Ancient Indian Education (Brahmanical and Buddhist) c31.34

c31.34

Thus the Buddhist monasteries of the times became the seats and centres of both sacred and secular learning, and, being freely resorted to by both Buddhist monks and laymen, and even by non-Buddhists, materially aided in the diffusion of learning and culture in the country. The Buddhist monks also who cam practically to have the monopoly in this learning and culture were catholic and generous enough to impart them to persons not belonging to their way of life. Not confining their sympathies and valued services within the limited boundaries of their own church and faith, they thus became the Directors of Public Instruction in the country. They recognized in a noble spirit of toleration that the country was above creed, and culture above church! In disowning the divisions and distinctions of caste in the external organization of their brotherhood, the Buddhist monks could not consistently apply the same principle in another and more important sphere of their activities.