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DISCOURSE 62
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When parents admit their children into schools they should think of the atmosphere of the school. They should think of the syllabus being taught there; and they should see whether the school has a proper discipline or not.
The impact that falls on the minds of children when they are young and impressionable, will remain throughout their lives. Therefore, parents should be extremely careful regarding the education of their children and should see that they are exposed to wholesome influences. Extraordinary carefulness is necessary in this age. In schools, colleges, and universities where students should obtain good education and culture, they are not getting them. They are imbibing wrong ideals; and are not getting real education. Many defects are prevalent. Students acquire bad habits. This has caused worry to many thoughtful people. But they are not able to do anything to reform the system. The wealth of youth and childhood is being wasted. It is natural that thoughtful people should be worried over this state of affairs. No reformation is possible until there is a radical change in our educational system. In this situation, only parents can do something to make their children cultured and educated. If they want, they can save their children from undesirable influences. But are parents interested in the spiritual welfare and progress of their children ?
POLITENESS AND CONCENTRATION ESSENTIAL VIRTUES FOR CHILDREN
The court-priest, Somadev educated his two sons, himself. When he had taught them all that he could, he desired to send Aryarakshit to Pataliputra for further studies. In those days, Pataliputra was a magnificent seat of learning. Thousands of students from all over India went to study there. Somadev sent Aryarakshit to Pataliputra retaining Phalgurakshit at home.
Aryarakshit went to Pataliputra and began his studies with humbleness and concentration. A student has to be obedient to his teachers and must carry out his studies with concentration. The student who has these two qualities will acquire knowledge soon. At present, how many students possess these two virtues
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