Those who squander time when they are young will regret this later. The pleasures of youth are short lived. Put out a piece of turmeric in the sun and the skin shrivels in the heat. So does youth vanish.

The education that we acquire in youth is what will stand us in good stead when we are older.

And it is not just education of the sort that we need to find employment. This kind of formal education is important for our economic well being. But we have to think of our spiritual well-being too, said M.A.Manickavelu in a discourse.

Thiruvalluvar asks of what use is education if one does not worship at the feet of God? The Jain work Naaladiyaar says that one should read good works. Instead, if one reads frivolous works it will have as much use as making empty noise. Such worthless reading cannot help us cross the ocean of samsara.

Neetineri vilakkam of Kumaraguruparar says that seeking easy pleasures will keep us happy initially, but will ultimately result in sorrow. While reading and studying may be difficult, they will bring us eternal joy.

It is only spiritual education which helps us realise philosophical truths. Sendanaar, in his Tiruvisaippa, says that for those who love Him, He is like a lamp that dispels darkness. Lord Siva destroyed three demons and the three cities they governed.

But we must look beyond the mere story and study the symbolism behind it. He is the One who destroys our illusion, our karma and our ego. Lord Siva did not even have to exert Himself to destroy the demons or their cities. All He had to do was smile, and His smile was so powerful that it achieved what He wanted in no time at all.

So all we need to do is to study spiritual texts and acquire jnana and He will ensure liberation for us.

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Seeking spirituality - The Hindu