..續本文上一頁focus on literature, knowledge, and truth. It is often said in Buddhist sutras that, when the ordinary person”s mind is captured by external phenomena, it is the beginning of loss of self-control.

　　3. Concerns about current education

　　In just a while, if you have any questions, you are free to air them and we can discuss them together. But at the same time that you are asking me, I also have some questions: for example right now, all round development of virtue, intellect, and physical abilities is called for. The ancients also stressed virtue and talent, “virtue” first, followed by “talent”. Only on the basis of “virtue” can “talent” be spoken of. Perhaps I am poorly informed of worldly affairs, but I often feel that schools today only value marks, value intellect and talent, yet do not value spirituality, conduct, or completely neglect these sides. What are the pros and cons of this in the current age

　　As a Normal University, as the cradle for nurturing future teachers, when you are educating students in the future, will you purely teach an assortment of knowledge, or will you also give consideration to the perfection of moral quality

　　I have seen a statistic before that said, of the knowledge students learned at school, only 15% could be used by the time they started working. Then the remaining 85% had nothing to do with their lives. What does this signify

　　In ancient times, children learn from a young age the Three Character Classic, and Standards for Being a Good Student and Child. Through these subtle influences they learn how to be a good person. In the primary school textbooks now however, there are so many stories about animals. What is the significance for life after learning these

　　In fact, there are many classics in the Han region that are really excellent. Take Standards for Being a Good Student and Child as an example, I have already translated it into Tibetan; and after learning it, many Tibetan children have benefited immensely. There are many schools in Qinghai Province now that actively spread the teaching of this book in Tibetan. Originally, there were many early childhood teachings within the Confucian culture; yet nowadays people have abandoned them. Even the children”s songs during the nationally televised Chinese New Year Evening Gala are also a bunch of children singing in a pettish manner “please hug me, please kiss me”… what effect do these have on the health of the children”s minds, on their future life

　　We need to know that the knowledge children learn from a young age will have profound influence on their whole life. If the things he recite and come into contact with have nothing to do with respecting parents or caring for others, and are totally disconnected from real life, what would their future become

　　So, I have been thinking: where shall we start with the cultivation of virtue

　　 I don”t know how you teachers view this

　　 We can exchange views. It might not feel very good to listen to me chattering away solo like this. If we have a discussion, at least the time can pass faster. (Audience laughs)

　　Professor Gao Xinmin”s concluding remarks:

　　Our teacher is working tirelessly. He left Serthar the day before yesterday and was on the road for over ten hours to reach Chengdu, since there is no flight yet. Then he went to Zhejiang, and yesterday from Zhejiang University to Huhan. This afternoon he still needs to go to Sun Yat-sen University in Guangzhou. He is really selflessly spreading the Dharma, and is a remarkable role model for us.

　　Our planned time today cannot be too long, just two hours. Please mind the time and we will finish on time at 10:30. This is the first point I”d like to mention.

　　The second point, I hope that everyone can be open when speaking. There is no need to be nervous. Our te…

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