Ancient Indian Education (Brahmanical and Buddhist) c10.37

c10.37

Besides this special Hymn in praise of the Brahmachārī, the Atharvaveda contains a few other passages also on the subject. XIX, 41 refers to *Brahmacharya* as a distinct stage in life and as a system of discipline (*tapo-dīkshāmupanisheduḥ*). VII, 105 contains an exhortation to holy life which is quoted in Kauśika Sūtra (55, 16) in connection with the Upanayana ceremony as the teacher takes the pupil by the arm and sets him facing eastward [Praṇītiḥ abhyāvartasva = prakṛishṭa-nayanādi-veda-brahmacharya-nīyatiḥ (Sāyaṇa)]. The prayers of the Brahmachārī show the high aims for which he stands. He prays for success in his study of the Veda and for its freedom