The concept of “vidya daanam” (the gift of knowledge) is highly regarded in the Vedas and Upanishads. Here are a few references that highlight the importance of knowledge and its dissemination:
taittiriya upanishad:
The Taittiriya Upanishad, particularly in its Siksha Valli, emphasizes the importance of knowledge and education. It contains several teachings that highlight the value of imparting knowledge to others.
For example, in the Siksha Valli, Chapter 11, it states:
आचार्याय प्रियं धनमाहृत्य प्रजातन्तुं मा व्यवच्छेत्सीः | सत्यान्न प्रमदितव्यम् | धर्मान्न प्रमदितव्यम् |
This translates to: “After bringing wealth to the teacher, do not cut off the line of progeny. Do not neglect truth. Do not neglect duty.”Mundaka upanishad:
The Mundaka Upanishad discusses the value of knowledge and the role of the teacher (guru) in imparting wisdom.
Mundaka Upanishad 1.2.12:
तस्मै स विद्वानुपसन्नाय सम्यक् प्रशान्तचित्ताय शमान्विताय | येनाक्षरं पुरुषं वेद सत्यं प्रोवाच तां तत्वतो ब्रह्मविद्याम् ||
This translates to: “To him who has approached duly, whose heart is tranquil and whose senses are subdued, let the wise teacher truly impart the knowledge of Brahman, through which one knows the imperishable Purusha.”
bhagavad gita:
Although not a Veda or Upanishad, the Bhagavad Gita, which is a part of the Mahabharata, emphasizes the value of imparting knowledge.
Bhagavad Gita 4.33:
श्रेयान्द्रव्यमयाद्यज्ञाज्ज्ञानयज्ञः परंतप। सर्वं कर्माखिलं पार्थ ज्ञाने परिसमाप्यते॥
This translates to: “O Arjuna, sacrifice through knowledge is superior to material sacrifice. All actions in their entirety culminate in knowledge.”
These references collectively underscore the significance of knowledge, its pursuit, and the noble act of sharing it with others.
