The state of Veda Pãtasãla Today! - III

-- Sri Sri Swamiji

<< Part-II

The Vedas is verily the testimony for the 'guna' (merit) or 'dosha' (fault) of an issue. It is only through a Mahaatma that any Dharma shines forth. Therefore, many Mahans-beginning from Matsya Bhagaavaan to our 'Kaanchi' Maha Periyava-have appeared to protect the Vedas. As a result even today innumerable Veda Paatasaalas are being run in many places in the country. Many Paatasaalas are run by Mataadhipadhis (Heads of Religious Mutts) while several others are run by individuals.

It is a Herculean task to run Paatasaalas in the atmosphere prevailing today. This is because none - from the Government to the people of the society- cherish the feeling to support it. Not just this but they even feel indifferent towards it, as they feel that it is useless! Even many amongst the Brahmin community deeply desire to support such organizations as orphanages, hospitals, educational institutions rather than Veda Paatasaalas. So, the atmosphere in today's society is not healthy for running Veda Paatasaalas.

While looking at the administrative aspect of Veda Paatasaalas we find innumerable difficulties. Though many Heads of Mutts run Veda Paatasaalas it is very difficult for them, amidst their various activities, to devote personal attention to them. Those in whose care the Paatasaalas have been left do not continue to have the same enthusiasm and sincerity as at the start. It is so in the case of those run by individuals, too.

Getting a Teacher for the Paatasaalas poses a greater challenge. This is due to the fact that it is not possible to pay a handsome salary to a highly learned Vedic Scholar who earns well through performance of religious rites and Veda paaraayana. If they are permitted to do both - teach in the Veda Paatasaala and also work outside - lessons cannot be completed on time. Therefore, only one with a 'tyaaga buddhi' (selfless attitude) can become a Teacher. But today none can be found.

In days yonder, children from good, 'vaidika' background came to Paatasaalas for the study of the Vedas. But today only those who are unable to do the regular school studies come to Veda Paatasaala. Only those who have no proper means send their children to Veda Paatasaala. They do not understand that the study of the Vedas is far more difficult than worldly education. Such children do not possess meritorious character. Moreover, they discontinue their studies halfway through to pursue 'vaideeka' (performance of religious rites). Under the circumstance, when one yearns to have children learn the Vedas, one is compelled to admit anyone who knocks at the door. It is but common that the administrators and the Teachers do not see eye to eye, in any Paatasaala. Likewise, children, too, do not have any reverence to the Teacher. Only if there is proper understanding and coordination between the administrators, parents of the students, Teachers and they (all) act selflessly can the full benefit of the Paatasaalas be reaped. On the contrary, in the atmosphere prevalent today, even if a number of Paatasaalas are set up they cannot bring about any notable change in the society.

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