Ancient Indian Education: An Inquiry into its Origin, Development, and Ideals c4.59

c4.59

It seems to have been the custom in those days for students sometimes to travel far and wide³ in order to attach themselves to celebrated teachers. Renowned teachers also itinerated from place to place,⁴ and there were those to whom pupils came from all sides ‘as waters run downwards, as the months go to the year’.⁵ As a rule, however, a student remained in the house of his teacher till the conclusion of his studies, when he entered upon married life. On his dismissal the pupil received admonition from his teacher. ‘After⁶ having taught the Veda, the teacher instructs the pupil: “Say what is true! Do thy duty! Do not neglect the study of the Veda! After having brought to thy teacher his proper reward, do not cut off the line of children! Do not swerve from the truth! Do not swerve from duty! Do not neglect what is useful! Do not neglect greatness! Do not neglect the learning and teaching of the Veda!”’ etc.