Ancient Indian Education: An Inquiry into its Origin, Development, and Ideals c4.56

c4.56

The period of studentship was, however, looked upon not only as a time of learning, but as a time of vigorous discipline. There are some instances in the Upanishads where no teaching was given for several years after studentship had begun,³ but these seem to be exceptional cases. Pupils had to work for their teacher in house and field, attending to his sacred fires,⁴ looking after his cattle,⁵ and collecting alms for him.⁶ The pupil also accompanied his teacher and awaited his commands.¹ ‘In the leisure time left from the duties to be performed for the *guru*’² the Veda was studied.