Bhagavad-Gita and Bal Vikas

Bhagavad-Gita and Bal Vikas

Bal Vikas [a values-based program for children, now known as Sathya Sai Education (SSE) teachers must realize the sanctity of the Bhagavad-Gita [The Song of God—an epic], and its teachings. The aim of the Gita is not so much to teach a theory, but to call attention to the practice of dharma [righteousness] in daily life.

The children who attend Bal Vikas classes are of three age groups [namely, six to nine years, nine to 12 years, and 12 to 15 years]. The children of the first group should be encouraged to memorize Sanskrit verses that are easy to recite and remember. This is the approach taken at the Sai school in Prasanthi Nilayam [Abode of peace—Sai Baba’s ashram in Puttaparthi, Andhra Pradesh State, South India.]. To the children of the second group, the “story” of the Gita can be related. To those in the third group, teachers should attempt to explain the philosophical significance of the Gita.

Knowledge of the external world can be gained through sense perception and reason, but Gita jnana [knowledge of Gita] is fundamentally different. It has to be experienced and assimilated. Those who profess to teach the message of the Gita must not only be acquainted with the commentaries, but more importantly implement, in thought, word, and deed the sacred teachings of the Gita. Purification of character and cultivation of selfless love are essential.

Yoga is the method by which one’s connection with the Universal is experienced. Yoga is restraint; bhoga is enjoyment. Divinity is fact; diversity is fiction. Lord Krishna says, “All forms are Mine; I am in all.” He explains in a simple way, the Universal aspect of Sanathana Dharma [eternal path]. “You may worship any form or chant any name of Divinity, your devotion reaches Me.” The different forms and names of God serve to satisfy different tastes and temperaments.

Today, through science, we have discovered the means of controlling external temperature, but the fever of desire raging within us can be controlled by means of Gita jnana [knowledge of Gita] only. The ever-expanding nature of worldly desires can be compared to that of the Banyan tree of which Lord Krishna speaks in Chapter 15 of the Gita. From a single seed, the Banyan tree grows into a quasi forest. The roots of the tree grow down from its branches and develop into trunks that support the branches. In this manner, the Banyan tree spreads in all directions. The onlooker is amazed; he is unable to trace the beginning and the end. The expansion of worldly desires or attachments is compared with the vast expansion of the Banyan tree. It is very difficult to destroy the Banyan tree. Likewise, it is very difficult to destroy attachment to the world of name and form. Our actions are prompted by desire, as a consequence of which we are caught in the cycle of birth and death.

By way of the following example, Sathya Sai Baba shows us how we can free ourselves from the cycle of birth and death. You fall ill as a result of poor eating habits and a faulty lifestyle, and are admitted to the hospital. After a brief stay there, you recover from your illness. The doctor advises you to change your diet and habits to avoid a relapse. If you are a sensible person, you will avoid the foods and relinquish the habits that brought on the illness and follow the doctor’s advice. Likewise, having experienced suffering as a result of attachment to the world and its objects, which are subject to change and cannot give lasting happiness, the sensible person will eschew attachment.

In this connection, we must pay heed to the principal teaching of the Gita, that is—Detachment IN action; and not OF action—actwithout the sense of doership and attachment to the fruits of one’s actions and not to refrain from action.

Action is unavoidable as long as we live in the material world. Our actions, however, must be selfless and performed without an eye on the results. Actions of this kind will not bind us. Those that spring from egoistic desires, born of false identification with the mind and the body, lead to suffering and bondage.

The mind is nothing but a bundle of desires and thoughts. Sublimate those desires and thoughts, and loosen your attachment to the world that is unreal. The mind will then disappear, revealing the splendor of pure awareness—sat chit ananda [truth, awareness and bliss].

In Chapter 16 of the Gita, Lord Krishna describes God-like and demonic natures. Divine qualities, He says, lead to liberation and demonic qualities lead to bondage. Demonic persons gravitate toward materialism, which is predicated on the belief that life is short, and must therefore be enjoyed to the fullest—Eat, drink, and be merry. By believing in this philosophy, the mind and the intelligence are subservient to the senses and are used for the gratification of the senses, not for their control and eventual release from bondage.

Nature is a composite of three qualities, namely, satwic (pure), rajasic (active), and tamasic (dull). Individuals with tamasic and rajasic tendencies are tempted to seek power and exercise sovereignty over others. It is only through the cultivation of purity that the mind can be stilled, and the splendor of the atma revealed.

Bhagavan gives the following examples to illustrate this fact:

1) for the reflection of the moon to be seen in a pond, the water in the pond has to be still, clear, and pure (satwic). If, on the other hand, it is stormy and rough (rajasic) muddy, or dirty (tamasic), then the reflection of the moon cannot be seen.

2) Three thieves uphold a man passing through a forest. The tamasic thief binds him to a tree; the rajasic thief unbinds him. The fear-stricken fellow runs hither and thither, not knowing the way out of the forest. The satwic thief appears at this time and leads him from the forest toward his home. When the home is in sight,the satwic thief leaves the man, allowing him to go back to his abode. When your mind is governed by satwa, your actions and desires will spontaneously turn God-ward.

~Ratan Lal
Source: Sanathana Sarathi, Sept. 1971

Bhagavad-Gita and Bal Vikas – A Sacred Foundation for Young Hearts

Bhagavad-Gita and Bal Vikas form a meaningful connection between timeless spiritual wisdom and the character-building education of children. The Bhagavad-Gita is not only a scripture to be read or recited; it is a guide for living with courage, clarity, devotion, and self-control. Bal Vikas, in the same spirit, helps young minds understand values in a simple and practical way so that spirituality becomes part of daily life.

Children need more than academic success. They need inner strength, good habits, respect for elders, compassion for others, and the ability to choose right over wrong. The Gita gives these lessons through the dialogue between Lord Krishna and Arjuna. Arjuna’s confusion on the battlefield represents the confusion every human being faces when duty becomes difficult. Krishna’s guidance shows how wisdom can remove fear and weakness.

Bhagavad-Gita and Bal Vikas reminds us that value education must begin early. A child’s mind is like soft clay; whatever impressions are placed there can shape future character. If children learn only competition, pride, and ambition, they may become successful outside but restless inside. But if they learn truth, love, discipline, and service, they grow into balanced and responsible human beings.

One of the central teachings of the Gita is duty without selfish attachment. Lord Krishna advises Arjuna to perform his duty sincerely without becoming anxious about results. This lesson is very useful for children. Students should study with dedication, participate with honesty, and do their best without fear of failure or ego over success. Such an attitude reduces stress and builds confidence.

Bhagavad-Gita and Bal Vikas also teaches devotion in action. Devotion is not limited to singing bhajans or offering flowers. It is seen when a child speaks truth, shares with others, helps at home, respects teachers, and controls anger. When children understand that every good action can be offered to God, ordinary life becomes sacred. This is the beauty of spiritual education.

Bal Vikas classes often use stories, prayers, songs, group activities, and moral discussions to help children absorb values naturally. The Bhagavad-Gita adds depth to this learning by showing that life is a field of choices. Every day, children face small battles: honesty or cheating, kindness or teasing, patience or anger, discipline or laziness. The Gita helps them understand that the real victory is victory over the lower self.

Bhagavad-Gita and Bal Vikas teaches the importance of self-control. The mind can become restless through desires, distractions, jealousy, and fear. Children today are surrounded by screens, comparisons, and pressure. They need guidance to calm the mind and focus on what is good. Simple practices like prayer, silence, chanting, gratitude, and reflection can help them develop inner balance.

Another powerful message from the Gita is seeing God in all. When children are taught this idea, they learn not to hurt others by words or actions. They begin to respect classmates, family members, workers, animals, and nature. This vision creates compassion. It also removes arrogance because the child understands that every being has value.

The role of parents and teachers is very important. Children do not learn values only by listening; they learn by watching. If adults speak about truth but practice dishonesty, children become confused. If teachers talk about love but behave with anger, the lesson loses strength. The best Bal Vikas teaching is a living example. A calm, loving, truthful adult can shape a child more deeply than many lectures.

Bhagavad-Gita and Bal Vikas becomes especially meaningful when children are encouraged to ask questions. Spiritual learning should not be forced through fear. It should awaken understanding. When a child asks why truth matters, why prayer is useful, or why service is important, patient answers can plant strong faith. The Gita itself is born from sincere questioning, so inquiry should be respected.

Service is another common thread between the Gita and Bal Vikas. Lord Krishna’s teaching encourages action for the welfare of the world. Children should learn that helping others is not a burden; it is a joy. Visiting the needy, sharing food, keeping surroundings clean, helping younger students, and caring for nature can make service a natural habit.

The Gita also teaches courage. Arjuna wanted to withdraw from his duty because he was overwhelmed. Krishna did not allow him to escape through weakness. He gave him wisdom and strength. Children too must learn to face challenges with confidence. Whether it is an exam, a mistake, a conflict, or a fear, they should remember that inner strength grows when they stand with truth.

In the end, Bhagavad-Gita and Bal Vikas is a beautiful union of scripture and practice. The Gita gives eternal wisdom, while Bal Vikas brings that wisdom into the lives of children through simple learning and daily values. When young hearts are guided by love, discipline, devotion, and service, they become a blessing to their families, society, and the world. True education is not only filling the mind with information; it is awakening the divine qualities already present within every child.

S.S.E. Student Offerings to the Divine Mother 2013