Ancient Indian Education (Brahmanical and Buddhist) c31.38

c31.38

The institutions most successful in producing this kind of intellectual eminence in I-tsing's time were the monasteries at Nālanda and Valabhī. "There eminent and accomplished men gathered in crowds, discussed possible and impossible doctrines, and after having been assured of the excellence of their opinions by wise men became far-famed for their wisdom" (p. 177). The friction of the best minds that collected at those two famous centres of Buddhist learning was the best possible means of developing and sharpening the wits and powers of debate.