired knowledge for mass destructive purposes.
Acquiring wealth through the righteous way is the second ‘purushartha’- ‘artha. Wealth is used to possess and enjoy materials which will give temporary happiness. Some are noxiously mistaken that amassing huge wealth by any means in a short period of time will give them eternal happiness. The wealth acquired through justifiable means to enjoy and to perform one’s limited needs & duties only will give one, happiness and peace of mind.
Man’s mind is always indulged with many desires at all times. Every one is toiling every day to achieve those desires. Every living being wishes to live long and to enjoy life. No life wishes to die & perish. All his actions are aimed at attaining happiness eventually. One has to limit his desires within the self set boundaries of dharmic principles will certainly culminate into eternal happiness. Moksha or salvation is for those who have done well in the three modes of ‘purushartha’s. Many are leading their ignorant life even after formal education without knowing the basic principles to fulfill their wishes. Education should be the solution for their ignorance. It also should make a person to lead a much happier, satisfied and contented life aimed at moksha based on dharmic values.
Bhaskaran Vellakkad