Dipak Kurmi
Human beings, by virtue of their existence, are intrinsically bound to the process of learning. As sentient creatures equipped with five sense organs—the eyes, ears, nose, tongue, and skin—we constantly absorb, interpret, and respond to the world around us. These organs are not mere biological features; they are gateways, often poetically described as “doors of knowledge,” through which consciousness interfaces with the universe. From the moment we are born to our last breath, learning is an unavoidable phenomenon. We may shut our eyes to the world, but we cannot stop perceiving it. Even in silence, our ears remain receptive. Even in solitude, our minds remain in motion. We are learners by nature, and no amount of resistance can suspend this process.
It is crucial to realize that sense organs only receive impressions—they do not learn by themselves. True learning occurs when these impressions reach our brain, where awareness and consciousness operate. The conscious mind, or what may be better described as the unified faculty of the “mind-intellect-memory-feeling,” processes these signals, evaluates them, and stores them as experiences. This subtle mechanism of perception, interpretation, and response is the seat of all knowledge acquisition. It is in this inner realm that the soul is touched and transformed. Every word we hear, every image we see, every texture we feel, and every taste we savor contributes to the formation of the self—not just in terms of information but in terms of values, identity, and purpose.
There are essentially two types of knowledge that a human being can acquire. The first pertains to the material world—facts, physical laws, practical skills, and technological know-how. This knowledge fuels civilization, drives progress, and builds economies. It is indispensable for survival in the modern world. The second, however, transcends material needs. It is spiritual or metaphysical knowledge—understanding of the soul, karma, dharma, and the Supreme Being. While material knowledge informs our intellect, spiritual knowledge elevates our consciousness. The latter, when sincerely internalized and acted upon, creates sanskaras—deep impressions or personality traits that influence the trajectory of our actions and our journey across lifetimes.
These sanskaras are not ephemeral. They are enduring impressions embedded within the soul, carried forward from one life to another. Every action we perform under the influence of these impressions shapes our destiny and becomes the seed for future experiences. Repeated actions become habits, habits mold character, and character determines our fate. Therefore, the process of learning is not a detached intellectual exercise—it is a transformative force that sculpts our inner being. If we absorb good influences, our soul evolves towards happiness and harmony. If we absorb negativity and vice, we slide into sorrow and conflict.
In a world where most individuals are caught in the whirlwind of material pursuits, the significance of this internal journey is often forgotten. People claim they have no time to learn, no interest in reflection, and no motivation to cultivate virtues. But this is a dangerous delusion. Whether we acknowledge it or not, we are always learning—sometimes consciously, more often unconsciously. If we are not actively choosing what to learn, the environment and circumstances are teaching us anyway, and not always for the better. This passive learning often fills our minds with garbage—greed, anger, jealousy, lust, ego, and illusion. Over time, we become carriers of mental pollution, harming not only ourselves but also those around us.
In this light, education should not be limited to classroom instruction or professional training. True education is a lifelong pursuit of self-purification and conscious evolution. It is the assimilation of wisdom that uplifts the soul. It is the discipline of thoughts, the refinement of speech, and the purification of actions. Moral values, virtues, and ethical conduct are not luxuries—they are necessities for a meaningful life. Without them, even the most intellectually brilliant person can become a moral dwarf.
Unfortunately, perfection eludes all of us. In this imperfect world, where even the best among us are susceptible to flaws and failures, there is an urgent need for inner enlightenment. We must wake up to the reality that our thoughts shape our speech, and our speech guides our actions. If our thinking is polluted, everything else follows suit. In such a state, how can we expect peace, happiness, or contentment?
Why then do we resist this inner education? Why do we carry the heavy burden of ignorance on our shoulders when we could walk freely with wisdom? Why do we cling to excuses, saying we have no time, no interest, no need? What exactly are we prioritizing in its place—our own decay and self-destruction? The more we delay this inward journey, the more we fall into the abyss of suffering. Time, unlike money, cannot be reclaimed. Every moment lost in ignorance is a step away from our higher potential.
The wise have always reminded us that learning is not a finite task—it is a ceaseless process. From cradle to grave, we are students of life. As the saying goes, “We learn every day.” But to truly benefit from this process, we must shed the ego—the false perception that we already know everything. This humility is the foundation of real learning. The soul blossoms not by accumulation of facts, but by dissolution of arrogance.
Right learning, then, becomes a matter of existential importance. What we learn determines who we become. It defines our worldview, our relationships, our ambitions, and our legacy. A person who has rightly learned will not only understand the mechanics of the world but also the ethics of living. Such a person acts with compassion, speaks with truth, and thinks with clarity. He becomes a beacon of positive change, uplifting himself and contributing to the well-being of the world.
Moreover, right learning initiates a profound transformation. It alters the very lens through which we view reality. It teaches us to distinguish between fleeting pleasures and enduring joy, between illusions of success and true fulfillment. It brings to light our responsibilities—not only to ourselves but also to society and the planet. A rightly learned soul strives to leave the world better than he found it. He becomes an agent of harmony rather than a vehicle of chaos.
We must understand that learning is not a choice—it is a necessity. It is a sacred responsibility to our own soul. Since we are bound to learn in every moment, let us resolve to learn consciously, wisely, and virtuously. Let us imbibe knowledge that purifies, not pollutes. Let us cultivate values that uplift, not degrade. Let us become aware that our every impression, thought, and action molds our future, not just in this life, but in lives yet to come.
As we journey through this vast ocean of existence, let us be vigilant learners. Let us embrace education not just for degrees and jobs, but for inner awakening and soul transformation. For in the end, it is not what we possess but who we become that defines the true essence of our lives.
(The writer can be reached at dipakkurmiglpltd@gmail.com)
