Education: The Key to Change

In a small village surrounded by rice fields and ancient temples, a child named Dharma was born. He grew up witnessing inequality: poverty, ignorance, and a younger generation losing direction. Many complained about fate, but few were willing to change.

One afternoon, in the courtyard of the temple, Dharma heard the counsel of a sulinggih (Hindu high priest):
“Knowledge is light. Without knowledge, humans walk in darkness. With knowledge, they ignite dharma within themselves.”

Those words left a deep imprint on him. Dharma understood that education is not merely about reading and arithmetic, but a path to realizing the true nature of the sacred Atman. Education is a tapasya of the mind, a discipline to subdue the ego, awaken compassion, and uphold truth.

He studied tirelessly. He learned the sacred scriptures, mastered science, and internalized the history of his nation. For him, being religious did not mean withdrawing from the world, but being present to improve it. He believed that the teaching of Tat Tvam Asi — “I am you” — must become the foundation for building a nation free from hatred.

Years passed. Dharma returned to his village as an educator. He did not merely teach theory, but cultivated character: discipline as an expression of bhakti (devotion), hard work as yajña (sacred offering), and love for the homeland as national dharma.

“A great nation,” he told his students, “is born from enlightened souls. Education is a sacred fire. If we guard it, it will illuminate Indonesia.”

Gradually, change began to grow. The village children dreamed higher. They no longer surrendered to circumstances. They realized that progress is not a gift, but the result of awareness.

Under the evening sky, the temple bell echoed softly. Dharma smiled. He knew that true revolution does not begin with anger, but with education that awakens awareness — awareness of the Ancestors, of God, of the self, and of the homeland.

For education is the key to transformation.

By: Tjok, Istri Sri Ramaswati, SH., MM

The author is the Chairperson of Yayasan Perguruan Rakyat Sarasawati Central Denpasar.