‘Tis the season for graduation all across the world, the joyous
celebrations of a rite of passage. In thinking
about what advice to give to our college and high school graduates as they set
out on their new journey, I find myself being drawn over and over again to the
timeless Vedic words of wisdom found in the shikshAvalli
of the taittirIya Upanishad. This dIkshAnta upadesha or graduation advice was traditionally offered by
the AchArya (teacher) to the
residents of the gurukul (residential
school) upon completion of their studies.
I think of these guiding principles as a Code of Conduct: the Hindu
equivalent of Ten Commandments.
So, what do these mantras offer in terms of practical instructions
for life?
First, the AchArya
talks about values.
- satyam (truthfulness) - Be truthful in speech and thought. In action, be truthful to your values. Maintain your integrity.
- dharma (duty, righteous conduct) - Perform your proper duty. As a student, concentrate on studies. As a householder, take care of your family and your parents.
- swAdhyAya (self-study) – Learning should be a lifelong process. Keep expanding your horizons with new ideas and skills.
Next, the AchArya talks about responsibilities.
- Pay your debts to the teacher.
- Look after your own welfare. Take care of you physical and mental well-being.
- Reach out to others. Be a productive member of the community and society.
- Take pride in your cultural and spiritual heritage. Be an Ambassador.
Then, the AchArya talks about charity.
- Give to causes that you believe. Give to those who are less fortunate.
- Give as much as you can. Give with respect, with sympathy and with modesty.
Finally, the AchArya talks about respect.
- Treat your mother, father, teacher and guest as “God”, someone who is worthy of supreme respect.
- Show reverence to your superiors and those who are more distinguished.
- If you have any doubts about your actions, your conduct or your judgment, seek guidance from those who are more learned and experienced than you.
Please visit THIS LINK for the original Sanskrit mantras and their formal English translation.
Shubham.
