Ancient Indian Education (Brahmanical and Buddhist) c10.34

c10.34

The Atharvaveda [xi, 5] contains a separate long hymn describing this system of studentship. The pupil enters upon his stage of studentship through the performance of the ceremony of initiation called *Upanayana* by his chosen teacher called *Āchārya*. The ceremony takes three days (*rātrīstisraḥ*) during which the teacher holds within him the pupil to impart to him a new birth and regenerated life whence the pupil emerges as a *dvija* or twice-born. His first birth he owes to his parents who give him only his body. It is a mere physical birth. His second birth is spiritual. It unfolds his mind and soul [Āchāryaḥ upanayamāno brahmachāriṇaṁ kṛiṇute garbhamantaḥ = Āchāryaḥ *antaḥ vidyāśarīrasya madhye garbhaṁ kṛiṇute* (Sāyaṇa), "the teacher recreates the pupil in a new body of learning" | Taṁ rātrīstisraḥ udare bibharti]. After this *Upanayana* or initiation, the pupil emerges as a Brahmachārī, a new and changed person both externally and internally. He lives according to prescribed regulations governing both his dress and habits by which he is marked out. He goes about wearing a girdle (*mekhalā*) of Kuśa grass, the skin of the black antelope (*kārshṇaṁ*) and long hairs (*dīrghaśmaśru*) and carries fuel which he has to offer to Agni both morning and evening [*Samidhā samiddhaḥ*]. Besides these external marks, he is also distinguished by some inner attributes and disciplines. These are stated to be (1) *Śrama*, self-restraint; (2) *Tapas*, practice of penance and (3) *Dīkshā*, consecration to a life of discipline through prescribed regulations such as begging and the like (Sāyaṇa). Thus the Brahmachārī is abroad (*eti*), an example of that discipline and detachment which have created and sustain the universe. The Supreme Being Himself is described as the prime Brahmachārī. All creation is the outcome of *Brahmacharya* and *Tapas*. "Through these, a King protects his Kingdom. Through these, the gods have conquered Death ... All creatures which have sprung from Prajāpati have breath separately in themselves; all of these are preserved by supreme knowledge (*brahma*) which is produced in the Brahmachārin (Prithak sarve prājāpatyāḥ prāṇān ātmasu bibhrati | tān sarvān brahma rakshati brahmachāriṇi ābhṛitam)."