Ancient Indian Education (Brahmanical and Buddhist) c17.23

c17.23

"Of the four modes of life, to live in the house of the preceptor is the first. In this mode of life one should have his soul cleansed (*viniyatātmā*) by purity of conduct, by Vedic rites, by restraints, vows, and humility. He should adore the morning and evening twilights, the sun, his own consecrated hearth, and the gods. He should shake off procrastination and idleness. He should purify his soul by saluting his preceptor, by studying the Vedas, and by attending to his preceptor's instructions. He should perform his ablutions thrice. He should lead a life of celibacy; attend to his consecrated hearth; serve his preceptor dutifully; daily go out for alms, and give ungrudgingly to his preceptor the whole of what is got in alms. Carrying out willingly the behests of his preceptor, he should be ready to receive such Vedic instruction as his preceptor may give him as a favour."