Knowledge vs Pleasure

सुखार्थी त्यजते विद्यां विद्यार्थी त्यजते सुखम् |
सुखार्थिनः कुतो विद्या कुतो विद्यार्थिनः सुखम् |

Sukhaarthi tyajate vidyaam vidyaarthee tyajate sukham
Sukhaarthina-ha kuto vidyaa kuto vidyaarthina-ha sukham

Meaning: One who craves pleasure (sukha) relinquishes (tyajate) attaining knowledge (vidyaa). And one who craves knowledge relinquishes obtaining pleasure.
What is knowledge to a pleasure-seeker? What is pleasure to a vidyaarthee? (it's of no value).

Our Indian culture has structured our life in such a beautiful way that if we follow it properly, then we get the best out of life at every stage of life. The 1st quarter of our life is our Brahmachaarya Ashram wherein the main focus is pursuit of knowledge. During this student stage of life, it is very strongly emphasized to have a minimum of luxuries so as to remove any and every distraction which can shift our focus from our studies. Complimentarily, it is good to have obstacles, troubles and challenges to make us stretch much more than our capacity.

We see the exact opposite nowadays in society. My revered Dada often says that, whenever someone is checking out hostels for their son or daughter, the first thing that they look out, is whether the food is good, and whether the room is comfortable. They want to see their child in a comfortable situation, so that the child can devote maximum time to studies. But that very comfort is a hindrance to their focus at that time. Cozy, cushioned mattresses make us sleep more. Lovely hot water not only arouses our senses but also make us spend more time in the bathroom. Electronic gadgets like cell phones, computers & music players keeps us distracted from our reading & writing. The worst effect is that we are never alone with ourselves, which gives us no time to contemplate, analyze, collect, and organize our thoughts.

One of my most respected teachers, Dr. Nigal once told us, "Jo log subah ki gulaabi thanDi ko chhod dete hain, unhe aage jaakar duniya gulaab deti hai."

And this shloka applies not just in student life, but all through our lives. Knowledge is an ever-lasting process, not limited to bookish knowledge or a certain age. Knowledge as we have seen earlier, extends to change and growth in our life. Knowledge is not a function of the brain, but a function of our mind - it's a matter of being. If we want growth, we need challenges; we need roadblocks, hurdles & obstacles - of the body, of the mind, and of the heart! Seeking pleasures & comforts at this time would hinder the very process of knowledge. In fact, a true knowledge-seeker would relish troubles more than pleasures.