Ancient Indian Education (Brahmanical and Buddhist) c32.s1.37

c32.s1.37

Their rank depended upon the range of their studies rather than upon the depth of their knowledge of a particular subject. It was on this basis that Śīlabhadra was elected to the Chancellor's position in the University. The different grades of the monks carried with them different privileges. The University was duly jealous and mindful of the dignity that should belong to the position of its official head. Access to the Chancellor was not made cheap or easy. Interviews with him were of the nature of formal and ceremonial functions. This is shown by the account given of Hiuen Tsang's reception at Nālandā and of his presentation before the Chancellor. As his reputation as a scholar had already preceded him, the University sent a deputation of four of its most distinguished Professors to escort him. At a farmhouse on the way, he halted for short refreshment where a great crowd gathered to greet him, consisting of 200 priests and some thousand lay patrons. They formed an imposing procession, carrying standards, umbrellas, flowers, and perfumes, and thus led the pilgrim to the gates of Nālandā. Then a formal meeting was held with the Sthavira in the chair by which a special seat was given to the distinguished visitor. Next, the Karmadāna was directed to sound the Ghaṇṭā and proclaim: "Whilst the Master of the Law (Hiuen Tsang) dwells in the Convent, all the commodities used by the priests and all the appliances of religion are for his convenience, in common with the rest." The meeting then selected twenty persons, noted for their learning and dignified bearing, to conduct Hiuen Tsang to the august presence of the Chancellor. When the party arrived, the chief almoner presented the Chancellor "with all things necessary without stint, paying his respects according to the proper ceremonial, approaching him on his knees and kissing his foot, and bowing his head to the ground. The usual greetings and compliments being finished, the Chancellor ordered seats to be brought and spread out, and desired Hiuen Tsang and the rest to be seated. When seated, he asked the visitor from what part he came. In reply he said: 'I am come from the country of China, desiring to learn from your instruction the principles of the Yoga Śāstra' " (*Life*, p. 107). After this formal introduction, Hiuen Tsang was assigned to the Bālāditya College with his residence fixed for a week at the house of the learned and aged scholar, Buddhabhadra, and, later, in an independent dwelling in accordance with his learning and status, together with an ample supply of provisions already described.