A Great, Rich and Wonderful Philosophy-18

The core thrust of the philosophy is on development of the full potential of the individual and of attaining the goal of realizing the divinity within him. He cultivates his mind, intellect and the physical body. The sheet anchor is righteousness on which all actions are based.

The early stage of learning till twelve, is from his parents. During this period discipline, loyalty, compassion, renunciation, dogged determination to learn, grasp and assimilate are imbibed. Parents provide him the base on which the teacher builds the superstructure of essential knowledge of the Self. The teacher (Guru) acquaints him with knowledge about the universe and the imperishable consciousness principle. The interdependence and the interrelationships of these phenomena are taught to him without any trace of doubt. He is subject to discipline as hazardous as the one involved like walking on the sharpened edge of a razor. The Spartan training he receives at the hands of his teacher equips him in mind control and expands his positive thinking for enlightenment.

With the knowledge acquired in the twelve years with the Guru, he branches off to any field of specialization he wants to pursue. Thus have emerged out of such rigorous training great achievements in astronomy, mathematics, physics, astrology, economics, political science etc. We have great masters like Varahamihira, Bhaskaracharya, Kautilya, and Patanjali. They dived deep into the subjects of interest and brought forth revelations displaying the best of human ingenuity, talents and knowledge for the welfare of humanity.

The fundamental knowledge the disciple acquires during the twelve years of schooling is the basis for further development and specialization. It is understood by the following saying, "just as the elephant's foot covers fully the foot of all animals singly considered, the knowledge imparted during schooling encompasses all other knowledge required for conducting transactions and relationships of men in society.