Ancient Indian Education: An Inquiry into its Origin, Development, and Ideals c4.105

c4.105

There were rules also for the respect due from pupil to teacher. Strict obedience was enjoined unless the teacher ordered the pupil to commit crimes which involved loss of caste.¹¹ The pupil was on no account to contradict the teacher, and was always to occupy a seat or couch lower than the teacher.¹² He was always to rise in the morning before his teacher was up, and retire to rest at night after him.¹³ If spoken to by the teacher he must, if lying or sitting, rise from his couch or seat before he answered, and when called by the teacher was to approach him even though he could not see him. If he saw the teacher standing or sitting in a lower place, or to the leeward or to the windward, he was to rise and change his position.¹ If the teacher walked, the student was to walk after him.² The teacher’s name was not to be pronounced by the pupil, but if it was necessary to indicate it the pupil must do so by using a synonymous term.³ Every morning the feet of the teacher were to be embraced by the pupil.⁴ There were also rules enjoining respect for the sons and wives and other relatives of the teacher. In Manu these rules are even further elaborated.⁵