Human values are born along with man, not before or after. Man has to question himself, What is the purpose of life? Once man finds an answer to this question, he will be able to understand everything else in this world. Man is endowed with intelligence and knowledge, but he is in the pursuit of ignorance, which is far away from him, without making any enquiry into the knowledge that is within him. Consequently, there is a need to propagate human values today. (SSS Vol.33, pp. 167-168)
What is the meaning of human values? The divine values themselves are real human values. These values have not entered the earth as if for the first time. Along with this body all these values also have taken birth. But depending upon our own requirements, we go on suppressing the importance of these values. The reason for this is selfishness. The kind of duality, Raga, has come from selfishness. Swartham is responsible for this Dvaitam. Raga dvesha is the cause for the Bhava-roga. If you wish to free yourself from this disease: Bhajana Bina Sukha Shanti Nahi.... (Div, p. 28)
The mere human form is no use to the world. It is by his thoughts and actions that one’s humanness is revealed. Hence all the studies that are pursued should be related to the body, the mind and the spirit. To-day’s education stops with concern for the body and does not proceed up to the heart. People speak about Education in Human values (EHV). In my view, what is needed is not EHV but 3 Hs - education which embraces Head, Heart and Hand. (D3 , p. 33)
If human values take root in the educational system, the emerging products from our institutions will have the following attributes: they will want peace with justice in a World that acknowledges the rule of law and in which no nation or individual need live in fear; they will want freedom, not being born to have some one else’s foot over their necks or hand over their mouths; and freedom on the home-front and a World in which freedom is looked upon as a good and easily available commodity; they will want the dignity and work of every individual to be recognised and safeguarded; they will want every person to be given an opportunity to achieve the best in him or her; dissenting from conditions such as disease, ignorance and poverty that tend to stunt the growth of individuals; and they will subscribe strongly to the tenets of equality before the law and equality of opportunity for all. (SV90, p. 104)
The heart unpolluted by desire and anger, the tongue not tainted by untruth, and the body unblemished by the acts of violence —these are the true human values. (SSS Vol.32 Part II, p. 1)
Of all human values, three are most important. The foremost is love of God. Where there is love there is sacrifice. There arises purity of heart. There should be a fusion of love, sacrifice and purity. They are not mere human qualities. They constitute vital organs of a human being. They are as essential for a human being as the head, hands and legs for the body. Without these attributes, no one is a complete human being. (SSS Vol.17, p. 2)
What students have to acquire are human values. Together with the acquisition of every conceivable Knowledge and the pursuit of scientific studies, they should cultivate human values. They need good qualities even more than intellectual abilities. Of what use is a mountain of knowledge without good qualities? (SSS Vol.24)
Human Values cannot be practised by studying books or listening to lectures. They have to be cultivated by individual effort. Students! True education consists in sanctifying everything you utter and every thought and action of yours. Humility is the bed-rock. Cultivate humility as the first step. Bend the body. Mend the senses. End the mind. This is the key to immortality.
Human values are essential not for students alone. Everyone has to practise human values as a mark of a true human being. When a human being declares that he is a man, it is only a half truth. He must also declare that he is not an animal. To give up animal qualities and practise human values will make a man fully human. (SSS Vol.20, pp. 166-167)
We also have human values. What is this human value? The value is within us. Values are not to be acquired afresh. We are born with the values. Just as there is no difference between you and the shadow, likewise, there is no difference between you and your value. The values are all within you. You are far away from them because you do not make use of them. You are truth, you are Dharma. Everything is yourself. You are the embodiments of truth. You are embodiments of love. You are embodiments of God. You must understand this truth. (DTB Vol.6, p. 8)
Human values cannot be promoted merely by repeating the words Satya, Dharma, Santhi, Prema and Ahimsa. The Vedas declare- ‘Satyam vada Dharmam chara’ (Speak the truth; adhere to right conduct). In practising Dharma there should be no marina (secret desires).
Actions performed with such secret motives result in bondage. Truth and right conduct should be adhered to with pure intentions. Both of them are rooted in the eternal. A righteous life leads to peace. Love is to be experienced in the depths of peace. Love should find expression in nonviolence. Where love prevails, there is no room for doing harm or violence to others. All these basic values have to be demonstrated in action and not limited to preaching. (SSS Vol.20, pp. 175-176)
Punya Phalamu Cheta Puttenu Manujadai
Dushta Vaanchala Cheta Dushtudai
Jnana Maargamu Maanvatvamu Veede
Intakanna Raakshatvamedi Kaladu?
One is born Human by the fruit of meritorious deeds.
By cultivating unholy desire, One becomes wicked,
And abandons the path of Wisdom and human values.
Indeed, what else is demonic behaviour ?
(SSB 1995, p. 104)
Due to advancements in the fields of science and technology, human values are lost and minds have become polluted. On one hand, science has progressed; but on the other hand, the sanctity of the senses has regressed. Man is happy seeing the advancements pf science and technology, but he does not realise how far he has moved away from divinity. (SSP. P.187)