Education in Ancient India c6.73

c6.73

Life-long studenthood: Actuated by spiritual motives, some persons in ancient India used to observe life-long celibacy and devote their time entirely to religion and education.³ They were known as Naisthika Brahmachārins. Their primary motive was spiritual salvation, but it was to be achieved not by penance or meditation, but by the dedication of a life of chastity to the cause of the sacred lore. Unmoved by praise or reproach, they carried on their work, without mixing much with the mundane world and its affairs. Their sole concern was a thorough acquisition of knowledge.