Methods of teaching instruction in Vedic education

by Yuvi - November 15, 2020

Methods of teaching / instruction in Vedic education

1. Gurukul style/system was followed where the student (shishya) stayed with the teacher (Guru) in Residential schools generally situated in the forests (Vanas).
2. Sanskrit was the main medium of instruction.
3. Questioning and discussion methods were followed.
4. Pupils were taught individually and not in groups which made learning a richer and everlasting experience.
5. The students had to listen to the teacher, reflect on what they had learnt and continuously revise.
6. Travel was important and considered essential for the completion of education.

Women education

In the beginning education was free and accessible to all irrespective of status, caste and gender.

There was wide-spread education of women.

Girls were free to go through the Upanayana ceremony, live a life of celibacy, study Vedas and other subjects along with their brother pupils.

But later it got restricted to higher castes such as Brahmins and that too only to men and not women.

Role of teacher in Vedic education

• Teacher was given very revered position and treated with respect and honour throughout.
• He was equaled with Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh the Trinity of Hindu worship.
• Teacher was a parent to the pupils.
• Teachers and pupils lived together in Residential schools.
• Pupils completely submitted themselves to the teacher.
• The teacher was deeply involved with the student and understood all his strengths and weaknesses.
• He looked towards all-round development of the student.
• Students were very obedient to every command and wish of the teacher.
• Rapport of teacher-student was on a one to one basis.
• Teachers lived austerely – simple living and high thinking was their motto.

Merits of Vedic education

1. It was well-organized.
2. It was suited to the needs of society.
3. It was considered as the greatest gift in ancient India.
4. There was all-round development of personality.
5. It helped to realize spiritual and moral values.
6. It prepared man for worldly pursuits as well as the afterlife.
7. It was freely accessible.
8. There were no fees.
9. Relations between teacher and student were cordial and intimate.
10. Teacher’s status was very high.
11. Curriculum was comprehensive. It included religious and vocational education.

Limitations of Vedic education

1. There was rigidity in instructions.
2. Discipline was very strict.
3. It did not encourage self-expression of students.
4. Unquestioning obedience of the teacher was expected.
5. System of instruction was verbal, repetitive and required rote learning.
6. Female education was not very widely prevalent.