Ancient Indian Education: An Inquiry into its Origin, Development, and Ideals c4.93

c4.93

Rigid rules were laid down for the conduct of pupils. These included hygienic, moral, and religious precepts and the regulation of good manners. It was his duty to bathe daily, and to avoid ⁶ ‘honey, meat, perfumes, garlands, sleep in the daytime, ointments, collyrium, a carriage, shoes, a parasol, love, anger, covetousness, perplexity, garrulity, playing musical instruments, bathing (for mere pleasure), cleaning the teeth, elation, dancing, singing, calumny, and terror’, and all pungent foods. In the presence of his teacher he must not cover his throat, cross his legs, or lean against a wall, or stretch out his feet.¹ ‘Tongue, arms, and stomach’ were to be kept in subjection.² Spitting, laughing, yawning, and cracking the joints of the fingers were also forbidden.³ He was enjoined always to speak the truth, and to avoid bitter speeches.⁴ He was always to speak in a respectful manner of superiors.⁵ Gambling, ‘low service’ (perhaps menial service other than that prescribed), taking things not offered, and injuring animate beings were also unlawful for a student.⁶ All Brāhmans were forbidden to use spirituous liquors.⁷ Chastity was strictly enjoined, and the student was not even to gaze at or touch women.⁸ In the morning and evening the pupil was bidden to perform his devotions outside the village. ‘Silent he shall stand during the former, and sit during the latter, from (the time when one) light (is still visible) until (the other) light (appears).’⁹ Oblations were also to be offered morning and evening to the sacred fire.¹⁰