There are a plethora of misconceptions that flood our minds when we mention the term “Education” – collection of facts, acquiring degrees, book-learning and diverse knowledge. Actually it is neither. To me the essence of education is concentration of the mind, and detachment from the fruits of action. If I had to do my education all over again, and had any voice in the matter, I would not study facts at all. I would develop the power of concentration and detachment, and having prepared my mind accordingly, would collect facts at will.
When we look around, we see “educated” men beating up their wives, getting involved in mammoth corporate frauds, insulting other people and of course, committing suicides over acute depression. The education which does not help the common mass of people to equip themselves for the struggle of life, which does not bring out strength of character, a spirit of philanthropy and the courage of a lion, is not worth its name.
Real education should facilitate people to stand on his own legs and be counted in life. It should generate within us a sense of duty so that we do not hate ourselves for what we do not have, do not grumble against nature’s adjustments. If we do that then we would never be satisfied with anything in life. Education should encourage us to harness our strengths, to perform our job well, to not compare ourselves with people who are apparently better off and make ourselves stronger. We should always remember that excess competition rouses envy and kills the kindliness of the heart. At the end of the day, if we can concentrate our mind in performing our duties by greasing its wheels with love, so that there is no friction of distaste, disrespect, suspicion and hatred, then only we would have received true education.
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