Ancient Indian Education: An Inquiry into its Origin, Development, and Ideals c9.21

c9.21

The Brāhmanic settlements were probably most frequently situated in forests in ancient times. The contact with nature and absence of the evils of city life which this involved must have been important factors in creating an atmosphere which was most helpful in the formation of spiritual ideals. The classic poets love to depict the beautiful surroundings of the āśramas and the simple life of their inhabitants in contact with both animate and inanimate nature. Though the Brāhmanic education was no doubt also carried on in towns, especially in later times, the forest sanctuary has always been the Indian ideal. This is another of the ancient educational ideals which is most important, and one that is worthy of the attention of modern educationists.