The ideal of an all-sided education for youth had always been close to my heart. I saw clearly the arid results of ordinary instruction, aimed only at the development of body and intellect.

In this quote, Paramahansa Yogananda expresses his vision of a more holistic approach to education. He emphasizes that the traditional model of schooling, which focuses solely on the development of the body and intellect, is insufficient for the true growth of a person. Yogananda believed that education should nourish all aspects of the individual, including the spiritual, emotional, and moral dimensions. He felt that neglecting these areas resulted in an incomplete or arid (lifeless) education.

Yogananda’s concern was that most educational systems of his time failed to nurture the inner development of students. By focusing only on the physical and intellectual aspects of learning, students were left with little guidance on how to grow as balanced, self-aware human beings. This reflects Yogananda’s broader teachings, which integrated spirituality and personal growth as essential components of education and life.

The phrase "all-sided education" reflects Yogananda's commitment to creating a more well-rounded approach to learning, where physical, intellectual, and spiritual aspects of the self are equally nurtured. For him, education should not just prepare individuals to excel in material pursuits, but also to lead lives of purpose, inner peace, and fulfillment.

Ultimately, Yogananda’s quote calls for a reimagining of education that takes into account the full spectrum of human potential. His vision advocates for an integrated approach, one that prepares students not only to succeed in the material world but also to thrive in their spiritual and emotional lives.