Ancient Indian Education (Brahmanical and Buddhist) c12.s6.13

c12.s6.13

According to Gautama [xvi, 21] and also Vishṇu [xxx, 26], the Ṛigveda and Yajurveda must not be studied while the sound of the Sāmans is heard, while, according to Āpastamba [i, 3, 10, 20], if another branch of the Veda is being recited in the neighbourhood, the Sāman melodies must not be studied. A student must also first master the *Śākhā* of the Veda which belongs to his family and forms its heritage from its ancestors [Svakula-paramparāgatā Śākhā adhyetavyā (Vasishṭha)]. One who forsakes the study of his own *Śākhā* is to be ostracized (*vahish-kārya*) like a Śūdra and is called a *Śākhāraṇḍa* [ib.]. According to Nārada, a student must study under a teacher and not from mere books. Otherwise he is not recognized in any *Sabhā* (Pustaka-pratyayādhītaṁ nādhītaṁ guru-sannidhau | Bhrājate na sabhā-madhye jāragarbha iva striyaḥ).