At its essence, learning is the conscious and unconscious process of absorbing, understanding, and applying knowledge, skills, and wisdom. It is not confined to the pages of a textbook or the walls of a classroom; rather, it is an ever-evolving journey that shapes who we are and how we engage with the world. The moment we are born, we begin discovering through touch, sound, sight, and observation. We mimic our surroundings. As we grow older, our exploration deepens. We start wondering — why, how, when, who, what if? We don’t just gather facts. We ask, experience, reflect, and transform ourselves through this process.
There are two things we gain in educational institutions. One is domain knowledge — which guides us towards specific careers. The other is the art of discovery itself — an invaluable life skill. One of the greatest strengths we can build is knowing how to learn. Academic spaces do not just deliver prescribed courses; they help us cultivate the ability to explore anything we wish, to adapt to change, and to remain resilient in an unpredictable world.
True learning does not happen only within four walls — it goes beyond. When we realise that discovery is not tied to a place but is a state of being, we absorb more deeply.
Stay a beginner. Curiosity unlocks growth. How do we discover new things? We wonder, we probe — how does this work? Why does it happen this way? As we grow up, we start avoiding mistakes — though they are part of the process. Ego enters. We want to be flawless. But understanding does not come through perfection. It thrives when we stay learners. Do you remember how you explored the world as a child? We asked endless questions — even silly ones. We didn’t worry about where our new knowledge would take us. We enjoyed the process itself.
When you want to learn something fresh, revive that childlike wonder. Drop the ego. Return to the basics. Experiment. Question. Try. Fail. Try again. If you wait for the perfect moment or perfect plan, you may never begin. Just begin. Stay curious.
Regular education often focuses heavily on classrooms, textbooks, and exams. Many times, we study just to pass — and then forget. Often, we don’t savour the process. But true growth does not happen only within four walls — it goes beyond. When we realise that discovery is not tied to a place but is a state of being, we absorb more deeply.
As a Vedic hymn from the Rigveda says, ‘āno bhadra krtavo yantu vishwatah’ (Let noble thoughts come to me from all directions). When you remain receptive to diverse ideas, understanding expands. You don’t have to accept or follow everything — simply listen or read. Stay receptive. Then shape your own thoughts consciously. Be like an empty vessel — ready to be filled with fresh insights. Openness and flexibility invite unexpected guides.
In Indian philosophy, especially Vedanta, self-inquiry is a powerful way to understand truth and the nature of reality. Looking inward brings its own answers.
Observation itself teaches more than we realise. We grow by watching others, noticing nature, rivers, seasons. Conversations and deep listening shape our thinking. Reading offers countless perspectives — a single line can spark a whole new path. Every spark of curiosity begins with a question. Look at our ancient traditions — the Upanishads, epics, the Bhagavad Gita — they are dialogues: questions asked, answers given, and new questions born.
Reflection is a profound guide. In Indian philosophy, especially Vedanta, self-inquiry is a powerful way to understand truth and the nature of reality. Looking inward brings its own answers. The Upanishads remind us that our greatest teacher lives within, while the world outside reflects insights back to us.
We grow through many teachers. A guru can be a formal teacher, a mentor, a friend, an idol we admire — or our own quiet thoughts. A good guide helps us chip away ignorance, like a sculptor freeing an idol from stone. Silence too instructs us — when we sit still, we access deeper truths. Nature whispers its lessons: trees teach patience, rivers show that change is constant. Books, films, travel — these experiences broaden our understanding of the world. Even failures often teach more than success ever could.
A bird’s song at dawn, an elder’s quiet advice, a scribbled note in a diary — each is a teacher, if we choose to notice.
Writer and researcher Josh Kaufman offers a simple approach to mastering any new skill in just 20 hours. First, break the skill into smaller parts and focus on what matters most. Second, learn just enough to correct mistakes — don’t get stuck endlessly reading or watching. Third, remove distractions and commit to practice. Push through the early discomfort — you’ll be surprised how quickly you progress.
Nobel laureate Richard Feynman, famous for turning complex ideas simple, suggested four timeless steps for mastering anything: First, choose a topic and map out what you know. Write it all down, adding new information in a different colour as you go — see your understanding grow. Second, Explain the idea in words simple enough for a child to grasp. If you can’t, you haven’t fully understood it. Third, Review and refine — revisit, update, clarify. Fourth, Test yourself by teaching someone else — it reveals what you truly know.
This is where universities shine. They nurture this process. They connect you to people, books, spaces, and cultures. Diverse minds offer fresh viewpoints. Libraries invite you to explore any curiosity. A vibrant university culture inspires you to stay hungry for knowledge — when those around you seek to grow, you feel inspired too. The spaces matter — a classroom, library, garden, cafeteria, hostel room, or even a quiet spot under a tree. These spaces become catalysts for discovery.
The art of learning is not a trick to master and shelve — it is a lifelong practice. When we see every moment as a classroom, every voice as a lesson, and every experience as an opening, we step into a life of wonder and growth. To learn is to live fully — and to live fully is to keep learning without end.
Insights from Arthashastra
In the Arthashastra, Chanakya outlines timeless methods for gathering knowledge and mastering the art of learning. He describes how true understanding grows through the company of the wise (vṛddha-saṃyogaḥ), through devoted service and the sincere wish to listen (śuśrūṣā), attentive hearing (śravaṇaṃ), grasping ideas clearly (grahaṇaṃ), and retaining them in memory (dhāraṇā). To deepen this knowledge, one must develop proficiency (vijñānam), reflect on pros and cons (ūhā), apply reasoning and careful argument (apoha), and finally, practice thoughtful deliberation on truth (tattvam abhiniveśaḥ). Together, these steps remind us that learning is not passive — it is an active process of seeking, listening, questioning, and reflecting. Chanakya’s wisdom shows that true knowledge is built not only through study but through service, dialogue, and the courage to think deeply for oneself.