Ancient Indian Education (Brahmanical and Buddhist) c9.34

c9.34

**Understanding Texts more important than their Recitation.** Rigvedic Education, however, was not confined to mere learning by rote the sacred texts. The contemplation and comprehension of their meaning was considered as more important and vital to education than their mere mechanical recitation and correct pronunciation. The Rigveda has several significant passages condemning and holding up to ridicule those whose knowledge is confined only to the repetition of its words without insight into their inner meaning, and emphasizing the supreme need of realizing that meaning by constant and concentrated contemplation.