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Development of Self-Understanding Through Guidance
69 We do realise that a teacher's college is not the temple where the Sadhna (practice) of these items, as I have narrated above, can be pursued. What I wish to emphasize is the spirit and approach with which these activities are organized in a Teachers' College. Unfortunately, this spirit is sadly absent even in the "cultural programmes" of our schools today-where it has become only a talentexploitation device. (iii) Camps
Short camps, of about four to five days' duration have now become a standard practice in most teacher-education colleges. There is no doubt that the cooperative and community life-experiences during this period provide for ample opportunities to analyse onself in terms of one's sensitivity, honesty, integrity etc. Here I wish to specifically emphasize two daily programmes generally prevalent during camp life in all teachers' colleges. These can contribute immensely to Selfunderstanding, if carried out with proper Guidance.
Potentialities of the routine “Morning Assembly" as stated above, can be better explored and utilized during Camp Life when there is much more time for this programme. As the venue of Morning Assembly will be an open place, situated amongst the soothing surroundings of Mother Nature, the gifts and blessings fo “Soorya-Darshan" with silent meditation can work miracles towards the development of Self-Understanding amongst participants.
One more such programme is prevalent is some institutions, and is called "Sandhya-Vela” (“Evening Time"), which is generally linked with the sunset. This programme is of a longer duration than the Morning Assembly. In addition to various aspects of its organisation - which may be individually discussed with interested participants of this workshop - I would like to stress in this group some inherent elements of this programme which definitely promotes Self-understanding among the participants. Complete Silence, Sunset View, and Soft Music are some of these elements. A group of about three hundred people slowly walking to th Sunset point in complete Silence. Sitting into "tanavakuketa Maun" i.e., relaxed position and in complete silence on an elevated spot, devotedly looking at the deepening and drowning glory of the Sun, and having every limb vibrating with the “Mridu Sargeet Tarangas" (Soft Musical Waves) willing the environment is indeed such a relaxing, quietening, elevating celestial experience which can only be internalized - not described. This experience is akin to What Tulsidas has narrated in five very meaningful words:"Gira Anayan, a Nayan Binu Vani” meaning thereby that such expereince is indescripable as speech has no eyes and eyes, no speech.
January-March 1993
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