Ancient Indian Education (Brahmanical and Buddhist) c12.s6.11

c12.s6.11

Uśanā [81–2] states that mastery of the mere text of Veda is to be followed up by that of its meaning. "The mere recitation of the Vedas becomes useless like a cow in mire. He who studying duly the Veda does not discuss the Vedānta becomes like a Śūdra with his whole family." Daksha [ii, 27] refers to the fivefold practice of Vedic study comprising (*a*) admission of the superiority of Vedic study, (*b*) discussion on Vedas, (*c*) study and (*d*) recitation of Vedas, and (*e*) imparting lessons to disciples. These five limbs of Vedic study are stated by Vāchaspati Misra to be (1) *Adhyayana* (hearing of words), (2) *Śabda* (apprehension of meaning of words heard), (3) *Ūha* (reasoning leading to generalization), (4) *Suhṛitprāpti* (confirmation by friend or teacher), and (5) *Dāna* (application). Dhīguṇa enumerates the following steps of Vedic study: (1) *Śuśrūshā*, (2) *Śravaṇam*, (3) *Grahaṇam* (apprehension), (4) *Dhāraṇam*, (5) *Ūhāpoha* (discussion), (6) *Arthavijñānam*, and (7) *Tattvajñānam* (knowledge of ultimate truth) [*Smṛiti-Chandrikā*, pp. 131–3; S. K. Das, *Educational System of the Ancient Hindus*, pp. 127–8]. Manu puts the matter in a nut-shell thus: "The student learns a fourth from his Āchārya, a fourth by his own intelligence by himself, a fourth from his fellow-pupils, and the remaining fourth in course of time, by experience."