Mould Character from Childhood

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Monday, May 18, 1998

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Mould character from childhood

 

18-05-1998 :: Pg: 24 :: Col: c

 

CHENNAI, May 18.

 

Development of character and acquisition of spiritual

knowledge are the two essential requirements of a

purposeful life. Man differs from an animal only by

virtue of his power of discrimination. He has the wisdom

to take correct decisions and this in turn is possible

because of his association with pious men. We do come

across knowledgeable persons but they may lack

character. Likewise there are some who possess integrity

but they may have missed the opportunity to secure

scriptural knowledge.

 

Even today in certain remote parts of the country,

children of humble origin are found to offer their

salutations and obeisance when spiritual leaders visit

them. They have inherited good values from elders though

they are not provided with education. This is also due

to divine blessings. God's grace does not mean that He

will go about with a staff in His hand, as a shepherd

does when he drives the animals to a meadow. He will

bestow on men the proper motive for action and good

sense to choose the right, eschewing the wrong.

 

A verse composed during the tenure of the administration

of emperor Dilipa (forbear of Rama) compares and

contrasts the responsibilities of parents and rulers.

The former bring them up. But the king has the duty to

train the children as proper citizens. He has to see

that they cultivate humility, behave in a disciplined

manner, mould their character and ensure that they

become useful to the country.

 

For this, they should receive sound education. If the

body needs food, anyone can provide it but character

cannot be obtained overnight. It requires hard work.

Spiritual knowledge can be acquired even throughout life

in stages. But discipline and character should be

inculcated from young age.

 

In his discourse, the Jeeyar Swami of Ahobila Math said

women are the custodians of our culture and tradition.

Women teachers in particular have a decisive role in

shaping the future of the pupils under their care. Our

scriptures have laid golden rules for moulding the

character of growing children. Saints have shown the way

and if clarifications are needed, one can observe how

spiritual heads conduct themselves. Apasthambar states

that women can clear doubts in respect of customs. Lord

Rama has called for character moulding.

 

Tiruvalluvar has said that one should possess righteous

conduct and that after learning in a perfect manner

tread the path it has shown. Knowledge without character

and spiritual outlook, in a scholar, is compared to the

dog's tail whose utility no one knows.

 

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