Preparing Students Against Destructive Behaviour
Students are young and bubbling with energy. They represent a tremendous source of power that can be transformed into creativity, love, compassion, freedom and supra-sensual joy. But unfortunately, it is not done. Youth either use their energy in a destructive manner or they suppress or repress it. But can the inner power of emotions, moods, animalistic impressions, violence, greed, lust, hatred, anger and jealousy be blocked for long? Obviously no! And when they explode, the situation becomes disastrous. The riots that recently broke out in the suburbs of France are but one example.
Youth over the world are rebels, revolutionaries and delinquents taking to drugs, thoughtless sex acts like rape, obsession, homosexuality and paedophilia. Why? My observation is that we have created a society that pushes the youngsters-students to such inconsiderate acts that are of disastrous consequences. Having a human body does not mean that we are civilised. Humanness or civility has to be attained and knowledge of the external world does not lead to that. We carry in our genes an unconscious mind and layers of animal impressions coupled with repressed emotions from parents, religions, teachers and society at large. Suppression does not help growth, but rather leads to thoughtless and unconscious expression. Man has to learn the discipline of self-transcendence. By this, I mean we have to teach our youth and why not our adults, to transform their hearts and minds so that the real and new man can take birth.
Youth of today, thus students, have to bear much pressure from the modern world. For instance, the school curriculum is too loaded, thus they do not have much time to relax, recreate and self-study. The little time they have is spent in uncreative activities, which only bring ephemeral joy while exhausting the senses and the brain. Life is a cosmic celebration and we are here to participate in it. If we spend eight hours in sleep and the rest in material activities, what time do we have to appreciate life, sing, dance and celebrate? The saying goes, "Too much play makes Jack a dull boy and too much study equally makes Jack a dull boy." Youth are like seeds. They can be planted, looked after, helped to become trees, to flower and bear fruits, but alas!
Our education system, which favours competition, and our morality-based structures make them bonsai-like. They become physically attractive and academically good, but their behaviour remains animalistic, barbarous and primitive. What our youth need is to be listened to, to be loved, befriended and guided. However, this has to start right from the laps of the parents, in particular mothers. Our children are not our possession, we are only a door for them. They come through us, not from us. They have their own individuality, their own dreams and aims. We can only educate, help and guide them, not decide for them or impose upon them. They need to be freed from all types of taboos and conditionings.
Students should be taught in schools and even at home how to transform their mental energy, emotions and sensuality. Teaching does not mean giving lessons of morality, but helping them to become more attentive to themselves, to their moods, emotions, thoughts and acts. They should be helped to attain inner silence, for silence also means a lucid and penetrating mind. Only then can they grow up into responsible citizens.
It is not very easy to calm down people when there is so much injustice, corruption, discrimination, racism and hatred everywhere. One can be good but to what extent can one be tolerant? Politicians have a great role to play in preventing youth from taking destructive decisions. They should create an atmosphere of confidence, show political will to eradicate racism and discrimination and establish meritocracy.
Parents should stop being possessive. The youth should be taught that they cannot do whatever they wish or achieve everything they dream of. What do youth and students in particular seek? They seek love, peace, affection, freedom and bliss. It is only when they do not have these that they take to things that are destructive to physical, emotional and mental health.
Our children have their own individuality, their own dreams and aims. We can only educate, help and guide them, not decide for them or impose upon them. They need to be freed from all types of taboos and conditionings.
