The Wise Ant’s Learning
With unwavering faith, one attains knowledge. Knowledge bestows humility. Without humility, one’s talents perish. In the pursuit of knowledge, humility is cherished.
Once upon a time, there was a young Ant named Chatur who lived in a small village but in a beautiful garden. He loved learning and was very curious about the world and the knowledge available. Even though he faced many difficulties and challenges, he never gave up on his dreams. Chatur had a strong belief in the power of devotion. He learned two of the great principles from his journey of acquiring knowledge. These principles became the guiding light on his extraordinary journey.
॥ श्रद्धावान् लभते ज्ञानम् ॥ (Shraddhaban Lavate Gyanam)
One day, he met a tree who was a wise teacher and his name was Gyan Vriksha. While discussing, Gyan Vriksha came to know about Chatur’s eagerness to learn. The teacher understood Chatur’s determination and decided to help him. With the teacher’s guidance, Chatur worked hard and never lost hope, even when things got tough.
As time went by, Chatur gained a lot of knowledge and wisdom. He realised that when we truly believe and stay devoted to our goals, we can overcome any obstacle. The Gyan Vriksha explained that “श्रद्धावान् लभते ज्ञानम्” signifies that true knowledge is acquired through unwavering faith and dedication. Chatur realized that to gain profound wisdom, he must approach learning with a steadfast and devoted heart. Through his sincere efforts, he experienced the transformative power of “श्रद्धावान् लभते ज्ञानम्.”
|| विद्या ददाति विनयम् || (Vidya Dadati Vinayam)
With newly found determination, Chatur immersed himself in learning from Gyan Vriksha. He asked questions, observed, and absorbed knowledge with enthusiasm. As his wisdom grew, Chatur became more humble, understanding that knowledge was a gift to be shared.
Over time, Chatur’s knowledge and wisdom expanded, and he became known as a sage among his fellow ants. However, he realized that even with a lifetime of learning, there was always more to discover.
Chatur embraced the concept that a true learner remains a student for life. He understood the importance of being calm, composed, and humble throughout his journey. He continued to seek knowledge, remaining open-minded and eager to learn from every experience. Chatur realised that knowledge was not a tool for superiority but a gift to be shared with grace and humility.
Inspired by the essence of “विद्या ददाति विनयम्,” knowledge bestows humility, Chatur, learned the concept, the more humble and respectful he should become towards others, the more he will learn from them. He nurtured a compassionate heart, treating everyone with respect and kindness. His wisdom was never a source of arrogance but a catalyst for lifting others and fostering unity.
Chatur started appreciating different perspectives and being respectful when other’s shared their knowledge. The more he learned the more he came to know that being humble involves recognising that there is always more to learn, valuing other people’s opinions and knowledge, and treating everyone with respect.
“श्रद्धावान् लभते ज्ञानम्” and “विद्या ददाति विनयम्” are the two principles we all should practice by virtues of faith, dedication, knowledge, and humility as we tread our paths of enlightenment. We can also take a few points from Swami Vivekananda and Dr APJ Abdul Kalam.
Swami Vivekananda
- Swami Vivekananda, a great spiritual leader, humbly shared his knowledge, inspiring people of all religions to find unity and harmony.
- His teachings emphasized the power of education, self-realization, and compassion in transforming individuals and society.
- Vivekananda’s approach embodied the concepts of “Shraddhaban Lavate Gyanam”
Dr APJ Abdul Kalam
- Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, a renowned scientist and former President of India, personified the ideals of lifelong learning and being humble.
- He encouraged the youth to dream big, work hard, and never cease their pursuit of knowledge.
- Being humble nature of Dr. Kalam exemplified the concepts of “Vidya Dadati Vinayam.”
The above two concepts are from the Upanishads and Shrimad Bhagbat Gita.
मूल श्लोकः
श्रीमद् भगवद्गीता || 4.39।।
श्रद्धावाँल्लभते ज्ञानं तत्परः संयतेन्द्रियः।
ज्ञानं लब्ध्वा परां शान्तिमचिरेणाधिगच्छति।।
He who is full of faith attains wisdom, and he too who can control his senses, having attained that wisdom, he shall ere long attain Supreme Peace. (English Translation by Shri Purohit Swami)
उपनिषद्
विद्यां ददाति विनयं, विनयाद् याति पात्रताम्।
पात्रत्वात् धनमाप्नोति, धनात् धर्मं ततः सुखम्॥
Knowledge gives you discipline, discipline comes from worthiness, and from worthiness, one can get wealth, and from wealth, one can do good deeds, and from the combination of all these things can make you feel Pleasant and Joyful.
Appreciate your feedback, if you have any.
Manas Dash, 16th June 2023
@simplymanas
