Correct Answer - Option 4 : a, c and e only
Education and Vedanta philosophy
- The word Vedanta is made of two words :
- Veda (वेद) - refers to the four sacred Vedic texts.
- Anta (अंत) - this word means "End".
The word Vedanta literally means the end of the Vedas and originally referred to the Upanishads. Vedanta is concerned with the jñānakāṇḍa or knowledge section of the Vedas which is called the Upanishads.
- According to the Vedanta, there are two types of education (vidya) viz para vidya (higher) and apara vidya (lower) as stated in the Mundaka Upanishad.
- The para vidya is higher knowledge by which is attained the Imperishable.
- Apart from intellectual knowledge, apara vidya gives us relief as it is a source of earning livelihoods with name and fame in the society but it cannot put an end to the sufferings born out of cravings or uncontrollable desires and passions.
- Swami Vivekananda wanted to conjoin with the present educational system the attributes that are prerequisites for spiritual development viz. self -confidence, manliness, sacrificing zeal for others, and above all strength in character.
- According to Vivekananda, Real education is that which enables one to stand on his own legs.
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Man, therefore, according to the Vedanta philosophy, is the greatest being that is in the universe, and this world of work the best place in it, because only herein is the greatest and the best chance for him to become perfect.
- The Vedanta teaches that Nirvana can be attained here and now, that we do not have to wait for death to reach it
Despite their differences, all schools of Vedanta share some common features
- Vedanta is the pursuit of knowledge into the Brahman and the Ātman
- The Upanishads, the Bhagavad Gita, and the Brahma Sutras constitute the basis of Vedanta, providing reliable sources of knowledge.
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Brahman, c.q. Ishvara (God, Vishnu), exists as the unchanging material cause and instrumental cause of the world.
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The self (Ātman/Jiva) is the agent of its own acts (karma) and the recipient of the consequences of these actions.
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Belief in rebirth and the desirability of release from the cycle of rebirths.
Aim of education:
- The ultimate aim of education is to prepare the child for the realization of Brahma.
- Education must aim at self-fulfillment and provide freedom from material desires and attachment.
- Education must provide knowledge for creativity and pursuit of culture and civilization.
- Education should make life worthwhile, purposeful, and relevant.
- Knowledge should dispel doubts, dogmas, and darkness.
- Religion dominated every aspect of life all national, personal, social, and educative procedures and practices, hence education should be wedded to religion.
Conclusion:
if our education system is evolved with the spirit of Swami Vivekananda Ji, neither apara vidya will be neglected by spiritual-aspirants nor para vidya will be ridiculed by the educated-intellectuals. Thus a balanced growth of material prosperity and spiritual uplifting is possible and this is the most desired goal of an ideal society for the all-round development of humanity. Vedanta philosophy advocates for such education that bring Nirvana and help a person on his own leg leading a meaningful life. It was not limited to a particular group, class, or caste. Hence, option (4) perfectly connects education with Vedanta philosophy.
