Role of the Educator in Understanding the Goal of Life
Education shapes the direction of human society, and therefore the responsibility of an educator is extremely grave. Śrīla Prabhupāda teaches that unless educators understand the true goal of life, their influence—however prestigious—leads humanity away from real knowledge and lasting happiness.
The Educator and the Aim of Human Life
An educator’s primary duty is to know and teach the purpose of human existence. Without understanding the difference between the body and the soul, education remains incomplete and ineffective, regardless of material sophistication.
- Modern educators do not know the aim of human life; they are simply concerned with how to develop the economic condition of their countries or of human society.
- A person in the mode of goodness is satisfied by his work or intellectual pursuit, just as a philosopher, scientist, or educator may be engaged in a particular field of knowledge and may be satisfied in that way. BG 1972 purports.
The Failure of Mundane Educators
When educators deny the existence of the soul and the authority of the Vedas, they mislead society despite their academic credentials. Such ignorance, promoted as knowledge, damages the spiritual foundation of civilization.
- Even influential professors and other educators say that as soon as the body is finished, everything is finished. This atheistic philosophy is killing human civilization.
- According to the Bhagavad-gita (2.42, 7.15), mistaken mundane educators are known as veda-vada-rata and mayayapahrta-jnana. They may also be atheistic demons, the lowest of men.
The Standard of the True Educator
A genuinely learned educator recognizes the Supreme Lord and guides others toward surrender and devotional service. Such educators stand in the line of great authorities who combine knowledge with humility and devotion.
- Those really learned leaders of society like Brahma, Siva, Kapila, the Kumaras, Manu, Vyasa, Devala, Asita, Janaka, Prahlada & Bali, who are faithful philosophers, politicians, educators, scientists, etc.-surrender to the lotus feet of the God. BG 1972 p.
- Those really learned leaders of society like Madhvacarya, Ramanujacarya, Sri Caitanya & many others-who are faithful philosophers, politicians, educators, scientists, etc.-surrender to the lotus feet of the God, the all-powerful authority. BG 1972 pur.
Conclusion
Śrīla Prabhupāda conclusively establishes that education without knowledge of the soul and God is a failure, regardless of material advancement. The true educator understands the goal of life and leads others toward spiritual realization, thereby rendering the highest service to human society.
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 Educator. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.