Ten Commandments for Students from Taittiriya Upanishad - Part 2

[Ravishankar.G]

Dear All,

 

The Vedic seers (rishis) were great educationalists. They were interested not just in improving the grades and performance of their students but in their personality development. 

They treated their students with respect and affection and were keen that they turn out to be ideal citizens, ideal human beings. Their educational vision was for the whole gamut of human life and the ultimate well being of the individual and the society. They encouraged a spirit of inquiry coupled with respect and devotion. Intense love to gain knowledge and a zeal for constant self-improvement were embedded in their approach to education. 

The well-known shanti mantra (peace mantra), sahana vavatu, is an example of this. 

Following are the Ten Commandments drawn from the section. It may well be a source of inspiration and guidance for the present day students and educationalists.

1) Satyam na pramaditavyam - ( Hold on to Truth)

2) Dharman na pramaditavyam - ( Hold on to Righteousness)

3) Kushalan na pramaditavyam - ( Hold on to Welfare activities)

4) Bhootyei na pramaditavyam - ( Hold on to acquisition of wealth)

5) Deva pitru Karyabhyam na pramaditavyam - (Hold on to worship of Gods and manes)

6) Swadhyaya Pravachandaabhyam na pramaditavyam - ( Hold on to self study and teaching)

7) Matru Devo bhava, pitru devo bhava - ( Take care of father and mother)

 8) Anavadyani karmani tani sevitavyani - (Do only good deeds, avoid bad deeds) 

9) Shraddhaya deyam - ( Give liberally gifts with faith and humility)

10) Acharyayapriyam dhanam aahritya - (Bring wealth to your teacher to help him continue his educational work)

This is the total vision of education, containing enduring values for living a purposeful life. Only when one follows these values in life one gets true happiness, prosperity and grace.

Mere obtaining a certificate or degree can help one get some job to earn money but life is not just doing a job or generating wealth. 

Life is a process of individual and collective growth. ‘Man does not live by bread alone’ says the bible. Man’s needs are not just physical. He has cultural and spiritual needs as well. 

In the light of this fact, let us try to understand these commandments elaborately. Stay with us...... 

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Regards & Chant the Mahamantra Nama kirtan:

Hare Rama Hare Rama Rama Rama Hare Hare

Hare Krishna Hare Krishna Krishna Krishna Hare Hare  

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