A mine of gems

"Regard man as a mine rich in gems of inestimable value. Education can, alone, cause it to reveal its treasures, and enable mankind to benefit therefrom."

-- Baha'u'llah

We studied the above quote today in our newly begun study circle in the context of the education of children. The quote gives a very strong sense of the ideal attitude of a teacher towards teaching children. The standard view of education is one where one views it as filling empty vessels - so we all supposedly come into the world with no knowledge, and the purpose of education is to give us that knowledge.

In sharp contrast, the above quote talks about humans not as empty vessels, but as "mines rich in gems of inestimable value". Therefore, we are already born with a lot of talents and qualities and virtues lying latent within us - and so the true role of a teacher is really to mine those qualities and bring them out.

This is in particular true when it comes to spiritual education - and so we do not teach our kids values that they never possessed - rather, our job is to bring out those virtues that already exist within them in a potential form. Humans are intrinsically regarded as noble beings - and therefore we are all credited with a Higher Self, one which has the capacity to reflect all the qualities of God. And it is true spiritual education that enables us to tap these capacities, bring them out and express them for the benefit of mankind. It is therefore the teacher's responsibility to enable each child to realize the existence of these priceless gems within himself/herself, and bring them to fruition. Such an act is considered the highest form of service, and equivalent to the worship of God.

This view of humans and education seems totally remarkable to me - especially when I think back to my days in school, and consider the nature of our entire education system. If only it were based on love, and a recognition that each child is special and possesses innate talents, how different would the interactions between teachers and students be! If teachers taught of their students not just as some people they are required to teach - but if instead each student were considered a unique and beautiful creation of God - how much more rewarding would the processes of both teaching and learning be!