Srila Prabhupada's Instructions on Education
Title: Srila Prabhupada's Instructions on Education
Author: Harivilas Das Maharaj
Publisher: Vedic Cultural Center
Publication Date: 2023
Language: English
Format: Paperback
Pages: 26
"Srila Prabhupada's Instructions on Education" (also referred to as Srila Prabhupāda’s Instructions on Education) is a practical, concise devotional compilation by His Holiness Harivilas Das Maharaj (HH Harivilas Das or Hari Vilas Das), a senior ISKCON sannyasi, preacher, and long-time disciple of Śrīla Prabhupāda (initiated in 1970).
The book compiles and explains Śrīla Prabhupāda’s direct instructions and critiques regarding education. It presents a strong call to rethink modern secular schooling, which Harivilas Maharaj (drawing from Prabhupāda) describes as largely materialistic, humanistic, and quasi-atheistic. Such education promotes sense gratification, ignores the eternal soul, and leads to a downward spiral in society — from piety to sin, self-restraint to indulgence, and ultimately to ignorance of one’s spiritual identity.
Key themes and content include:
- Critique of modern education — It teaches children “nonsense” by focusing only on the temporary body while neglecting the soul (ātma). Examples include atheistic theories (Big Bang, Darwin, Freud, Marx) that poison young minds and turn education into a “slaughterhouse” for spiritual potential. Even among those who profess belief in God, the understanding is often impersonal or vague.
- True purpose of education — According to Prabhupāda and Vedic wisdom, real education cultivates character, discipline, values, and spiritual knowledge. Its ultimate goal is not just material success or career preparation, but self-realization (understanding the difference between body and soul, the soul’s relationship with the Supersoul/Krishna, and Krishna as the source of everything) and developing love of God (prema-bhakti).
- Vedic/Gurukula ideal — Education should be holistic, guided by bona fide spiritual teachers (guru). It includes early training in regulated habits (from age 5), chanting Hare Kṛṣṇa, hearing Krishna’s pastimes, developing discrimination, purity, and transcendental qualities. All material knowledge (science, arts, philosophy) should be spiritualized and used in Krishna’s service (Bhagavad-gītā 4.24, 15.15; Śrīmad-Bhāgavatam 1.5.22).
- Practical solutions — Emphasis on unflinching devotion, surrender to guru, saṅkīrtana, prasādam, and association with devotees. Consciousness is the symptom of the soul, and only devotional service revives our forgotten spiritual memory.
The tone is urgent, clear, and lecture-style — typical of Harivilas Maharaj — blending Prabhupāda’s quotes, letters (e.g., 1975 letter to Ajanda), scriptural references, and real-life examples (such as the story of a 105-year-old man still bound by material desires). It serves as an inspiring guide for parents, educators, and devotees interested in Krishna-conscious education, gurukula principles, or alternative schooling aligned with Vedic values.
