Education in Ancient India c7.s3.12

c7.s3.12

Both a Monastery and a University : Nālandā, however, was not a mere monastery ; it had obtained so wide a fame primarily because it was a very famous centre of learning. Yuan Chwang says, ‘In the establishment were some thousand brethren, all men of great learning and ability, several hundreds being highly esteemed and famous ; the brethren were very strict in observing the precepts and regulations of their order ; learning and discussing they found the day too short, day and night they admonished each other, juniors and seniors mutually helping to perfection. Hence foreign students came to the establishment to put an end to their doubts and then became celebrated, and those who stole the name (of Nālandā) were all treated with respect wherever they went’ (II, p. 165). The names of deep scholars and skilful debators, who had distinguished themselves at the University, used to be written in white on the lofty gate of the University for being known to every fresher and visitor (Itsing, p, 176).