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Spiritual Education as a Human Right
During an international peace conference held in Brasilia, the capital of Brazil, toward the end of the 20th century, it was unanimously agreed that spiritual education is not to be identified with religious education. These two items were found to be entirely different. In religious education we have an education that is based on the tenets of religion, be it Buddhist, Hindu, Jewish, Christian or Moslem. In fact, in religious education we may as well deal with dogmas and traditional beliefs. Meaning and Purpose In spiritual education we deal with the development of virtues that are meant to strengthen the character and personality of the individual. Among such virtues we find prudence, charity, love, humility, meekness, self-dedication, honesty, and perseverance. In addition, spiritual education is meant to elevate our mind and heart to a higher level of existence to see things from various perspectives. Besides, spiritual education provides us with fortitude and with more capability to apply positively and constructively the knowledge we already have in so many areas. In addition, through spiritual education we develop the habit of compassion and a keen sense of justice. All of these are indispensable qualities, which we are all obligated to develop in ourselves, the sooner the better. Such qualities elevate us above the level of animals and put us on virtually the same level of angels. Hence, we cannot take them lightly. The achievement and development of these spiritual qualities do not constitute a privilege but a sacrosanct right, which is absolute and indispensable. In some countries where we have either separation between church and state, like in the USA, or a tightened control over religion, like in China spiritual education tends to be misunderstood. In this regard, our task would be to educate government officials to see things into true perspective. It has been observed that schools, which stress the importance of spiritual education, do not have many of the problems of those who ignore this concept. Children who had been allowed to exercise their right for spiritual education tend to behave better and they demonstrate more respect for others. Besides, they demonstrate better and more power of concentration in virtually anything they do. In addition, spiritual education instills in every student a deep sense of responsibility and concern for others. We need to keep in mind that while in religious education we may find often the practice of spirituality, in spiritual education we may not necessarily have the involvement of religion. In philosophical terms, a lion is an animal, but an animal may not necessarily be a lion. Religion involves spirituality, but spirituality may not necessarily include religion. While religion involves a set of beliefs, spirituality involves as series of beneficial actions in one’s best interest and in the interest of everyone involved. Importance of Implementation Spiritual education promotes reflective thinking where people sit together to discuss not “who” is right but “what” is right. Whoever provides us with the best solution is followed. Also, spiritual education advocates the teaching of all subject areas, which enable us to understand better the way the human mind functions of the various people we encounter in life. Among such subject areas we have the study of philosophy, religion, and culture, among others such as psychology, sociology and physiology. In philosophy we develop a clear understanding of how people view reality, truth, moral goodness and beauty. In religion we realize what motives people to act in one-way or another especially toward their fellow brethren. In culture we learn to appreciate the enrichment of the human potential in terms of customs and heritage. In psychology we form a clear concept of human feelings and how to deal with them in a positive manner. In sociology we get a good picture of human needs as they are felt in various global areas. While in physiology we deal with biological matters that affect our health and power of concentration. In other words, spiritual education enables us to see things the way God Himself views them with clarity and without any deceit. Spiritual education is altruistic because it is not tinted with selfish motives. It is highly reliable because it seeks genuinely the elevation of the human mind and heart to a higher level of existence. Ascetical writers tell us that the human being is partly animalistic and partly angelic. We share with animals the five senses of hearing, feeling, smelling, tasting and seeing. We also share with animals the need for eating, drinking, sleeping and for the enjoyment of our surroundings. On the other hand, we share with angels such qualities as thinking and planning as well as wisdom to choose between numerous alternatives that may lead us to a variety of useful careers. In view of what has been stated, it is very obvious that spiritual education is not an option but a responsibility. It is a sacrosanct duty because it is a human right of which we cannot be deprived. Such a deprivation would be a serious detriment not only to each one of us separately and collectively but to the entire world, as a matter of fact. The people who were admired most in history they all revealed to have had spiritual education, which was expressed in their action of service and dedication to everyone without exception. |
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