BABA STORY: RIGHT EDUCATION
HOW BABA'S LAOKIKA NEPHEW GOT EDUCATED
Namaskar,
One day Baba's laokika brother asked Baba for His guideline about the
education of his [Baba's brother's] son, Niltu. But before asking or
raising this question to Baba, first Baba's brother brought this point to
many Dadas. And they were telling to send the young boy Niltu to one of
those materially developed, prestigious, non-margii schools of high
standard in Kolkata. Finally-- after discussing the matter with numerous
acaryas-- Baba's brother approached Baba for His suggestion.
That time everyone was thinking that surely Baba will also suggest some
fancy school of Kolkata where the young boy, Niltu, will pursue his
studies. But instead Baba suggested that Niltu must attend the school in
Ananda Nagar and get his education there.
Those who heard this felt surprised because those days in Ananda Nagar even
the most basic facilities were not there. But it was Baba's firm
recommendation that Niltu should attend his schooling on our AM Master
Unit. And that is why Niltu went to study there in Ananda Nagar.
THE WAY BABA DID WITH GAUTAM
Here following is another example which guides us:
(a) How we should educate our children; and,
(b) How we should guide others also, if anybody asks us our suggestion.
The point is that when Baba's own laokika son Gautam was living along with
Baba-- those days before 1970-- then Gautam attended an AM school.
So this stands as one clear path for what way we should do as well-- both
with regards to raising our own children as well as what we should suggest
to others.
AM NEO-HUMANIST EDUCATION
The main idea is that our Guru has created one beautiful unique path; only
the need is for us to accept that and bring it into practice. Because the
AM system of neo-humanistic education is the proper solution to the present
day crisis in the schools. But, if in place of using or recommending our AM
schools and instead if one follows another path, then that is not the real
solution. Rather the problem may become more complicated-- or even multiply.
Because here Baba guides us how the AM system of education aims at the
development of the entire human personality whereas other systems of
education, especially those in the west, fall far short of the mark. And
instead they mislead the humanity.
Baba says, "Defective systems of education also strike a blow at pra'na
dharma'...Ananda Marga is ever vigilant in this regard. The Ananda Marga
system of education has been formulated in such a way that the fundamental
pra'na dharma' of humanity has been fully recognised. The educational
system of our schools is based on the principle of Pra'na dharma. It
includes the study of various aspects of modern branches of human
knowledge, as well as the development of qualities such as reverence, good
manners, humility, dignity of labor, social consciousness etc. The western
system of education has miserably failed to inculcate these rare qualities
in the students minds." (PNS-18, p. 57-8)
SOLUTION OF TODAY'S EDUCATIONAL WOES
In the general society, today's entire system of education has become
crusty and outdated. That is why Baba has given us the neo-humanistic
system of education. And there is a need to implement that. Otherwise
getting out of the trap of one negative system and falling into another
negative system, that is not the solution. It is just like leaving one
broken boat and jumping into another broken boat, thinking that will save
the life. But that is not going to save the life.
Similarly with regard to the problems of the present day education system,
the other alternative schools are not the answer for a child's entire
growth. Such schools like the Waldorf system are not the solution. We
always have to remember that Baba has made we Ananda Margiis as the medium
for propagating ideology. So we should not feel shy to talk about that.
Rather when giving discussing with someone about schooling then on the top
we must recommend-- or at least mention-- our AM neo-humanistic education
system. Because those alternative schools like xyz etc do not possess the
all-round qualities of our sterling, neo-humanistic AM education system.
THE UNIQUENESS OF AM EDUCATION
First and foremost our AM system of education is grounded in this supreme
truth.
When the social system is not functioning and society needs a way to move
ahead, then Taraka Brahma comes in the form of Mahasambhuti. And HE
provides all kinds of guidelines; so we are fortunate that we have all those
things. So we should propagate.
Here Baba is exposing the fact that due to the lack of proper education in
the present society human beings could not develop properly.
Baba says, "Human beings require proper training both physically and
mentally. And this is what is called "education" -- properly training the
physical existence and also the psychic world. Because of the want of such
a training in proper time, there remains no co-ordination, no adjustment
between inner being and outer being." (PNS-18, p. 41)
And Baba further tells us that Ananda Marga's unique system of
neo-humanistic education is the solution to the present problems of today's
humanity. By the AM system of education along with sadhana, this will lead
to the proper growth and progress of human beings.
Baba says, "For this purpose we should have a two-fold approach. For the
purpose of training this turbulent mind, what is to be done? One is to get
proper education, one is to be imparted with proper education -- not
general education -- in the gospel of, in the idea of Neo-Humanism. This
will help human beings in training the mind. And at the same time spiritual
practice should go on for proper psychic remoulding. This what we require
most. There is no alternative." (PNS-18, p. 42)
Namaskar,
Mukunda
Note 1: We should never be shy to wave the flag of AM education. Rather it
is our explicit duty to make everybody aware about the beauty and utility
of the system of neo-humanistic schools:
Baba says, "It is the birthright of everybody to march in this universal
march, to move along this path of righteousness. Just show the path to
all-- just tell them, 'Oh, human beings, the path is ready for you, you
just come!' Whoever is endowed with a human mind and a human body is
entitled to follow this path." (NHNS-1, p. 66)
***********************************************
Health Guideline
Baba says, "Deafness is not a disease by itself, unless it is congenital.
It is an after-effect or reaction to some other ailment...Excessive use of
quinine or similar poisonous medicines for a long time reduces the power of
hearing." (YT, p.43)
Note: The intake of allopathic medicines contribute significantly to
deafness. One can see this reaction especially in the case of small kids.
***********************************************
