Many educated people today appear restless and unhappy, despite their academic achievements and professional successes. Education, which is meant to liberate and enlighten, often ends up being accompanied by hidden enemies of the heart—jealousy, greed, arrogance, and hatred. As the Dalai Lama wisely reminds us, “Along with education, it is essential to develop a pure heart.” True knowledge must always be tempered with purity of thought and goodness of character. Without these, education becomes incomplete and even dangerous, for it can be used as a tool to harm rather than to heal. A heart filled with kindness and compassion gives meaning to the knowledge we acquire. It transforms education from mere accumulation of facts into a force for harmony and service. When the intellect is guided by moral strength and inner purity, it not only leads to personal success but also ensures peace, contentment, and true happiness. Theabsence of such values, however, breeds competition without conscience and progress without peace, leaving even the most accomplished individuals feeling hollow and dissatisfied.
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Holistic education, therefore, must go far beyond books, examinations, and degrees. It must aim at shaping the character of individuals, awakening their inner conscience, and guiding them toward humility and responsibility. Along with sharpening the intellect, it must nurture the soul, cultivating empathy, compassion, and humility. Knowledge without values is like a sharp sword in the hands of one who cannot control it; but knowledge guided by purity becomes a lamp that lights the way for others. In today’s world, where material achievements are often mistaken for success, it is more important than ever to restore the balance between mind and heart. Education must not only teach us how to earn a living but also how to live meaningfully. Only when learning is combined with purity of heart can it bring fulfillment, both to the individual and to society at large.
(The writer is the current Principal of MGM College, Dimapur)
