No Education in Modern Civilization
Modern civilization prides itself on technological and academic advancement, yet Śrīla Prabhupāda declares that true education is practically absent. Without knowledge of the soul, God, and the purpose of life, society remains misdirected despite external sophistication.
Education Begins With Knowledge of the Soul
Real education starts when one understands that the living being is distinct from the material body. Without this foundational knowledge, human life remains no better than refined animal existence.
- At the present moment there is no education, because education means to understand my identity. The so-called education which is going on, that is called art.
- Dehi means the possession of the Dehi is within the body, not the body is the person. But no education. Throughout the whole scientific world, university education, there is no concern that - I am not this body; I am soul.
Universities Without Spiritual Knowledge
Educational institutions neglect the most essential subject—knowledge of God and the soul—thus failing to guide humanity toward real wisdom and responsibility.
- There is no educational system throughout the whole world how to understand the existence of soul, which is the prime necessity of understanding for the human being. A human being is not meant for wasting his time like animals.
- There is no educational system to teach people that hes not this body; he is atma, spirit soul. That is the beginning of spiritual education.
Civilization Maintained in Ignorance
Without education about karma, future life, and God, society is kept in darkness, producing confusion, fear, and irresponsible leadership.
- There is no education. The people are kept in darkness about the laws of nature. That is a very risky civilization.
- We are keeping this house why? For association of devotees, so that automatically they become Krsna conscious by association. The most unfortunate position is that there is no education about future life, or the perfection of life.
Devotion Transcends Material Education
Śrīla Prabhupāda emphasizes that spiritual success does not depend on academic qualification. Even the uneducated can attain perfection through sincere devotional service.
- If you are unable to read or if you have no knowledge, if you have no education, you can simply chant the Hare Krsna maha-mantra. This is open to all. There is no secrecy.
- The Gopis were ordinary village girls. They were not educated. They were not Vedantists, philosophers. But they had the unlimited ecstasy and love for Krsna. That is required. That is called sannyasa.
Conclusion
Śrīla Prabhupāda defines education not by degrees or institutions but by realization of the soul and service to Kṛṣṇa. A civilization that neglects this knowledge remains fundamentally uneducated, while even the simplest person can achieve life’s perfection through bhakti.
Dive Deeper into Śrīla Prabhupāda's Vani
Śrīla Prabhupāda lives within his instructions. This article is a summary of the profound truths found in the Vaniquotes category No Education. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.