The Importance of Home in Education : หน้า 42/47

Life is spent largely in a combination of just these few rooms, save for a little time spent travelling here and there. The bedroom is a suitable environment to introduce to the pupil ways to cultivate the habit of loving boon and awareness of baap, and how to resist with apprehension its destructive influences. It is here that the right view with regard to the truth of our existence and the world may have its foundations laid for future life. The bedroom is also suitable for the instruction and practice of prayer, meditation and thoughtful contemplation. The bathroom is where the pupil will learn the habits necessary to maintain good bodily function and hygiene. It is a place where the young learn how the body naturally manages its physical waste products and impurities, thus leading to the understanding of the meaning of impurities and decay. This understanding may later be applied to visualize the abstract impurities of klesa that must be expelled to sustain a healthy mind. The room in which the student dresses is a place to remind the young of the pitfalls of vanity, or the consequences of sexualization of appearance and fashionable extravagances; and also to be aware of appropriate attire and presentation for each occasion. The living rooms are places where the student will interact with family members and visitors, and will cook, eat and spend leisure time in these places. Therefore, the lessons of frugality, right speech and actions may be appropriate here in the environment in which the pupil will be judged as a human being by those adjacent. Success in absorption and application of the lessons learned will be reflected back in the responses of others towards the student. Lessons well learned and practised will result in good responses, while bad responses will indicate that the pupil must receive further training or correction. Consideration for others, good manners and respect for property and material necessities will follow by the example of the teachers at home, and the skills for harmonious cohabiting with one’s peers, different genders and generations will be acquired. The concept of home-based rooms has been greatly simplified in this book and does not cover fully all situations and environments. However, in Part II, this will be addressed in detail. The office or workplace is where the student must be encouraged to cultivate a successful livelihood with right thought and practices, and not consciously cheat or deceive with intent for self-benefit. The student must be taught to be mindful not to succeed by deliberate detriment to others, and to exhibit an ethical work discipline through commitment, thought, word and action at all times. In the home-based rooms where the student receives tuition valuable practical and moral instruction will be gained that increases understanding of how to integrate into society as a good human being. This understanding and subsequent forming of good habits will put the student at a great advantage when carried forward to the classroom, formal study environment or workplace.