A man is attracted towards region only when he is mentally, healthy and a sound mind is sides in a sound body. So it is the function of religion to co-operate in the physical development of children.
In Vedic religions behaviour the ideal of celibacy is for the sake of physical development. The child who observes restraint up to maturity and takes physical exercises for the development of body makes him sturdy.
This restorative power prepares him for household life and his regulated behaviour keeps him healthy till death. Some religious people think that good physical health creates a liking or worldly pleasures and happiness.
So a person desirous of religious knowledge should not pay any attention to physical development. This is their fanaticize Religion should first of all educate the individual for his physical and mental development. Body, mind and senses are means of inhibiting religion.
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Religion should always mean performing of duties. To think only of the next world (Parlok) through religious knowledge and to forget this world (Ih-lok) is not fair.
The first field of performing duties is this world Karma-Kshetra (the field of action) is another name for Dham-Kshetra (fields of religious).
The man who succeeds in the Karma-Kshetra of this world is entitled to reach the other world (Parlok). Therefore, religion should prepare man for the Karma- Kshetra (field of action).
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The field of action of the individual is determined on the basis of his aptitudes. So religion should inculcate in the child the ability to choose his field of action according to his interest and aptitude and to get success engaging him in it
The basis of religion is knowledge. An ignorant person cannot be religious. A person may be familiar with religion and religious behaviour after he has attained knowledge.
The basis of religion is logic, analysis, observation, contemplation and freedom of thought. So the child should be provided opportunities for independent thinking, logic, meditation, analysis and observation with an open mind.
The doubt of some persons that the child does not believe in religious facts on the basis of arguments, analysis, observation etc. is baseless. The permanent religious feeling is always based on perception. To have faith in religion without independent thinking, logic and analysis will be blind-faith and fanaticism.
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Some people consider aesthetic sense and artistic sense as hindrance to religion. But this is not true. Satyam, Shivam, Sundaram (Truth, Bliss and Beautiful) and the bases for artistic and aesthetic senses Satyam and Shivam are the bases of religion. A thing which is not true or for happiness cannot be beautiful.
The carving of Jain idols in Ellora caves and Jatak stories connected with the life of Lord Buddha and their carving in Ajanta, the poetry of Sur, Tulsi and Mira and all considered unique for propagation of religious feelings. So religion should diffuse an aesthetic sense also.
Although it is true function of schools to develop the moral and character of the child, but religious institutions can bring about better moral and character development, if they pay attention in this direction the very meaning of religion is to inspire virtuous conduct and virtuous conduct develops moral and ethical qualities.
Today the country needs able and noble citizens. The religious institutions can fulfill their national duties by giving education virtuous conduct.
Thus, after studying the merits and demerits and functions of religious education we come to the conclusion that religion should be included in schools as a means of all-round development of children.
Religious institutions can perform at least those educational functions which are difficult to be achieved in schools. Thus, it is necessary for schools and religious institutions to shoulder the responsibility of developing noble citizens.