As we begin to Learn anything new...

सरस्वति नमस्तुभ्यं वरदे कामरूपिणि।

विद्यारम्भं करिष्यामि सिद्धिर्भवतु मे सदा॥

This Shloka is recited before starting any studies. When we were kids, many schools would have this as a part of their prayers at the start of school.

Saraswati, is the Goddess of Knowledge as per Hinduism and so it is but natural to invoke her and seek her blessings before commencement of studies.

The meaning of this shloka is

“I bow to Goddess Saraswati who is the granter of boons and fulfiller of wishes. As I begin my education, bestow on me the capacity of right understanding, always!”

It is interesting to note in our culture, the Seeker always seeks for the right tools so that he/she may find the path on his/her own.

In our culture, the Seeker always seeks for the right tools so that he/she may find the path on his/her own.

We never ask Gods to give us good marks in our exams, but the right set of mind-frame, fortitude, resources, physical and mental ability so that we may be able to study well and as a result of our preparedness obtain good marks.

While we are on this topic of education and learning, there is another insightful shloka that one needs to know and internalize –

आचार्यात् पादमादत्ते पादं शिष्यः स्वमेधया ।

सब्रह्मचारिभ्यः पादं पादं कालक्रमेण च ॥`

This shloka gives an insight into how one acquires education.

“पादं” in Sanskrit means “a quarter”.

It simply says, that one learns a quarter from his teacher (आचार्य), a quarter by his own effort (स्वमेधा), a quarter from his classmates (सब्रह्मचारिणः) and a quarter only after the passage of time (कालक्रम)!

One learns a quarter from his teacher (आचार्य), a quarter by his own effort (स्वमेधा), a quarter from his class-mates (सब्रह्मचारिणः) and a quarter only after the passage of time (कालक्रम)!

One can draw quite a few profound meanings from these short two lines –

1. When you are enrolled in some school / college or tuition classes, it doesn’t mean that your learning will be complete by just listening to your Teacher. You must put in your efforts too.

2. Peer learning (not just a foreign concept!!) is important and contributes to nearly one-fourth of one’s learning! So, when you are not able to grasp some concept, go ahead, ask help from your friends and classmates! Similarly, teach your friends whenever you can!

3. Don’t be impatient when studying. Give it the time needed.

4. Learning is a life-long journey. One should remain a student all one’s life. There will always be some elements that you will realize/understand only when you have passed sufficient time learning / doing / practising it!

So kids, the next time you are trying your hand at a difficult problem or trying to wade through a complex chapter, or getting overwhelmed by any study topic, remember this shloka!