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DEDICATE YOUR LIFE TO SERVE SOCIETY

Comments on Education from 79th Birthday Message, 23 November 2004

All your education, all your positions of authority, all your acts of charity and service have little value without the four virtues of Sathya, Dharma, Prema and Santhi (truth, righteousness, love and peace). (Telugu poem) 

When people are questioned why the human birth was given to them, most of them would reply that it was for Khana (food), Peena (drink), Sona (sleep) and Marna (death). This assumption is totally incorrect. There are several things in life that one has to achieve. The purpose of a human birth is not for enjoying food and comforts. It is not even for pursuing education. The purpose of human birth is totally different and the people have forgotten it. You have to fulfil your life and sanctify your birth. The body comes, grows and dies, and finally undergoes decay. Before the body dies, one has to fulfil the purpose for which he has come into this world.

The purpose of human birth is not to be born again and again from the womb of the mother, spend the life aimlessly and finally depart from this world. There is a specific purpose why one is born in this world. Therefore, one has to realise the purpose and sanctify his life. Our education, our work and the money we earn, all these must be spent in a purposeful way. The students of the present-day are pursuing education to make a living. They are acquiring degrees with the sole purpose of earning money. What is so great about struggling for filling one’s own belly? Even dogs and foxes fill their bellies. You might have observed in the circus that even the monkeys learn several types of feats and display them. You, who are born as human beings should not behave like dogs, foxes and monkeys. If you do so, of what use is your education? The education you acquire must be put to proper use. Only then will it become meaningful and will give strength to your personality. The purpose of your life is not merely pursuing education and acquiring degrees. Of course, you may study, but it is not enough if you simply study for acquiring degrees.

Can you call all those who know how to read and write educated?
Can one be called educated merely by acquiring degrees?
Can you call it education which does not confer virtues?
(Telugu poem)

It is only when you keep education for both life and for living as your goal, your education will be meaningful. Therefore, every human being must keep the purpose of life in view. Of what use is it, if you exult in your success thinking, “I have passed MBA; I have acquired several degrees.” Those degrees must be put to proper use. Only a human being has the power to realise the purpose of his life. If one is satisfied thinking, “I am born, I am educated, I earned money, I have sufficient bank balance, I have got my children educated and sent them for higher education to foreign countries”, that is not the sole purpose of life. You should never forget the purpose why you were born in this world. Unfortunately, today, you have forgotten the purpose of your life and are indulging in futile activities. As long as you live you must experience peace until your last breath. You should attain true and eternal bliss.

You must make proper use of the physical body. You must also gain enough mental strength. You must come up well in your educational career and make your life sanctified in the service to humanity. You must always be ready to face any situation in life boldly. That is the real nature of humanity. Whenever your services are required, you must respond immediately, saying, “I am ready, I am ready, I am ready.” Develop such a courage and confidence and set an ideal to the world.

Access full text of Birthday Message at: http://www.sssbpt.org/Pages/Prasanthi_Nilayam/79th_Birthday_Discourse.htm