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YOUTH
EDUCATION NEEDS A SPIRITUAL DIMENSION
Aarti Shah explains why Jain values provide a unique practical framework for right living
"W
THY DO PEOPLE BOTHER TO FIGHT? ASK YOURSELVES this question, for I am quite sure that in your search you will find that war is steeped with absurdity. Take this to heart. Try to make it a practice among yourselves to be patient, tolerant and compassionate towards others. Be good and true to yourselves as well, for purity of heart and mind emanating from self is the greatest gift one can offer mankind. Do not forget how each individual on our planet is both significant and insignificant, simultaneously. This realisation can place one properly between humanity and pride. Remember to be not only a preacher of virtues, but a true practitioner as well!
I know, in many countries around the world we see the people's war, in the name of revolution and liberation. Such wars ultimately push the societies into the chasm of conflict. Such wars are not sudden phenomena, but the outcome of and response to injustice and inequality that underlies the society. The basic discriminatory structure of the system promotes and pushes the society into conflict. Therefore, any proposal for conflict resolution must address the root cause of the problem such that it helps prevent conflict springing up in the future.
For the peaceful resolution of the conflict that has come into existence is in our spiritual hand. If we refuse to centre peace, we suffer pain and unhappiness. Raise your voices to create the most beautiful song of life. Rejoice in your short time on this earth and strive towards reaching the ultimate 11 light.
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These are the thoughts of Saroj Tamang, a fifteen-year-old student studying at Hindu Vidyapeeth-Nepal, Kathmandu. If such words can fall so eloquently from a boy living in one of
Jain Spirit March May 2002
Jain Education International 2010_03
Education Needs A Spiritual Dimension
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Aarti with some students in Kathmandu, Nepal
the poorest countries in the world, ridden with political and economic instability then should we really be worrying
about the future state of the world? The children of our future will surely lead the way. However, Tamang benefits from studying in an institution that combines spirituality with modern science education.
Despite attending some of the best schools and universities in the country, there appears to be a gap in our formal education. We are not taught how to integrate this education practically into our day-to-day lives. Living in a multicultural society, ideas on practical living differ vastly between individuals. However, we must realise that we do not have to be formally taught to learn the art of living.
Let us not wait for the day when we stop to question our existence because what we have been doing for the past twenty years hasn't really given us a strong sense of inner fulfilment. It is our responsibility to take pride in the teachings of the Jain tradition and to educate ourselves and those around us from the wealth of knowledge and wisdom that surrounds us. Through our holistic thoughts and deeds we should touch the hearts and minds of those around us. For one more person who seeks for ahimsa, satya, aparigraha or saiyam, is not necessarily one more Jain, but a fellow human who shares our common values, so that we can unite to reach our common goals.
Aarti Shah is currently studying for an MSc in Economics at the University of Warwick. She recently spent four months teaching English at Hindu Vidyapeeth-Nepal, Kathmandu aarti_shah@yahoo.co.uk
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