Ancient Indian Education (Brahmanical and Buddhist) c28.3

c28.3

**A significant story.** The atmosphere of learning and culture which the *Jātakas* breathe, and the educational system they testify to are very well indicated in one of them [No. 252]: "Once on a time, Brahmadatta, the King of Benares, had a son named Prince Brahmadatta. Now kings of former times, though there might be a famous teacher living in their own city, often used to send their sons to foreign countries afar off to complete their education, that by this means they might learn to quell their pride and high-mindedness, and endure heat or cold, and be made acquainted with the ways of the world. So did this king. Calling his boy to him—now the lad was sixteen years old—he gave him one-soled sandals, a sunshade of leaves, and a thousand pieces of money, with these words: 'My son, get you to Takkasilā, and study there.'