The most difficult but important task in the field of learning is the quantitative determination of the learning outcomes. What result do we want from the educational process i.e. learning? The education system will be developed systematically to the extent this can be precisely determined. Learning works on the holistic and complete personality of the human being. Therefore, the outcome should also be effective and measurable at all levels. In the sixteenth chapter of Bhagavad Gita, Bhagvan Shri Krishna has provided a list of human qualities in the form of divine assets which are the ultimate goals of personality development for all. On the other hand, the description of demonic attributes has also been given, which have to be discarded. This Devasura asset classification can become a clear goal of Vidya (Education). Each of these achievable and attainable attributes is multidimensional and can be defined at every level and mode of learning. The first divine asset is ‘Abhay’. It can be defined appropriately for every age, level and discipline. Fearless attitude is necessary in all the three goals of education – knowledge, skill and behavior and its evaluation is also possible at every level.
All 26 divine resources actually function as quantitative,holistic learning outcomes. Their contemporary detailing only has to be done. All these divine powers are eternal. On the first day of Navratri, we are considering this seed of education because this festival is the festival of worship of Durga born of the integration of divine powers. The Ghatasthapana performed on the first day is also a symbol of the same power accumulation. Navratri worship is the penance of manifestation of the eternally existing divine wealth in one’s own personal being. The seeker does the efforts of attaining the divine assets by external or internal means according to own nature. As a symbol of this, we sow wheat seeds. Their sprouting in 9 days is a sign of the flowering of divine qualities in our mind.
The goddess of the first day is Shailaputri. Shaila means mountain Himraj. His daughter is Mata Shailaputri. This Girija – born of the Giri (Hill), Parvati – is said to have originated from Parvat (mountain). In education too, rock solid resolute mind is the basis of spiritual practice, so learning initiates with the mountain of true resolve. White, auspicious clothes, symbolizing the purification of mind also indicate the process of education. Shailaputri is the name of the spiritual practice of purification of mind. Her vehicle is Taurus. The bull signifies power and productivity. The vehicle of the goddess will only take her to us. So how will education be borne without physical strength? We have to be educated so that we can contribute more than what we get in life. It is necessary to be productive. This is the message of Maa Shailaputri to all the workers in the field of education.
Let us start the sadhana of this Navratri by sowing the seeds of noble resolve in the fertile land of mind in this delightful season of Sharada (autumn).
बहुत ही सुंदर एवं ज्ञानवर्धक लेख है