“He, who is possessed of supreme knowledge by the concentration of mind, must have his senses under control, like spirited steeds controlled by a charioteer.” says the Katha Upanishad.

Education is the means for developing the mind for the betterment of the individual and society. The significant contribution of ancient India for the world is in the field of education. The education system in India is manifested in the cultural economic, individual, philosophical, scientific, social and spiritual advancement.

In the Vedic age, the central conception of education of the Indians was a source of illumination giving us a correct lead in the various spheres of life. As per classical Indian tradition “Sa Vidya ya vimuktaye”, (that which liberates us is education).

A famous person once said, education, is the third eye of man. It gives him insight into the life and teaches him how to act. (Subhishitaratnasandhoha p. 194). In ancient India, the objective of knowledge was that it must result in a realization of truth.

Education in India during ancient times was taught on three simple processes;

• Sravana
• Manana
• Nidhyasana

Sravana was listening to the truths as they fell from the lips of the teacher. Knowledge was technically called Sruti or what the ear heard and not what was seen in writing, was the essence of Sravana.

Manana implies that the pupil has to think out for himself the meaning of the lessons imparted to him orally by his teacher so that they may be assimilated fully.

Nidhyasana meaning Pupil has to have complete comprehension of the truth, so he may live the truth and not merely explain it by words.

The following objectives were ascribed to education, in ancient India;

1. Self-control
2. Development of character
3. Generation of sociability or social awareness
4. Integral development of personality
5. Propagation of purity
6. Preservation of knowledge and culture.
7. Proliferation of virtue
8. Education only a means and not an end in itself.

 Also Read: The Vedas and our education system

Connecting Modern education with Vedic education

Education System In India During The Vedic Age had the prominent place in society. It was considered as pious and important for society. Vedic age had a system of education in which “hearing, chanting and memorizing, played a great part, assimilation of an idea took place through a well- planned a life of service to teacher, contemplation, all under his guidance. Thus education was made must for everybody becoming cultured. The relationship between Guru and pupils were very cordial during the Vedic era. Education System In India During The Vedic Age was a means to infuse ―Satyam Shivam and Sundaram in the pupil. Self-study Swadhyaya was considered more important during that period. 

Education System In India During The Vedic Age was very rich in terms of human development and contributed to the growth of Indian civilization. The idea of Indian civilization continued to flourish as India transcended its journey from Ancient to Medieval to Modern times.

Modern Indian education has been a victim of western influence and the importance is more for theoretical knowledge than of practical applications. One needs to comprehend the reason for the aesthetic knowledge of our past. Respect and apply the ancient Indian teaching to inculcate the values and provide the missing sense in the present education system. It is not just about copying ancient traditions, but knowing how the objective of the past can be accomplished in the present day setting. There must be a perfect blend of the cutting edge modern instructions and also conventional teaching methodologies to prepare students in a manner that they understand the significance of mind over matter.

Also Read: All You Need To Know About Waldorf Education

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