More about Education!

There was this discussion that takes place between Pandavas and their uncle Vidura which was highlighted in the book "The System Of Education In Mahabharata" written by Dr. Mallesudu Yadav. And this fascinating discussion revolves around the four goals of education viz..Dharma-Artha-Kama-Moksha which are thoroughly emphasized in the epic of Mahabharata. This discussion is shared here as it is fascinating and gives a profound meaning about the goals of education.

About the Discussion:

Once it so happens that the mighty Pandavas and their adored uncle Vidura, who was the master of worldly affairs (but belonging to suta caste and so had nothing to do with the royal kingdom) sit together and fall into the discussion of which goal of education is more important among the four -Dharma(Rules) or Artha(Money) or Kama(Desire) or Moksha(Liberation).

The wise Vidura initiates the discussion declaring that "liberation(Moksha)" is the important of all the four goals. All the rules that we learn, all the money that we earn and all the desires that we have should be shunned to attain the liberation. Everything ends up in liberation. So,liberation is the most important of all.

While the lotus eyed Nakulas (as described in the book) were silent, Arjuna expressed his opinion that Wealth (Artha)is the most important of all. Worrier and conqueror as he was he tells that with money we can do anything. We can own this world with money. Everyone loves and respects us when we have Wealth. People will flock around us like bees over honey. We'll never have to fear our enemies as we can easily win over them by luring their subordinates or by upgrading our strength. With wealth around us we stay independent and free. So, he says, Wealth (artha) is the most important of all the four goals of education.

While Arjuna's stance was like this, the mighty Bheema put forth his opinion saying that Desire (Kama) is the important of all. Real action springs from desire. If one wants to win over this world he should have am immense desire to win. If one wants to learn something new or do something great he should have that passion inside him. That passion ignites him and moves him towards the achievement or realization of his dreams. Even to get salvation one should have desire. Hence, he says that desire(kama) is the important of all the goals.

Now it was the turn of their elder brother Yudhistara and it was very easy for him to choose the most important goal. He went with Dharma(Rules) saying that, undoubtedly dharma is the most important of all the goals. If we don't know why we are doing something there is a very clear chance that we may fall as a victim to the deadly thing called confusion. Life may become meaningless. We may not know why we are earning. We may not know why we are desiring something. We may not know why should we get salvation (which may also mean dying peacefully). Dharma teaches you about what to desire, what to earn and how to get salvation. In short, he was telling this "know the rules and play the game". Isn't education the one which frees us from the clutches of ignorance, makes life worthwhile and finally takes us to salvation? Education should teach us the most basic things.

And exactly there ends the discussion. True that education is one of the beautiful things that ever happens to a person and it is felt like the above discussion has given a nice meaning to the word "Education" and that is why it is shared.

P.S. While care has been taken to convey the exact meaning of the discussion, any errors that might be found may be brought to the notice of the blogger for correction. Also the blog is in no way a medium for religious propagation and indeed it should be noticed that the central theme of the blog is about the important goals of education.