Education and Culture

Education and Culture by Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Wealth is worshipped as God, Selfishness has become the basis of life, Pomp and show have become the fashion of the day, Ego is ruling supreme in everyone, Ambition makes men ignore righteousness. There is no humility and no regard for truth, Education is sought for earning money, Hypocrisy has become the order of the day. How can the sons of Bhārat Mātā Hope to progress in the right path? Spiritual education is the urgent need Of the hour to reform our children And turn them in the right direction.

STUDENTS, teachers and educators! What do you mean by education? What type of education should you have? What kind of education will set an ideal? What is the outcome of education? One must enquire deeply, investigate and get the right answer to these questions. People feel that education helps in materialistic pursuits and rest content with this. This is a not a right attitude. Education should promote culture. It is not by education alone but by culture that one gets refined.

Culture promotes refinement. It is termed as saṃskāra which consists of sadguña (good character), sadāchāra (good practices) and sadbhāvanā (good feelings). For a person to be deemed educated, his behaviour should be good, his actions useful to society and his feelings should be compassionate and kind. “Sarvabhūta Hite Ratah” (One should have concern for the welfare of all beings).

What is education without culture?

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It is not enough if a student is endowed with scientific and worldly knowledge. He should have essentially moral and spiritual knowledge also.

The aim of education should be to bring about an all-round development of the personalities of the students. Education should make all virtues emerge and shine forth in students. Indian culture essentially aims at developing human beings with such a personality.

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What is education without culture? It is like a kite cut off from its main thread. It is not possible to predict where this kite would land–whether on thorny bushes or on dwelling places. It is difficult to predict how such education is going to affect and harm society. It may also be compared to a house without light; bats and poisonous reptiles enter into such houses. Education without culture makes man forget his true human nature and take to evil ways. Such education is like a counterfeit coin. Even beggars refuse to accept a counterfeit coin. Even parents would hesitate to love a son without culture. Refinement and culture are the very life-breath of human life.

Knowledge with humility makes one blossom

It would be wrong to call it education if it merely teaches the meanings of words. The basic aim of education is to make men of character and virtue. Many people think that knowledge is power. It is not so. In fact, character is power. Education should confer humility Education without humility, action without discrimination, scholarship without wisdom, words without truth, friendship without gratitude, music without melody, politics without morality and integrity can never shine in society. One’s personality blossoms only when one has humility along with knowledge.

Education should be useful to society. It should make citizens follow the path of morality and righteousness and make their lives happy.

Human life is very sacred and valuable. Today people are not aware of the uniqueness of human life. They have forgotten human values. That is the reason why one comes across various agitations and strikes in society today What is the reason for the country getting poverty-stricken, for suffering from fear and anxiety, for not recognizing the sacredness of spirituality, for losing morality and integrity? The reason is that man is not living as a human amidst his fellow beings. He is living like an animal or like a demon. Today, the cloud of ego and pomp is covering the sun of Atma and hiding its natural splendour.

Selfishness is rampant. The true meaning of word swārtha is that one has to know swa (Atma). Understanding the swa is swārtham (swa+artha). The syllable swa in swārtham does not refer to the body; but the soul. The Atma is pure, unselfish and eternal. That was the reason why the ancient rishis described the Atma in such glorious terms, but today man is misunderstanding the meaning of the word swa, identifying it with the body instead of the soul.

Man today is treating the body as the source of all happiness. Such happiness is not true and permanent; it is momentary. Educated persons are not striving to earn spiritual, permanent and real happiness.

We need a fusion of knowledge and action

We are acquiring knowledge, but do not put it to proper use. Knowledge without action is useless. Action without knowledge is foolishness. There is a divorce between knowledge and action today We need a fusion of knowledge and action. Students should cultivate patriotism and a spirit of service. It is conspicuously absent today.

In India today there are 200 Universities and 9000 colleges. About a crore of students have been enrolled in these colleges. Universities are becoming factories which manufacture graduates. These students are let loose on the world after graduation. No one is bothered about the future of these graduates and how they will benefit the nation.

What is the use of having education which does not benefit society? No one seems to bother to examine all these matters, whether Government, society, educational authorities, Vice- Chancellors or other administrators, etc. This is a sad state, which ails the system of education today. It is making man a slave of the senses. How can such people serve the society? Wherever you look at the students you find sacrifice conspicuous by its absence.

Universities are busy developing different types of subjects to be taught, but are not aware of the real subject which they should reach. What is that subject which is the very basis of all other subjects? Atma-vidyā (spiritual knowledge), is the basis of all education. It is like the ocean while all other types of education are like rivers which must merge in the ocean. Today, education without a spiritual base is causing harm. The essence of Spiritual Education is faith and dedication. They are like the two bunds of a river. Only when the river of life flows between these bunds would the river be safe. If there are no bunds, the waters would flow over villages and towns and cause vast destruction. It is the absence of spirituality which is responsible for all the problems, violence, agitation and strike. Education should foster the two bunds of dedication and faith in students.

From self-reliance to self-realisation

Education should inculcate in students the spirit of self-reliance and self-confidence. The first thing in life is self-reliance, second is self-confidence, third is self-sacrifice, fourth is self-realisation. With self-realisation life finds its final fulfillment.

Sage Valmiki has compared Rama and Ravana in his epic, the Ramayana. Rama is described as a great Jnāni (scholar) and Ravana as a fool. Ravana had mastered 64 types of worldly knowledge whereas Rama had mastered only 26. Why was such a highly educated person as Ravana called a fool by Valmiki? It is because Ravana lacked three important qualities which Rama had. They are working for the welfare of entire humanity, possessing the supreme knowledge and having great virtues. Ravana was only a slave of the senses.

Knowledge bereft of noble qualities and. virtues becomes only bookish knowledge which is of no use to society. What is it that made Rama God? It is imbibing of the six qualities, namely character, compassion, non-violence, control of the mind, control of the senses and fame. Students should imbibe these six qualities which make man God. Students should never indulge in violence. Hurting or harming any person essentially means hurting and harming oneself. It is in this context Sage Vyasa stated that the essence of the eighteen Purānas (scriptures) is “Help ever, Hurt never.“

Spread Bharatiya culture

In today’s system of education the teachers are not teaching this basic virtue. The Ramayana, Bhagavatha and Mahabharatha are like three important life-breaths for Indian culture. Today’s students do not know these three texts without which a person cannot be called Bharatiya. Instead, students indulge in reading cheap novels, which contain bad ideas.

Students going out from Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning should take an oath that they would plunge into society and spread Bharatiya culture from house to house to all people. Indian culture is the very backbone of our life. If you cannot spread this culture yore studies have no meaning. I desire only one thing from you. You should enjoy peace yourself and spread peace all around. That is the gratitude which you have to show to the Institution which has given you free education and which has showered so much of love on you. Strive to bring about unity; there is no greater strength than unity.

Whatever you have learnt should be made relevant and useful to society. The gap between learning and practice should be bridged. Knowledge from books and laboratories should be made relevant and useful to society. Work for the honour and glory of the society and the nation.

Carry on your secular life with spiritual outlook

What are you planning to do after you obtain the degree from the university? It is no use going in search of a job from office to office with your degree certificate or registering your name in the employment exchange. If the government starts colleges without being able to give jobs to the graduates, it leads to all sorts of problems arising out of unemployment. The colleges must be operated, keeping in view the demand for graduates.

Our university spends Rs. 60,000 per head on Arts students, Rs. 90,000 per head on Science students, but we do not charge any fees. What benefit do we get out of this? The only benefit is to make your lives exemplary to the world at large. We want you to carry on your secular life with spiritual outlook and attitude. With the education obtained in the Institute, if you have determination, them is nothing which you cannot achieve. During your student days do not enter into politics. After completing your education, you may enter into politics and practise the values which you have learnt as a student and serve the society and the nation.

We got independence, but unfortunately after independence unity is lost. Independence without unity does not benefit the nation.

Today in the convocation you have taken an oath administered by the Vice-Chancellor. Oath taking is like giving a promise. You must take the oath whole-heartedly. It would be a great sin if you conduct yourselves in daily life contrary to the oath.

Students! Whether you are aware of it or not, Bharat-mātā is pining for you. You are not even recognizing the fact that you are born in the sacred land of Bharat. Bharat-mātā has hidden an enormous treasure for you–the treasure of knowledge and spirituality.

You may return to your places and conduct yourselves in keeping with human dignity and the type of training that you have obtained here. Do not get a bad name either for yourselves or for your parents. You should be free from ego, jealousy; arrogance and be full of humility, nobility and sacredness. Service to society and the nation must dominate your thought, word and action.

Benedictory address to the Convocation of the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning on 22- 11-1994.

The children must have reverence towards their religion, their culture, their educational attainments and their country. They must learn well their mother-tongue, so that they can appreciate the great poetical works and epics written by the Seers of their land. This will give them valuable guidance in the stormy days ahead. Sathya Sai Baba

Education and Culture by Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba – A Divine Vision Of Values And Character

Education and Culture by Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba is a meaningful spiritual theme that reminds us that true education is incomplete without culture, values, discipline, and purity of heart. In the modern world, education is often understood as the process of gaining information, passing examinations, earning degrees, and securing a good career. But Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba taught that education must do much more. It must help a person become a good human being first.

Real education is not only for earning a living. It is for learning how to live. A person may become highly qualified, wealthy, and successful, but if there is no humility, compassion, honesty, and self-control, then such education has not fulfilled its purpose. Knowledge without character can become dangerous. Intelligence without values can create selfishness. Therefore, education must refine both the mind and the heart.

Education and Culture by Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba teaches that culture is not limited to language, dress, music, festivals, or customs. True culture is the way a person thinks, speaks, behaves, respects others, and lives with responsibility. A cultured person does not hurt others through harsh words or selfish actions. Such a person carries dignity, kindness, patience, and inner discipline. Culture is the fragrance of good character.

Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba always emphasized human values such as truth, right conduct, peace, love, and nonviolence. These values are the real foundation of both education and culture. Truth makes life strong. Right conduct gives direction. Peace keeps the mind balanced. Love expands the heart. Nonviolence teaches respect for all beings. When these values are practiced, education becomes sacred and culture becomes living spirituality.

Education and Culture by Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba also reminds us that the home is the first school and parents are the first teachers. Children learn not only from books but from the atmosphere around them. If they see truthfulness, prayer, respect, discipline, and kindness at home, these qualities naturally enter their hearts. If they see anger, dishonesty, and selfishness, they may also absorb those habits. Therefore, parents must live the values they want their children to follow.

Teachers also have a sacred responsibility. A teacher is not only one who explains lessons from a textbook. A true teacher shapes character, inspires confidence, and guides students toward noble living. Students observe how teachers speak, correct, encourage, and behave. A loving and disciplined teacher can influence a child for life. The best teaching is not only spoken through words; it is shown through example.

Education and Culture by Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba gives special importance to self-discipline. Without discipline, knowledge cannot be used properly. Students must learn to control speech, manage time, respect elders, avoid bad habits, and focus the mind. Discipline should not be based only on fear. It should grow through understanding. When students know the value of right conduct, they become responsible from within.

Culture also teaches gratitude. A truly educated person does not become proud of knowledge or success. Such a person remembers the contribution of parents, teachers, society, nature, and divine grace. Gratitude keeps the heart humble. It protects a person from ego. When education produces humility instead of pride, it becomes a blessing to the world.

Education and Culture by Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba shows that learning should lead to service. Education should not make a person think only about personal comfort and success. It should inspire the desire to help others. Doctors, engineers, teachers, leaders, workers, and students can all serve society through their abilities. When knowledge is used for the welfare of others, it becomes sacred.

In today’s world, many young people face pressure, comparison, distraction, and confusion. They may have access to information, but still lack peace. This is why value-based education is very important. It gives inner strength. It teaches students how to handle success without pride, failure without hopelessness, and competition without jealousy. It helps them become balanced and compassionate human beings.

Education and Culture by Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba also teaches respect for all religions and traditions. True culture does not create division. It helps people understand unity in diversity. Names, forms, languages, and customs may differ, but love, truth, and goodness are universal. A cultured person respects every sincere path and sees humanity as one family.

The purpose of education is transformation. If education does not reduce anger, ego, greed, and selfishness, then it remains incomplete. If culture does not create kindness, purity, and self-control, then it becomes only outer display. Real education and real culture must enter daily conduct. They must be seen in gentle speech, honest work, helpful action, and respectful behavior.

Education and Culture by Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba finally reminds us that character is the true wealth of life. Money can be lost, position can change, and outer success can fade, but good character remains as a lasting strength. A person with character becomes peaceful within and useful to society. Such a person becomes a light for others.

In the end, education and culture must work together to create noble human beings. Education gives knowledge, while culture gives refinement. Education trains the mind, while culture purifies the heart. When both are guided by values, life becomes meaningful. A society built on such education will be filled with love, service, peace, and unity. This is the divine vision of learning that can uplift humanity and bring true harmony to the world.

Advent of Sathya Sai Baba