Acharya Tulsi
'The Ethical training and moral education workshop' organized by Jain Vishwa Bharati is drawing to a closing point. The workshop was small taking into consideration, its size and duration. Only a few state teachers from some primary schools of Nagaur district took part in this workshop. However, I consider this workshop to be of utmost importance. It is known to all that students are raw and require to be honed. Teachers play an important role and burden the responsibility of students life-building. Only when the teachers' lives are driven by austerity and moral values, they can impart principles and ethics to the students at large. Every teacher has to be trained towards this approach. An ideal teacher's life can be a guiding light for several students. By this perspective, I believe that given the relatively small size, duration and region, this was in itself a crucial workshop.
The participating teachers also want that workshop should not close so soon and should get an extension. This signifies that the workshop is a resounding success.
From Primary Schools to Universities
When India gained independence, at that time, a thought flashed across my mind how this nation's people have to elevate their spiritual and moral level. Immediately the question arose, in this country where there are crores and crores of people divided into various groups, how can this task be made possible? When I pondered on this question, a thought arose that if the nation's students associations can be assimilated and thrust in this direction through training, then this problem could be addressed accordingly. With these observations, our whole religion council initiated direct contact with lakhs of students. Starting from students from universities in Delhi, Bombay and other cities, till primary schools in villages, they were enlightened of spirituality and ethics through the Anuvrat (small vow) movement. Thousands of students came together to accept the Anuvrat (small vow) movement's small-small resolutions. 'The Anuvrat (small vow) student committee' was inaugurated at places and was highly successful. In spite of all that happened, the desired results were not realized. As and when we inspired students in this endeavour, many students on the base of Anuvrat (small vow) showed enthusiasm in shaping their lives through this medium. After a certain period, many students faltered by reneging on the resolutions. Subsequently, many students failed to achieve their objectives. I analyzed the problem with a different perspective and decided the teachers should be involved along with the students in our work sphere as the students interacted with the teachers substantially who helped them shape their character. They directly influenced the students in their lives. In this manner, the students and teachers' groups started their work. The result was satisfying, yet the situation did not improve.
Three-Pronged Movement
In the course of my musings on Education and ethics, I realized - 'A three-pronged movement was justified in this direction. We should work with the students and teachers' groups inclusive of other support groups at the same level. As the students are not only influenced by their teachers' lives, it must be observed that their contemporaries' actions affect their lives enormously and directly. In a particular viewpoint, their contemporaries shape their lives more than others'. The observations started coming into play. A new movement was born. The officials of institutions were not invited to join this movement. Due to this, logistical problems arose among teachers. However, when this group was included in our movement, our support grew stronger. It gives me great satisfaction that education officials occupying high positions view this movement with intense objectivity and lend their undivided support to the movement. In the workshop organized, the officials group wholeheartedly supported the event.
Role of Teachers in Nation-Building
The state of our nation today is not hidden from anybody. The country's think-tank emphasizes time and again how the nation has fallen from grace with a rise in corruption and immorality. I agree with this opinion of a historical decline in the standing of the nation. It is beyond my grasp that mere lip-service to the cause will help the nation or not. For this effort, a right step in the right direction is required. I invite the teachers to light the lamps of spirituality and ethics to dispel the darkness. Let them not think it is impossible to dispel the thick darkness by lighting these small lamps. One bright lamp will illuminate the path and pave the path for thousands more. It is my strong belief that astuteness in the discharge of their duties by teachers will strengthen the process of nation-building.
Teaching is not a Profession, it is Self-Righteousness
Through the participating teachers, I address the teaching community. It is up to them to ascertain the real value of teaching. When they consider teaching as only a means of livelihood, they do not attribute the true value to the discipline. In actuality, it is their self-righteousness, not just a profession. I don't say that money should not be taken. But accepting money is different thing and considering teaching as a profession is entirely different thing. Teachers must realize this and change their viewpoint. When they perform their teaching duties as self-righteousness then I believe that the results will be satisfying and favourable. The primary objective of this workshop, being the imparting of ethics and spiritual training to the teachers entails a change in the viewpoint of the teachers.
Important Responsibility
The optimal utilization of this 10 day workshop by the teachers is appreciable. This live training was not only for them, but for the several hundreds of students who came in contacts and it will invigorate them, it is my belief. Nonetheless, teachers must pay attention to the fact that their students stay the course. They should not assume that there will be nothing worthy enough for them to do once their wards are shaped. In actuality, the training period is only an indication. Further to that, implementation and imbuing students with good morals - the method they adopt in the implementation of these directives in their schools would be an apt indicator of their training.
Teachers must never forget how those who progress will face obstacles in their path. Those with a strong will would progress in spite of all obstacles. They will force their way through these obstacles and one day, will emerge victorious and unfurl the victory flag on the top. The teachers trained in the workshop will face personal challenges. They will pass through several points-counterpoints. However, they should not be perturbed and take a step back. They must progress with double vigour and self-belief.
Anuvrat (small vow): An Unconventional Faith
Now Anuvrat (small vow) has been discussed. I think that all teachers should certainly accept Anuvrat (small vow). This is the right way to shape the human psyche. Some people mistakenly consider Anuvrat (small vow) to be a sect and avoid it. I would like to remind them that a sect is not bad, but sectarianism is bad. Anuvrat (small vow) is completely traditional. Those who wish to lead a content, astute lifestyle can follow this tradition irrespective of caste, colour, creed and religion. There are not many impediments in becoming an Anuvrati (one who follows Anuvrat). I assume that there would be no misgivings in the minds of the teachers. Nonetheless, if anybody has any such objections, I urge them to accept Anuvrat (small vow) as a traditional faith/human faith.
It is our mission since years to spread the message of this human faith to every city, village and person. Teachers must play a proactive role in this crucial task of human-building. Teachers should themselves become Anuvratis (one who follows Anuvrat) - this would be a major contribution. Further, they should inspire people who come into contact with them to become Anuvratis (one who follows Anuvrat); this is a second form of proactive participation. I expect teachers to strive and execute these two forms of participation.
A last word, the beautiful form of training which has taken shape in due course, must stay stable, like the afternoon's shade. Consequently, the state's students will have the opportunity to lead principled lives and principled students will become the role models for nation-building and creation of an ideal nation. With this belief, I wish all the participant teachers prosperous lives. Jain Vishwabharti's 'Pragna Pradip' invites all participants to get trained from time to time.
