The Awakening: A Dive into the Essence of Quickening

 

Today, we delve into an insightful excerpt, meticulously curated and adapted from the seminal work, "New Thought Healing Made Plain" by the esteemed Kate Atkinson Boehme, first published in 1918. In the intricate dance of life, there exists a pivotal moment, a transformative juncture known as the Quickening. Prior to this, an organism merely exists, growing and performing basic functions. However, post-Quickening, it is imbued with a newfound vigor, an autonomy, propelling it from passive existence to proactive life. Consider the embryonic journey of a bird. Within the confines of an egg, the yolk gradually morphs into the silhouette of a bird. As it meticulously forms its spine, heart, lungs, and more, it thrives on the nourishment provided by the surrounding albumen. As its form nears completion, ready to break free, the Quickening ensues, bestowing upon it the instinct to emerge from its shell. Before this moment, the bird merely existed. Post-Quickening, it is reborn with a heightened sense of life, empowered to navigate its world. This phenomenon is mirrored in the human embryo, albeit on a grander scale and with profound depth. Upon the Quickening, the fetus transforms into a dynamic entity, actively participating in its birth. Drawing parallels between the tangible and the intangible, one can discern a mental Quickening awaiting every individual. Our minds, initially nebulous and passive, are constantly evolving, gearing up for this transformative phase. This signifies our journey towards a more refined individuality. As we prepare for this mental awakening, our scattered thoughts gradually coalesce around a core idea, evolving into a structured entity. Just as the physical embryo's journey mirrors our own, our mental evolution is reminiscent of life's broader evolutionary trajectory. Life's challenges, its melancholy, uncertainties, and heartaches, are but the growing pains of our embryonic existence. They are the trials we must endure, the lessons we must learn, to reach our Quickening. Just as the yolk is nurtured by the albumen, we too are shaped by our surroundings, our experiences molding our psyche in anticipation of the Quickening. Currently, you stand at the cusp of mental organization, evolving into a coherent mental entity. While your physical self might be established, it's in a state of flux, transitioning towards a more refined version. Similarly, your mind, previously unstructured, is now more malleable, ready to embrace new thought patterns. In moments of doubt, when chaos seems to reign, remember that chaos is but the precursor to order, much like the biblical tale of Creation. Amidst this chaos, elements find their kin, uniting to form structured life. And in this creation, the Quickening is ever-present. I emphasize the term "Quickening" to etch it into your consciousness, to instill a belief that your moment of awakening is imminent. Know that you are in sync with the universe, aligning with the Divine. Aimless endeavors are mere drudgery, but with a purpose, they become a joyous journey. Just as the Apostles were drawn to the Pentecostal Fire, you too are moving towards your spiritual Quickening. The Spirit is ever-present within us, the very essence of our existence. It manifests in myriad ways, and as we evolve, we prepare to embrace its higher forms. Once our mental evolution reaches its zenith, the Spirit will infuse us, heralding our Quickening and subsequent rebirth. In moments of despair, when life's challenges seem insurmountable, find solace in the knowledge that you are on the path to your Quickening. Every trial, every tribulation, is shaping you, preparing you for the Spirit's embrace. Like the embryonic bird, we too are on a journey, and with patience and perseverance, we will realize our potential. I've been privy to numerous accounts of individuals experiencing their Quickening. One such tale resonates deeply. A woman, in a moment of profound clarity, encountered a tri-flamed spiritual entity. This wasn't a mere vision but a tangible experience. As the flame touched her, she felt an electrifying surge, rejuvenating her very being. This Quickening transformed her, elevating her from a life of doubt and fear to one of empowerment and purpose. Her tale is not unique. Many have treaded this path, reinforcing the belief that a Quickening awaits all who seek truth, love, and enlightenment. So, I implore you, embrace this journey towards your Quickening with hope and courage. Trust in this cosmic dance, for the Quickening beckons, guiding you towards your destiny.

The Tale of Elara and the Quickening Flame

In the quaint village of Luminara, nestled between rolling hills and dense woods, lived Elara, a librarian with a penchant for old manuscripts. She had always been intrigued by a particular legend, the tale of the "Quickening Flame." The legend spoke of a transformative power, a flame that could ignite the spirit and bring about profound change in an individual.

Elara's life was much like the village itself: predictable, monotonous, and without much change. She often found herself lost in thoughts of the past, weighed down by regrets and apprehensions about the future. The legend of the Quickening Flame became her beacon of hope, a symbol of the change she so deeply yearned for.

One day, while sorting through a pile of old books, Elara stumbled upon a forgotten manuscript titled "New Thought Healing Made Plain" by Kate Atkinson Boehme. The book spoke of the Quickening in great detail, describing it as a pivotal moment in one's life when they transition from being passive recipients of fate to active shapers of their destiny. It likened this transformation to the moment an embryo becomes a living, breathing entity, capable of independent movement and action.

Elara was captivated. The manuscript described the human mind as an embryo, waiting for its moment of Quickening. It spoke of the challenges and trials one faces as necessary preparations for this transformative moment. Every hardship, every sorrow, was but a stepping stone leading to the Quickening.

Months turned into years, and Elara immersed herself in the teachings of the manuscript. She began to see her life's challenges as opportunities for growth, preparing her for her moment of Quickening. She started hosting weekly gatherings at the library, sharing the teachings of the manuscript with the villagers. The once quiet library became a hub of hope and inspiration.

One fateful evening, as Elara sat in quiet meditation, she felt a warm, tingling sensation on her temple. Opening her eyes, she saw a three-tongued flame hovering before her. It touched her gently, and a rush of energy surged through her. She felt lighter, more alive than she had ever felt before. The weight of her past regrets and future anxieties melted away, replaced by a newfound clarity and purpose.

The Quickening Flame had chosen her.

Elara's transformation was evident to all. The once melancholic librarian now radiated joy and confidence. She became a beacon of hope for the villagers, a living testament to the power of the Quickening Flame.

Word of Elara's experience spread far and wide. People from neighboring villages and distant towns began to visit Luminara, seeking the transformative power of the Quickening Flame. Elara, with her newfound purpose, guided them, teaching them the principles she had learned from the manuscript.

The village of Luminara transformed from a quiet, unassuming hamlet to a thriving center of learning and spiritual growth. And at the heart of it all was Elara, the librarian who dared to believe in the power of the Quickening Flame.

And so, the legend of the Quickening Flame lived on, not just as a tale from an old manuscript but as a lived reality, a testament to the transformative power of belief, hope, and perseverance.

 

On Meekness, Humility and Love

On Meekness, Humility, and Love.

A general write-up on Meekness, Humility & Love. Edited and adapted from All These Things Added by James Allen. This is edited and adapted from All These Things Added by James Allen, published in 1903.

THE mountain bends not to the fiercest storm, but it shields the fledgling and the lamb, and though all people tread upon it, yet it protects them, and bears them up upon its sturdy bosom. So it is also with the meek among us, who compassionately bend to shield the lowliest creature, and, though they may be despised, lift all others up and lovingly protect them. 

As glorious as the mountain in its silence are the divine man and woman in their silent Meekness; like the mountainous form, their loving embrace is expansive and sublime. Truly their body, like the mountain’s base, is fixed in the valleys and the mists; but the summit of their being is eternally bathed in cloudless glory, and lives with majestic Silence. 

When you have found Meekness, you have found divinity. You have realized the divine consciousness, and know yourself as divine. You also know all others as divine — though they know it not themselves, being asleep and dreaming. Meekness is a divine quality, and as such is all-powerful. The meek person overcomes by not resisting, and by allowing themselves to be defeated, they attain the Supreme Conquest. 

If you conquer another by force, you are strong. If you conquer yourself by Meekness you are mighty. When you conquer another by force, you will likewise be conquered. When you conquer yourself by Meekness, you will never be overthrown, for the human being cannot overcome the divine. 

The meek individual is triumphant in defeat. Socrates lives the more by being put to death. In the crucified Jesus, the risen Christ is revealed. That which is real cannot be destroyed — but only that which is unreal. When you find within yourself that which is real, which is constant, abiding, changeless, and eternal, you enter into that Reality, and become meek. All the powers of darkness will come against you, but they will do you no hurt, and will, at last, depart from you. 

The meek man and woman are found in times of trial. When other people fall, they stand. Their patience is not destroyed by the foolish passions of others, and when attacks are made against them, they do not "strive nor cry" — for they know the utter powerlessness of all evil, having overcome it in themselves, and thus live in the changeless strength and power of divine Good. 

Meekness is one aspect of the operation of that changeless Love which is at the Heart of all things and is, therefore, an imperishable quality. Those who live in meekness are without fear, knowing the Highest, and having the lowest under their feet. 

The meek person shines in darkness and flourishes in obscurity. Meekness does not boast, advertise itself, nor thrive on popularity. It is practiced and is sometimes seen or not seen — being a spiritual quality it is perceived only by the eye of the spirit. 

Those who are not spiritually awakened see it not, nor do they love it, being enamored of (and blinded by) worldly shows and appearances. Nor does history take note of the meek individual. History’s glory is that of strife and self-aggrandizement; the glory of the meek is peace and gentleness. History chronicles the earthly, not the heavenly acts. Yet though the meek live in obscurity, they cannot be hidden (how can light be hidden?). They continue to shine after they have withdrawn themselves from the world, and are worshipped by the world which knew them not. 

That the meek among us should be neglected, abused, or misunderstood is reckoned by them as of no account, and therefore not to be considered, much less resisted. They know that all such weapons are the flimsiest and most ineffectual of shadows. To those, therefore, who give them evil, they give good. They resist none, and thereby conquer all. 

If you imagine that you can be injured by others, and seek to justify and defend yourself against them, you do not understand Meekness and do not comprehend the essence and meaning of life. 

If you harbor such thoughts as "they abused me, they beat me, they defeated me, they robbed me,” your hatred will never cease . . . for hatred ceases not by hatred at any time. Hatred ceases by love. 

You say that your neighbor has been spreading lies about you? Well, what of that? Can a falsity hurt you? That which is false is false, and there is an end to it. It is without life, and without power to hurt any but those who seek to hurt by it. It is nothing to you that your neighbor should speak falsely about you, but it will mean much if you should attack them in return and try to justify yourself — for, by so doing, you give life and vitality to your neighbor’s lies, and are thus injured and distressed. 

Take all anger and evil out of your own heart, then you will see the folly of resisting it in another. Are you being trodden upon? You are trodden upon already if you think like that. The injury that you see as coming from another comes only from yourself. The wrong thought, word, or act of another has no power to hurt you unless you galvanize it into life by your passionate resistance, and so receive it into yourself. 

If any person slanders you, that is their concern, not yours. Your concern is with your own soul, not with your neighbor’s. Though all the world may misjudge you, it is no business of yours; but that you should possess your soul in Kindness and Love: that is all your business. 

There shall be no end to strife until we stop justifying ourselves. Those who would like to put an end to the wars, let them cease to defend any party — let them cease to defend themselves. Not by strife can peace come, but by ceasing from strife. 

The glory of Cæsar resided in the resistance of his enemies. They resist and fall. But give to Cæsar that which Cæsar demands, and Cæsar’s glory and power are gone. Thus, by submission do the meek conquer the strong — for it is not that outward show of submission which is slavery, it is that inward and spiritual submission which is freedom. 

Claiming no rights, the meek individual is not troubled with self-defense and self-justification. They live in love and therefore come under the immediate and vital protection of the Great Love which is the Eternal Law of the universe. The meek neither claim nor seek their own; thus do all things come to them, and all the universe shields and protects them. 

If you are saying to yourself, "I have tried Meekness, and it failed," then you have not tried Meekness. It cannot be tried as an experiment. It is only arrived at by unreserved self-sacrifice. Meekness does not consist merely of non-resistance in action. It consists pre-eminently in non-resistance in your thoughts, in ceasing to hold or to have any selfish, condemnatory, or retaliatory thoughts. The meek man and woman, cannot "take offense" or have their "feelings hurt," for they are living above hatred, folly, and vanity. Meekness can never fail. 

If you are striving for a greater spiritual life, a more blessed life, strive after Meekness. Increase your patience and forbearance day by day; bid your tongue cease all harsh words; withdraw your mind from selfish arguments, and refuse to brood upon those who have wronged you. By living this way, you will carefully tend and cultivate the pure and delicate flower of Meekness in your heart, until at last, its divine sweetness and purity and beautiful perfection shall be revealed to you, and you will become gentle, joyful, and strong. 

Fret not that you are surrounded by irritable and selfish people, but rather rejoice that you are so wise as to have your own imperfections revealed to you and that you are awake to the struggle for self-mastery and the attainment of perfection. The more there is harshness and selfishness around you, the greater is the need for your Meekness and love. 

If others seek to wrong you, all the more is it needed that you should cease all wrong and live in love. If others preach Meekness, humility, and love, and do not practice these, trouble not, nor be annoyed — but in the silence of your own heart, and in your contact with them, practice these things, and they shall preach themselves. And even though you made no declaration, nor stood before a gathered audience, you shall teach the whole world. 

As you grow in meekness, you will learn the deepest secrets of the universe. Nothing is hidden from those who overcome themselves. Into the cause of causes you shall penetrate, and lifting, one after another, every veil of illusion, will reach at last the inmost Heart of Being. By becoming one with Life (and seeing into causes, and knowing realities), you will no longer be anxious about yourself, others, and the world, but shall see that all things are engines of the Great Law. Canopied with gentleness, you shall bless where others curse; love where others hate; forgive where others condemn; yield where others strive; give up where others grasp; lose where others gain — and in their strength, they shall be weak; but in weakness, you shall be strong, and mightily prevail. 

A Brahmin Guide for Living a Noble Life

 

A Brahmin Guide for Living a Noble Life. Adapted from The Economy of Human Life, translated from an ancient Brahmin manuscript by Robert Dodsley, published in 1839.

COMMUNE

Commune with yourself and consider for what reason you were made. Contemplate your powers, your wants, and your connections — so that you shall discover the duties of life and be directed in all your ways. 

Proceed not to speak or to act before you have weighed your words and examined the tendency of every step you will take. By doing so, disgrace shall fly far from you, and in your house, shame shall be a stranger; repentance shall not visit you, nor sorrow dwells upon your cheek. 

The thoughtless person speaks at random. They are entangled in the foolishness of their own words. They are like the person who runs in haste and leaps over a fence, only to fall into a pit on the other side, which they did not see — for they plunge suddenly into any action, not having considered the consequences. Hearken therefore unto the voice of Consideration. Her words are the words of wisdom, and her paths shall lead you to truth and safety. 

MODESTY

The first step toward being wise is to know that you are ignorant. And if you would not be thought foolish in the judgment of others, cast off the folly of being wise in your own self-admiration. As a plain garment best adorns a beautiful body, so is good behavior the greatest ornament of wisdom. 

The speech of a modest man and woman gives luster to truth, and the prudence of their words absolves any error. They rely not simply on their own wisdom, but weigh the counsel of a friend, and receive the benefits. 

On the other hand, consider the vain individual, and observe the arrogance. They are rude to their subordinates; they despise the judgment of others; they rely solely on their own opinions and are confounded when things go wrong. 

APPLICATION

Since the days of the past are gone forever, and those that are to come may not come to you, it is important to take advantage of the present time, without regretting the loss of that which is in the past or depending too much on that which is to come. This moment in time is yours; the next is in the womb of the future, and you know not what it may bring forth. 

Whatever you resolve to do, do it quickly. Defer not till the evening what the morning may accomplish. Idleness is the parent of want and pain, but the labor of virtue brings forth pleasure. The hand of diligence defeats wants. Prosperity and success are the attendants of the industrious. 

Have you ever asked yourself how is it that someone has acquired wealth; has risen to power; has clothed themselves with honor, is praised by many, and is sought after for their counsel? They are the person who rises up early and lies down late; who exercises their mind with contemplation and their body with action and preserves the health of both. 

The lazy person is a burden to themselves. Their hours hang heavy upon their head. They loiter about and know not what they should do. Their thoughts are confused. They long for knowledge but have no application. Their days pass away like the shadow of a cloud, and they leave behind them no mark for remembrance. 

 

EMULATION. 

If your soul yearns for honor (if your ear seeks the voice of praise), raise yourself from the earth which you were made, and exalt your aim to something that is praiseworthy. The oak that now spreads its branches towards the heavens, was once but an acorn in the bowels of the earth. 

Endeavor to be first in your calling, whatever it may be. Neither let anyone go before you in doing good. However, do not envy the merits of another person, but improve your own talents. Do not weaken competitors by dishonest or unworthy methods. Strive to raise yourself above them only by excelling them — thus your contest for superiority will be crowned with honor, if not with success. 

By virtuous emulation, your spirit is exalted within you. You rise like the palm tree in spite of oppression. And as an eagle in the firmament of heaven, you soar aloft and fix your eyes upon the glories of the sun. The examples of eminent men and women are in your visions at night — and your delight is to follow them all day long. 

Form your great designs now, and rejoice in their execution. And your name will go forth to the ends of the world. 

 

PRUDENCE

As you work, remember to hear the words of Prudence; give heed unto her counsel, and store them in your heart. Her maxims are universal, and all the virtues lean upon her. She is the guide and mistress of human life. 

Put a bridle on your tongue. Set a guard before your lips, otherwise, the words of your own mouth will destroy your peace. Whosoever speaks of another person’s failings with pleasure, shall hear of their own with the bitterness of heart. 

Too much speaking is always followed by repentance, but in silence there is safety. A talkative person is a nuisance to society. Our ears are sick of their babbling; the torrent of their words overwhelms conversation. 

Boast not of yourself, for it shall bring contempt upon you; neither deride another, for it is dangerous. A bitter jest is the poison of friendship. And the person that cannot restrain their tongue, shall have trouble. 

Furnish yourself with the proper accommodations belonging to your circumstances. But do not spend to the limit of what you can afford. Let, also, not your recreations be expensive, otherwise, the pain of purchasing them may exceed the pleasure you have in their enjoyment. 

Neither let prosperity put out the eyes of caution, nor abundance cut off the hands of frugality. The person that indulges too much in the luxuries of life, shall live to lament the want of its necessities. 

From the experience of others, learn wisdom. And from their failings, correct your own faults. When you have proved to yourself that someone is honest, lock them up in your heart as a treasure: regard them as a jewel of inestimable price. 

Use not today what tomorrow may want. Neither leaves that to hazard which foresight may provide for, or care prevent. However, expect not even from prudence infallible success — for the day knows not what the night may bring forth. 

Remember that the fool is not always unfortunate, nor the wise person always successful — yet never had a fool a thorough and lasting enjoyment, and never are the wise wholly unhappy. 

 

FORTITUDE

PERILS and misfortunes (and want, and pain, and injury) are more or less the certain lots of every person that comes into the world. It is necessary, therefore, to fortify early your mind with courage and patience. As the camel bears labor and heat (and hunger and thirst), through deserts of sand and faints not; so your fortitude shall sustain you through all perils. 

Women and men of noble spirit possess greatness of soul that is not to be cast down. They are like a rock on the seashore. They stand firm, and the dashing of the waves does not disturb them. They raise their head like a tower on a hill and the arrows of Fortune drop at their feet. In a moment of danger, the courage of their heart sustains them; and the steadiness of their mind bears them out. 

 

HOPE AND FEAR

THE promises of hope are sweeter than roses in the bud, while threats of fear are a terror to the heart. Nevertheless, let not hope allure, nor fear deters you from doing what is right; thus, you will be prepared to meet all events with an equal mind. 

In all your undertakings let a reasonable assurance animate your endeavors. If you despair of success, you will not succeed. Terrify not your soul with vain fears — neither let your heart sink within you from the phantoms of imagination. From fear proceeds, misfortune but the one who hopes helps themselves. As the ostrich when pursued hides its head, but forgets its body; so the fears of a coward expose them to danger. 

If you believe a thing impossible, your despondency will make it so. But if you persevere, you will overcome all difficulties. In all your desires let reason go along with you and fix not your hopes beyond the bounds of probability. Success will thus attend your undertakings, and your heart will not be vexed with disappointments. 

 

CONTENTMENT

Do not forget that your station on earth is appointed by the wisdom of the Eternal — who knoweth thy heart, who seeth the vanity of all thy wishes, and who often, in mercy, denies thy requests. 

Yet for all reasonable desires, for all honest endeavors, Divine benevolence has established (in the nature of things) a probability of success. The uneasiness you feel, the misfortunes you complain about identify the root from where they spring — that includes your own folly, your own pride, and your own ill-tempered actions. 

Grumble not therefore at the whims of God, but correct your own heart: neither say to yourself, "If I had wealth, or power, or leisure, I should be happy" — for they all bring with them their own peculiar problems and inconveniences. Envy not the appearance of happiness in any person, for you do not know their secret griefs. 

To be satisfied with a little is the greatest wisdom. The person who increases their riches increases their cares: but a contented mind is a hidden treasure, and trouble finds it not. 

However, if you do not allow the allurements of fortune to rob you of justice, temperance, charity, or modesty, your riches themselves shall not make you unhappy or less noble. 

Virtue is the race which God has set you to run, and happiness the goal, which none can arrive at till they have finished their course, and received their crown in the mansions of eternity. 

RICH AND POOR

The person to whom God has given riches, and blessed them a mind to employ their wealth alright, is uniquely favored, and highly distinguished. They own their wealth with pleasure because it affords them the means to do good. They seek out objects of compassion; they inquire into their wants; they relieve with judgment, and without ostentation. 

They assist and reward merit. They encourage ingenuity and liberally promote every useful design. They carry on great works; thus, their country is enriched, and the laborer is employed. They also consider the link between their belongings and the laborers who produced them and defraud them not. 

The benevolence of their mind is not checked by their fortune. They rejoice therefore in abundance and their joy is well-earned. 

 

The Power of Integrity

“DO WHAT IS RIGHT, NOT WHAT IS EASY”

The below blog post is about ‘The Power of Integrity. It is adapted from The Eight Pillars of Prosperity by James Allen, published in 1911.

There is no cheap bargain for prosperity. It must be purchased, not only with hard labor, but with moral force. As the soap bubble cannot endure, so the fraud cannot prosper. Nothing is ever gained, ever can be gained, by fraud.

The person who courts prosperity must, in all their transactions, whether material or mental, study how to give a just return for that which they receive. This is the great fundamental principle in all sound commerce. It is scientifically stated in the formula, “Action and Reaction are equal.”

Human life is reciprocal, not rapacious, and people who regard all others as their legitimate prey will soon find themselves stranded in the desert of ruin, far away from the path of prosperity. Their efforts are destructive, and not constructive, and they thereby destroy themselves.

Without integrity, energy and efficiency will at last fail, but aided by integrity, their strength will be greatly augmented. There is no occasion in life in which the moral factor does not play an important part.

To be complete and strong, you must embrace integrity with your whole being, and extend it to all the details of your life; and it must be so thorough and permanent as to withstand all temptations to swerve into compromise. To fail in one point is to fail in all. And to allow, even a single compromise, howsoever necessary it may appear, is to throw down the shield of integrity, and to stand exposed to the onslaughts of evil.

There is a popular and old story about a man’s integrity and his prosperity. "The Woodcutter and the Axe". There was a Woodcutter in a village. He had an iron axe. He used to cut wood everyday by selling that wood in markets maintained his family.

There was river flowing by the village. On the bank of the river there was a forest. One day the Woodcutter went in the forest to cut wood. All on a sudden the woodcutter's axe fell in the river. The wood cutter broke down with worries. Because he could not cut wood without the axe and if he can not do it daily how he could maintain his family. Then his wife and children would remain unfed.

At that time the Goddess of water come up to him from the river. She had a silver axe in her hand. Goddess of water asked the woodcutter, "Have a look, is this your axe?" Having a look woodcutter said, "No, this is not my axe." The Goddess of water went away and come back again with a golden axe in her hand. She asked the woodcutter, "See this axe now, is this yours?" The woodcutter replied, "No, this is not also mine." The Water Goddess dived into water and come again up with an iron axe in her hand. She asked the woodcutter, "Now you see, is this yours?" The woodcutter replied, " Yes, this one is my axe." The Goddess of water was pleased with the woodcutter for his truthfulness. She gave these three axes to the woodcutter. After then the woodcutter was no more in want.

Through this story of the "The Woodcutter and the Goddess of water' We have come to know that honesty is a great virtue. Everyone like honest people. Even the deities love them. So, we should be honest. This is the moral learning of this story. You are not truly armored with integrity until you have become incapable of lying or deceiving, either by gesture, word, or act; until you can see the deadly effects of such actions. On becoming thus enlightened, you are protected from all quarters, and can no more be undermined by dishonest people.

The Pillar of Integrity is held together by these four powerful elements:

1. Honesty

2. Fearlessness

3. Purposefulness

4. Invincibility

Honesty is the surest way to success. One day comes when the dishonest person repents in sorrow and suffering, but honest person never has to repent. Even when the honest person fails (as they do sometimes), their failure is not that grievous as it is for the dishonest person, for they can always rejoice that they never defrauded a fellow being. They can find solace in a clear conscience.

Fearlessness accompanies honesty. The honest person has a clear eye and an unflinching gaze. They look others in the face, and their speech is direct and convincing. The liar cannot look another person in the eye. Their speech arouses mistrust because it is ambiguous and unconvincing.

Purposefulness is the direct outcome of that strength of character which integrity fosters. The person of integrity is the man and woman of direct aims and strong and intelligent purposes.

Invincibility is a glorious protector of those whose integrity is perfectly pure and irrefutable. Never to violate your integrity, even in the most insignificant cases, is to be invincible against all the assaults of defeat.

Moral force is the greatest power. If you are seeking true prosperity, you must discover this force, foster and develop it in your mind and in your deeds, and as you succeed you will take your place among the strong leaders of your community, and of the world. As it is rightly said

“INTEGRITY IS DOING THE RIGHT THING, EVEN WHEN NO ONE IS WATCHING.” C.W Lewis

Future of Education

 

“Education is the foundation on which we build our Future”

What do you think about the present system of education? Do you think our present education system is delivering what it is intended to do? Is it doing justice to our dear children? Are we responsibly getting the next generation ready for our nation or for the world at large? Are we making them happy and joyful? 

Photo by Max Fischer

I am not quite happy with our present education system and I am sure that you would agree with me as well. Let us consider my school journey. I remember the time when I was studying in school. I used to take load of books and notebooks on my back as per class timetable. There were series of subject classes one after another where I was poured with tons of information on world affairs in which some part was given as homework. During periodic class tests, I used to cram that information and poured them on exam papers to get high marks. Doing this way, I was considered one of a very bright and smart students of the class. I was a 90-percentile student scorer during my school times. 

However, I am sure, in a year time, if I were to be re-examined on the same knowledge, I may not be able to get even 10% of the marks. As I further grew up, I found myself severely lacking in application knowledge. The idea of cramming my subjects in lower classes has boomeranged on me by not getting desired marks in higher education. At that time, I felt severely limited and depressed. 

Pic: karolina-grabowska-pixels

As I further grew up and entered professional life, I found myself severely lacking in skills which were required to succeed in professional life. I found myself struggling to cope with the changed requirements of professional life. As a result, I would not consider myself remarkably successful in my professional and personal life. I started with a promising future but turned out to be mediocre in my professional life. 

Now when I look back at the faintly remembered, hard earned knowledge of school days, I find scarcely any use of those things in my present life. Okay and even If I do not remember my past knowledge, but did I improve my mind power substantially? Has my mind become more sharp, more intelligent now? Maybe yes! But that increase in mind power has happened to a limited extent which I believe is not sufficient for my life. I still find myself largely incapacitated.  

What is the problem here? Where did I go wrong despite working hard and despite being a good student? Why many others who were of my age and who were not as smart as I were at the time, have turned out to be phenomenally successful while I am a mediocre and still struggling professionally.

Photo by Max Fischer from Pexels

Personally, I believe the main fault lies within our present and prevalent education system. The present education system prepares students for merely gathering knowledge. It believes in the fact that by thrusting knowledge inside young minds through textbooks, will not only be retained fruitfully for a longer time but also be helpful in making their mind sharper and more intelligent. Thus, the aim of our education system achieves a primary purpose of acquiring knowledge and then a secondary purpose, probably distant purpose, of training the mind.

In today’s world, knowledge is fast changing. What is relevant today, may not be so few decades later. Hence there is no point in feeding such large chunks of information mindlessly into the brains of our young kids. Additionally, the present-day mind training techniques with application problems and analysis issues are only single tracked which fails to explore and develop the wide avenues of a child’s mind power.

As Albert Einstein said we cannot solve our problems with the same level of thinking that created them. This means our mind needs to develop in a more holistic manner without restrictions. Each mind is a powerhouse which needs to be trained, nurtured, and systematically strengthened. The mind is like a fire which if mishandled can even burn the house but if disciplined, controlled, and regulated can bake a delicious meal for health and prosperity. Each child should be given freedom to learn at her own pace and to develop in her own direction. We, as parents and teachers, need to be patient and broad minded to let our children develop in their own pace while they experiment with their environment, adapt to it, and grow stronger. We need to be strong, patient and keep absolute faith in the process of nature which nurtures and educates the mind in unique way. Additionally, we need to be more tolerant and less judgmental towards the process of our children's mind development. We would need to come out of our limited fears about our child's survivability in present world.

Photo by Noelle Otto

Sir William George Jordan, who was a strong advocate of modern education system said, mind needs to be educated in the following four faculties to 1) Imagination 2) Memory 3) Perception 4) Intuition. Proper systematic mind training is vital for each child which prepares children to use their mind power creatively for any future challenges. In an article on future of American education by 2030, where it mentions that in future, education is more likely to be personalized based on where each child’s education will be done based on her aptitude, interest, and pace. The schools will move towards online education more taking the help of new technology and away from brick-and-mortar kind of schools. Parent will have more role in the upbringing of their own child.

Imagination, Memory, Perception, Intuition

Although, it details out the education system of the future but still it fails to address the point of a child's mind power development in a holistic and non-judgmental manner so that when the child grows up, he feels capable to adapt to new environment and become more confident, more controlled, more creative, and eventually happier in their life. This way, the nation will also get an army of new generation people who are confident of solving their own generational problems in a creative manner. I will end this article with the following quote.  

“The dilemma of our times is that the future is not what it used to be”