The Five Qualities of a Lifelong Learner

I consider myself a lifelong learner, always striving to improve by 1% each day. Reading non-fiction books has been a crucial part of my journey, especially in my 40s—a transformative decade for physical, mental, and emotional growth. This period is perfect for self-reflection, self-love, and self-improvement. It's all about focusing on "I, ME, and MYSELF."

Recently, I read "Energize Your Mind" by Gaur Gopal Das, where he discusses five qualities of a student, adapted from a Sanskrit text. These qualities are not just for students but for anyone who wants to improve and learn continuously.

The Five Qualities of a Student

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   1. Kāka Ceṣtā (Effort of a Crow)

      • Story: A thirsty crow finds a pitcher/jug with water at the bottom. Unable to reach it, the crow drops pebbles into the pitcher until the water rises to the top.

      • Lesson: This story teaches us the value of patient hard work. Just like the crow, we must put in consistent effort to achieve our goals.

   2. Bako Dhyānam (Focus of a Crane)

      • Story: A crane stands still on one leg, waiting for the big fish, ignoring the small ones.He ensures the water is not distubed catching small fishes.

      • Lesson: Focus on what truly matters and let go of minor distractions. This helps us achieve our bigger goals without getting sidetracked by trivial issues.

   3. Svāna Nidrā (Alertness of a Dog)

      • Story: A guard dog sleeps lightly, ready to react to any disturbance. Always alert on the go.

      • Lesson: Stay alert and aware of your surroundings. Even when focused on one task, be open to learning from every experience.

   
   

   

   1. Alpāhārī (Eating Little)

      • Story: This doesn't just refer to food but to all sensory inputs—what we see, hear, and experience. We are what we eat. We are what we consume in terms of contents.

      • Lesson: Be selective about what you expose yourself to. Choose inputs that leave positive impressions and contribute to your growth.

   2. Gṛhatyāgī (Leaving Home)

      • Story: In ancient India, students left their homes to study under a guru in Gurukulam

      • Lesson: Step out of your comfort zone to grow. True learning and growth happen when we challenge ourselves and embrace new experiences.

      
      

   Conclusion

   These five qualities—the effort of a crow, the focus of a crane, the alertness of a dog, careful selection of sensory inputs, and stepping out of our comfort zone—are essential for anyone committed to lifelong learning. Embracing these qualities may be uncomfortable, but they are crucial for unlocking our full potential.