Recently I read an article on the education system in India.  A well-known coach that I was speaking to, said something very profound, “What most people think education is, in reality is mere literacy”.

The Education system today, is quite well designed to suit the cognitive development of a student.  We are talking of percentiles above 90 as the new norm.  IQ levels of students in general have reached levels unheard of earlier. I also heard that one of the renowned colleges in Delhi has announced a cut-off percentage of 103!!!  Yet another sad instance where a young, bright student from a prestigious institute working on cutting-edge technology project in a top R&D organization, committed suicide when he was given 7% lesser salary increment than what he expected.  That extra 7% would have translated into Rs. 3500/- more per month!!

What’s the value of life?  Where’s the EQ to handle success and failure with equanimity?

What is the real meaning of education?  What’s its purpose and purport?

Real Education must have, at its core, the goal of transforming a person’s life and help him in his journey of self-awareness and self-discovery.  When a student is at peace with himself/herself, he/she will be at peace on the interpersonal, social, national and global levels.  Also, with all sentient beings, movable and immovable resources of this planet.  Real Education is to understand our unique position and purpose in relation to the Universe and the Cause of the Universe.  This position and purpose is not driven by any setup created by man but is something we are born with.

Like Srila Prabhupada says, “Real Education is to awaken ones knowledge of the real self as a spirit soul in connection to God”.

Literacy and knowledge acquisition is important to survive and excel in this world.  But they may have a starting and an ending point.  Education, on the other hand, is eternal, bestowed upon us by great authorities and spiritual leaders…and leads us to our true purpose and position!

By Divya Rupa Devi Dasi