Ancient Indian Education (Brahmanical and Buddhist) c18.12

c18.12

**Rules of Medical Study.** After admission, the student commences the study of medical texts. These are imparted to him by his teacher slowly and in parts, in *padas* (syllables), *pādas* (one-fourth of a śloka or verse), and *ślokas*. When the texts are thus learnt and committed to memory, their meanings must next be thoroughly grasped. The student who has mastered the mere words of the texts but not their import which they cannot expound (*prabhāshaṇa*) is likened to a beast of burden which only undergoes the pain of carrying a load of sandal-wood without enjoying the pleasure of its smell. Such a student only undergoes the pain of study without being able to enjoy its fruits.