I drew this elderly Peruvian in ’96; he’s probably Catholic, not Hindu, but the point is the same.
Many years ago I led a high school youth group through a course on comparative religions. I did it partly for me, to make up for a certain lack in my own education. And making up for such lacks, particularly in later life, is one thing I learned from the Hindus.
From the Hindu perspective, four stages of life are clearly defined: Childhood, parenthood, grandparenthood, and old age. Moreover, many live multi-generationally under one roof. The children grow up in a home that includes grandparents as well as parents.
During the growing up years while the parents are busy making a living the grandparents care for the children. This isn’t altogether unfamiliar to us in the west; for some families it’s the only way. But what I found most intriguing is how in the last stage the mature adult turns himself to learning.
“Why then?” we might ask, coming from a different mindset. “Don’t we apply ourselves to general learning when young, then add some sort of specialization so we can earn a living? Are we not at that point educated?”
Too often that’s as far as it goes. Later life seems a time to just relax.
That’s not how the Hindus see it, and I’m rather inspired by their take.
Not only is it an issue of finally having time, but the mature mind has more hooks to hang things on. There’s a perspective born of experience, and a thirst still unsatisfied for things only touched on before.
For the Hindus this is primarily for pursuits of the spirit, for things religious, which need getting to all the more as life wears on. There’s an example there.
But not just for that; there are a thousand things to study. And not for the test, the motivation that so drove us when we were taking classes and just trying to get through. Rather it’s for the wonder of it all. There’s intrigue in all things, and beauty, unreachable depth, and mystery.
Basically it’s a quest for understanding.
And things are just interesting!
It’s something I’m learning.
Our Lives Together
Its About Life
8:19 am
Yes! I’m finding that my advancing years are opening up some fascinating horizons that I never knew existed or; if I did know they existed, I didn’t find them interesting.
8:26 am
Good thoughts!
I find in my older years I am not distracted by earning a living and can expand my horizons in many ways including art, classes, trips, the Bible and much more.
Whilst at university I did take a couple of classes in comparative religions and found them fascinating.
Keep up the interesting words.
8:07 pm
Hyatt, I just love the way you have such perspective on things! You make old age sound almost exciting, enticing, almost a time to be coveted and to look forward to! You have made me look at this time in life with happy anticipation! Simply because of your shared experience with this study of the Hindus. You shared this amazing concept —- as one gets on in years and becomes that older person, our eyes can be opened to the wonders of learning! A concept we were just too young to appreciate before! To simply be able to leisurely swirl that information around in your mind, savor the amazing truths there are, and then continue doing this solely for the pure enjoyment of it! Thank you! What a delicious concept! Yeah! :)
7:48 am
I agree that we are never too old to learn. I’ve taken up classical guitar lessons almost 7 years ago. When I’m 90 I’d like to play at Carnegie Hall (I’ll ring the bell.) I have to work hard–only 15 years to go!
I played at the Peru SIL conference one year which was an encouragement to others that it is good to keep learning, no matter how old one is.
I find it enjoyable for my own pleasure as well as challenging to keep my mind busy learning.