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sivananda-ashram
ISHWAR CHANDRA VIDYASAGAR
In the city of Calcutta, there lived a mother and her son. For the education of the son, the mother made many a sacrifice. She, however, impressed upon the son a lesson,
"Dear son, do not be concerned about worldly education. The foolish ones acquire all kinds of scholarship, but have no understanding of what they are. By study alone a man does not get rid of his lowly ways. Through scholarship, one learns only to engage himself in controversy but does not acquire complete wisdom. Why pursue studies which end up only in death. One should study that which frees him from death. Only spiritual knowledge can lead to immortalility. It is enduring. Worldly knowledge is temporary. For earning one’s livelihood, worldly education is necessary. But this education should be acquired only to lead an independent life, with limited desires. Therefore, dear son, while pursuing your studies, embark also on the spiritual quest."The boy completed his education and took up a small job. One day, in that village, there was a folk festival. The womenfolk of the village donned their best clothes and jewellery to attend the festival. The mother also went, but with tattered clothes. The son could not bear to see that sight. He said,
"Mother, you have no good clothes or any jewellery. I am distressed to see you like this. Please let me know what ornaments you wish to have, mother!". The mother replied, "This is not the right time. I shall let you know at the proper time".Thanks to the good behaviour and diligence of the lad, he rose to higher positions in services. Once again, he returned to his mother and asked what ornament she desired. I shall get them as fast as I can, he said. The mother told him that she wished three ornaments, but she would disclose what they were later on.
The son in the course of years reached a very high position. Once again he entreated her,
"Mother, I have some money now. Please let me know what jewels you would like. I shall get them for you." The mother said, "Dear Son! I am now not in a state when I can wear jewels. However there are some ornaments in which I am interested and I shall tell you what they are." Drawing the son nearer, she said, "In our small village, I am grieved to find that the children have to go to distant places for education. The first ornament I desire is that you should set up a primary school in the village. Secondly, our people have no facilities for medical care. Set up a health care center. That will be your second ornament for me. The third ornament is something which you have to do by yourself. In the days to come, your reputation may grow. If anybody asks, Who is your mother? You may mention my name. Your conduct must be such that you must share with others the benefits of the education you have received. Do not go after wealth. The worshipper of Mammon will not yearn for God. The observance of this is third ornament I desire from you."The young man who heard these words from his mother and later became famous and earned the people’s esteem was none other than Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar. He earned a great name in Calcutta. Once he was proceeding to a neighbouring village to deliver an address. People used to gather in large numbers to listen to his lectures. A young officer, who wanted to listen to Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar’s lecture, got down from a train with a suitcase to go to the lecture hall. Vidyasagar also got down from the same train with a suitcase to go to the Lecture hall. The young officer
