{"id":4195,"date":"2013-07-13T01:54:05","date_gmt":"2013-07-13T01:54:05","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/localhost\/?p=4195"},"modified":"2013-07-13T01:54:05","modified_gmt":"2013-07-13T01:54:05","slug":"23-conducts-vol-12-on-education-volume-12","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/worksofthemotherandsriaurobindo.org\/index.php\/02-works-of-the-mother\/01-cwmce\/12-on-education-volume-12\/23-conducts-vol-12-on-education-volume-12","title":{"rendered":"-23_Conducts.htm"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n
\n
\n

\n <\/font><\/span>CONDUCT<\/span><\/font><\/b><\/p>\n

\n
\n <\/span><\/font><\/p>\n

\nWhat a C<\/font>hild S<\/font>hould A<\/font>lways R<\/font>emember<\/font><\/span> <\/span><\/font><\/p>\n

 <\/span><\/p>\n

The necessity of an absolute sincerity.<\/span><\/p>\n

The certitude of Truth’s final victory.<\/span><\/p>\n

The possibility of constant progress with the will to achieve.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0 <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\nA<\/font><\/span>n<\/font><\/span> I<\/font><\/span>deal<\/font><\/span> C<\/font><\/span>hild<\/font><\/span> <\/font> <\/span>
\n <\/span><\/font><\/p>\n

 <\/span><\/p>\n

is good-tempered<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/span><\/p>\n

He does not become angry when things seem to go against him or
\ndecisions are not in his favour. <\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/span><\/p>\n

is game<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/span><\/p>\n

Whatever he does he does it to the best of his capacity and keeps
\non doing in the face of almost certain failure. He always thinks straight and
\nacts straight. <\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/span><\/p>\n

is truthful<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/span><\/p>\n

He never fears to say the truth whatever may be the consequences. <\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/span><\/p>\n

is patient<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/span><\/p>\n

He does not get disheartened if he has to wait a long time to see
\nthe results of his efforts. <\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/span><\/p>\n


\n\u00a0\u00a0 <\/font>
\n<\/span>is enduring <\/font> <\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>He faces the inevitable
\ndifficulties and sufferings without grumbling.  <\/span><\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 150<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n
\n

<\/span><\/div>\n


\n\u00a0\u00a0 <\/font>
\n<\/span>is persevering <\/font> <\/span>
\n <\/span><\/font><\/p>\n

He never slackens his effort however long it has to last. <\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n


\n\u00a0\u00a0 <\/font>
\n<\/span>is poised <\/font> <\/span>
\n <\/span><\/font><\/p>\n

He keeps equanimity in success as well as in failure. <\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/span><\/p>\n


\n\u00a0\u00a0 <\/font>
\n<\/span>is courageous <\/font> <\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/span><\/p>\n

He always goes on fighting for the final victory though he may
\nmeet with many defeats. <\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/span><\/p>\n


\n\u00a0\u00a0 <\/font>
\n<\/span>is cheerful <\/font> <\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/span><\/p>\n

He knows how to smile and keep a happy heart in all circumstances. <\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/span><\/p>\n


\n\u00a0\u00a0 <\/font>
\n<\/span>is modest <\/font> <\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/span><\/p>\n

He does not become conceited over his success, neither does he
\nfeel himself superior to his comrades. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n


\n\u00a0 <\/font>
\n<\/span>is generous <\/font> <\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/span><\/p>\n

He appreciates the merits of others and is always ready to help
\nanother to succeed. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

is fair and obedient <\/font> <\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/span><\/p>\n

He observes the discipline and is always honest. <\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

Bulletin<\/span><\/i>,
\nAugust 1950 <\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>The ideal child is
\nintelligent<\/i>.<\/i> He understands
\neverything he is told, he knows his lesson before he has learnt it and answers
\nevery question he is asked. \u00a0 <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 151<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n
\n

<\/span><\/div>\n

He has faith in the future which is rich with all the realisations
\nthat are to come, full of beauty and light. <\/span><\/p>\n

Childhood is the symbol of the future and the Hope of all the
\nvictories to come. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0 <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The Ideal Child<\/font><\/span><\/p>\n

\n <\/span><\/p>\n

\u2026he likes to study when he is at school, <\/span><\/p>\n

\u2026he likes to play when he is in the playground, <\/span><\/p>\n

\u2026he likes to eat at meal-time, <\/span><\/p>\n

\u2026he likes to sleep at bed-time, <\/span><\/p>\n

\u2026and always he is full of love for all those around him, <\/span><\/p>\n

\u2026full of confidence in the divine Grace, <\/span><\/p>\n

\u2026full of deep respect for the Divine. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0 <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

The things to be taught to a child<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/span><\/p>\n

1) The necessity of absolute sincerity. <\/span><\/p>\n

2) The certitude of the final victory of Truth. <\/span><\/p>\n

3) The possibility and the will to progress. <\/span><\/p>\n

Good temper, fair-play, truthfulness. <\/span><\/p>\n

Patience, endurance, perseverance. <\/span><\/p>\n

Equanimity, courage, cheerfulness. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0 <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

What should be the main concern in education for children aged
\neleven to thirteen? <\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

 <\/span><\/p>\n

The most important thing to teach them is the absolute necessity
\nof being sincere. <\/span><\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 152<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n
\n

<\/span><\/div>\n

All untruth, however slight, should be refused. <\/span><\/p>\n

They should also be taught to progress constantly, for as soon as
\none stops making any progress, one falls back and that is the beginning of
\ndecay. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0 <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

According to what I see and know, as a general rule, children over
\n14 should be allowed their independence and should be given advice only if and
\nwhen they ask for it. <\/span><\/p>\n

They should know that they are responsible for managing their own
\nexistence. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0 <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

I am very pleased to hear the ideas and sentiments you have
\nexpressed just now and I give you my blessings. Only I wish that your ideas did
\nnot remain as mere ideals, but became realities. That should be your vow, to
\nmaterialise the ideal in your life and character. I take this occasion,
\nhowever, to tell you something that I have wanted to tell you for a long time.
\nIt is with regard to your studies. Naturally there are exceptions, but it is
\nthe exceptions that give force to the rule. For instance, you asked for leave
\ntoday. I did not think you required more relaxation. Your life here is
\norganised on a routine of almost constant relaxation. However, I agreed to your
\nrequest. But the way in which you received the \u201cgood news\u201d pained me. Some of
\nyou even seemed to consider it a victory. But I ask, victory of what, against
\nwhat? The victory of inconscience against the joy of learning and knowing more
\nand more? The victory of unruliness against order and rule? The victory of the
\nignorant and superficial will over the endeavour towards progress and
\nself-conquest? <\/span><\/p>\n

This is, you must know, the very ordinary movement of those who
\nlive in the ordinary condition of life and education. But as<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 153<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n
\n

<\/span><\/div>\n

for you, if you wish to realise the great ideal that is our goal,
\nyou must not remain content with the ordinary and futile reactions of ordinary
\npeople who live in the blind and ignorant conditions of ordinary life. <\/span><\/p>\n

It looks as if I were very conservative when I say so, still I
\nmust tell you that you should be very careful about outside influences and
\nordinary habits. You must not allow them to shape your feelings and ways of
\nlife. Whatever comes from an outside and foreign atmosphere should not be
\npermitted to jump into you \u2014 all that is mediocre and ignorant. If you wish to
\nbelong to the family of the new man, do not imitate pitifully the children of
\ntoday and yesterday. Be firm and strong and full of faith; fight in order to
\nwin, as you say, the great victory. I have trust in you and I count upon you. <\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/span><\/p>\n

Until now I have not published what I told you on the anniversary
\nday of the University. I hoped you would profit by the lesson and mend your
\nways, but to my great regret I am compelled to note that the situation has not
\nimproved: it seems some students have chosen the time when they are in the
\nclass to bring out the worst they have in them, they behave like street
\nurchins; they not only take no advantage of the teacher given to them, but seem
\nto take a mischievous pleasure in preventing others from benefiting by the
\nlessons. <\/span><\/p>\n

We want to show to the world what must be the new man of tomorrow.
\nIs this the example that we will set before them?<\/span> <\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/font><\/span>Published in April<\/font><\/span><\/i> 1953
\n<\/font> <\/span><\/p>\n

(An extract
\nfrom the minutes of teachers’ meeting:)<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

The meeting
\nfelt concern over lack of discipline, good manners and right behaviour among
\nsome students. <\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

 <\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>I insist on the necessity
\nof having good manners. I do not see<\/span> <\/span>anything grand in the manners of a gutter-snipe. <\/span><\/p>\n


\n\u00a0<\/span><\/i>4
\n March 1960<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 154<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n
\n

<\/span><\/div>\n

True strength and protection come from the Divine Presence in the
\nheart. <\/span><\/p>\n

If you want to keep this Presence constantly in you, avoid
\ncarefully all vulgarity in speech, behaviour and acts. <\/span><\/p>\n

Do not mistake liberty for license and freedom for bad manners: the
\nthoughts must be pure and the aspiration ardent. <\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n


\n\u00a0<\/span><\/i>26
\n February 1965<\/span><\/i> <\/span><\/i>\u00a0 <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/span><\/p>\n

Isn’t this immense freedom we are given dangerous for those who
\nare not yet awake, who are still unconscious? How can we account for this good
\nfortune we have been given<\/span><\/i>? <\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/span><\/p>\n

Danger and risk form part of all forward movement. Without them,
\nnothing would ever move; besides, they are indispensable in forming the
\ncharacter of those who want to progress. <\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n


\n\u00a0<\/span><\/i>13
\n April 1966<\/span><\/i> <\/span><\/i> <\/span><\/p>\n

Two things need to be done. Children must be taught: <\/span><\/p>\n

a) not to tell a lie, whatever the consequences; <\/span><\/p>\n

b) to control violence, rage, anger. <\/span><\/p>\n

If these two things can be done, they can be led towards
\nsuperhumanity. <\/span><\/p>\n

There is an idea that if one breaks conventions, restrictions, one
\nis free from the limitations of ordinary humanity. But this is wrong. <\/span><\/p>\n

Those two things must be achieved to be able to be what may be
\ncalled \u201csuperman\u201d: not to tell lies and to control oneself.  <\/span><\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 155<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n
\n

<\/span><\/div>\n

A complete devotion to the Divine is the last condition, but these
\nare the first two things to be achieved. \u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

18 July
\n 1971<\/span><\/i> <\/span><\/i>\u00a0 <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Discipline is indispensable to be a man. Without discipline one is
\nnothing but an animal. I give you two weeks to show that you really want to
\nchange and become disciplined. If you become disciplined and obedient I am
\nwilling to give you another chance. But do not try to be deceitful\u2026\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span>At the least sign of insincerity, I shall
\nhave to send you away. <\/span><\/p>\n

One begins to be a man only when one aspires to a higher and truer
\nlife and accepts a discipline of transformation. <\/span><\/p>\n

For this one must begin by mastering one’s lower nature and one’s
\ndesires. <\/span><\/p>\n


\n\u00a0<\/span><\/i>8
\n March 1972<\/span><\/i> <\/span><\/i> <\/span><\/p>\n

To the students<\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/span><\/p>\n

To be noisy in class is an act of selfish stupidity. <\/span><\/p>\n

If you don’t intend to attend the class silently and attentively,
\nit is better not to come. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0 <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

It is forbidden to fight at school, to fight in class, to fight in
\nthe playground, to fight in the street, to fight at home (whether at your
\nparents’ house or in a boarding). <\/span><\/p>\n

Always and everywhere children are forbidden to fight among
\nthemselves, for each time that one gives a blow to another, one gives it to
\none’s own soul. <\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/span><\/p>\n


\n\u00a0<\/span><\/i>15
\n January 1963<\/span><\/i> <\/span><\/i> <\/span><\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 156<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n
\n

<\/span><\/div>\n

I suggest the same remedy as the one I was using in my childhood
\nwhen disagreeing with my young playmates. I was at that time, as you are, very
\nsensitive and I felt hurt when abused by them, especially by those whom I had
\nshown only sympathy and kindness. I used to tell myself: \u201cWhy be sorry and feel
\nmiserable? If they are right in what they say, I have only to be glad for the
\nlesson and correct myself; if they are wrong, why should I worry about it \u2013 it
\nis for them to be sorry for their mistake. In both cases the best and the most
\ndignified thing I can do is to remain strong, quiet and unmoved.\u201d <\/span><\/p>\n

This lesson which I was giving myself and trying to follow when I
\nwas eight years old, still holds good in all similar cases.<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n


\n\u00a0<\/span><\/i>17
\n April 1932<\/span><\/i> <\/span><\/i> <\/span><\/p>\n

Some words to the children.  <\/span><\/p>\n

1. Never make fun of anyone if you do not want others to make fun
\nof you. <\/span><\/p>\n

2. Always act in a respectable way if you want others to respect
\nyou. <\/span><\/p>\n

3. Love everybody if you want everybody to love you. <\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0 <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

As girls and boys are educated together here we have always
\ninsisted on the relations between them to be those of simple comradeship
\nwithout any mixture of sex feeling and sensuality; and to avoid all temptation
\nthey are forbidden to go in one another’s room and to meet anywhere privately.
\nThis has been made clear to everybody. And if these rules are strictly
\nfollowed, nothing unpleasant can happen. <\/span><\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>16 August 1960<\/span> <\/span>\u00a0 <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\nPage 157 <\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n
\n

<\/span><\/div>\n

Astrologers say that those who are born in November will be mad
\nabout sex. <\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

 <\/span><\/p>\n

Why do you believe in what the astrologers say? It is the belief
\nthat brings the trouble. <\/span><\/p>\n

Sri Aurobindo says that a man becomes what he thinks he is. <\/span><\/p>\n

Try this method of thinking that you are a good boy and will
\nbecome sex-free. <\/span><\/p>\n

Try this method for five<\/span>
\nyears persistently and obstinately without admitting any doubt or
\ndiscouragement, and after five years you will tell me the result. <\/span><\/p>\n

Be very careful never to have a doubt about the result. <\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n

1965 <\/span> <\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

 You are attaching too much importance to this sex affair. <\/span><\/p>\n

Do not think of it at all \u2013 be interested in more interesting<\/span> activities, try to
\ngrow in knowledge and consciousness and kick away the sex thought and the sex
\nimpulse when it comes \u2013 then you can hope of becoming one of my soldiers.  <\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span>1965 <\/span><\/span><\/i>\u00a0 <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

I have already asked of you all not to think that you are girls or
\nboys, but human beings<\/span> equally
\nendeavouring to find, become and manifest the Divine. <\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>16 February
\n 1966<\/span><\/i> <\/span><\/i>\u00a0 <\/span><\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

A complete lack of knowledge about sex can produce serious
\ntrouble. I want to give some information to children whom I know.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

A simple notion of medical knowledge may be useful in taking away
\nthis silly old harmful feeling of shame which brings perversion. <\/span> <\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 158<\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n
\n

<\/span><\/div>\n

Students say we are looking forward towards a sexless society, so
\nwhy should we bother about genders in the language<\/span><\/i>? <\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/span><\/p>\n

This is just a joke\u2026\u00a0\u00a0 <\/span>or a
\ntwist of the mind and a clever way of refusing to understand what is meant by
\nthe advice. <\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/span><\/p>\n

Some good students give so much importance to money that it gives
\na shock. Can we discuss the matter?<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Yes, try \u2013 It is very much needed. Money seems to have become the
\nSupreme Lord these days \u2013 truth is receding in the background, as for Love, it
\nis quite out of sight! <\/span><\/p>\n

I mean Divine Love because what human beings call love is a very
\ngood friend of money. <\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/span><\/p>\n

When a child wants to impress you by telling you stories of the
\nwealth of his family, you must not keep quiet. You must explain to him that
\nworldly wealth does not count here, only the wealth that has been offered to
\nthe Divine has some value; that you do not become big by living in big houses,
\ntravelling by first-class and spending money lavishly. You can increase in
\nstature only by being truthful, sincere, obedient and grateful. <\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/span><\/p>\n

I have said, and I insist on this decision, that children below 15
\nshould not go to bed later than <\/span>9 o’clock<\/span> \u2013 those
\nwho do are being disobedient and this is regrettable. <\/span> \u00a0 <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 159<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n
\n

<\/span><\/div>\n

Mother, why are the hours before <\/span><\/i>midnight<\/span><\/i> better for sleep than the later hours? <\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

 <\/span><\/p>\n

Because, symbolically, during the hours till <\/span>midnight<\/span>, the sun is setting, while from the very first hour after <\/span>midnight<\/span> the sun begins to rise. <\/span><\/p>\n

Blessings. <\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n


\n\u00a0<\/span><\/i>22
\n August 1969<\/span><\/i> <\/span><\/i> <\/span><\/p>\n

Mother, how is it better to go to bed early and to get up early<\/span><\/i>? <\/span><\/p>\n

 <\/span><\/p>\n

When the sun sets, a kind of peace descends upon the earth and
\nthis peace is helpful for sleep. <\/span><\/p>\n

When the sun rises, a vigorous energy descends upon the earth and
\nthis energy is helpful for work. <\/span><\/p>\n

When you go to bed late and get up late, you contradict the forces
\nof Nature and that is not very wise. <\/span><\/p>\n

Blessings. <\/span><\/p>\n

\n\u00a0<\/span>21
\n December 1969<\/span><\/i>\u00a0 <\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

Mother, what should be our attitude towards the captains and
\nteachers here? <\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

 <\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

An obedient, docile and affectionate attitude. They are your elder
\nbrothers and sisters who take a lot of trouble for the sake of helping you. <\/span><\/p>\n

Blessings. <\/span><\/p>\n


\n\u00a0<\/span><\/i>1
\n February 1970<\/span><\/i> <\/span><\/i> <\/span><\/p>\n

\nPage \u2013 160<\/span><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n


\n <\/font><\/a><\/b><\/p>\n

<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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