The Hindu system of education has its roots in the Vedic
culture. There are certain ideals and values that have been cherished in and
fostered through education in Hinduism.
Vedas are the foundation of Hindu education and of
everything else Hindu. Hindu ideals and values are enshrined in Vedas in the
form of prayers offered by the Rishis and sages.
Lead us from the unreal to the real, from darkness to light,
from death to immortality. This is the famous Upnaishadic aspiration and serves
as the goal of education in Hindu religion.
In the Hindu system of education, great emphasis is laid on
understanding the nature of reality and the relation of self to this reality.
It is taught that reality is invariable and imperishable and
the individual self, like other transient forms, is a part of this real
Universal Self. Thus, one of the goals of education is self-realization and
realization of the Self.
The Hindu system of education is based on the following principles:
- Every individual is a spark of the Paramatman and education should help an individual in becoming one with Paramatman, as the inner life is as important as the outer life.
- Cultivation o the pursuit of truth is another important principle.
- Oneness of humankind is the third principle underlying the Hindu system of education. It is also related to the principle of the unity of life, nature and the environment. The attitude of reverence for all is developed through the Hindu system of education.
- Good character is another important principle to be cultivated.
- Attainment of Hindu ideals and values through education for an all-round development of character and personality is an important principle.
Four stages of life that have been accepted in Hinduism are
the heart of education as well – Brahmacharya, the first stage is the period of
education. In ancient times, the students lived with their teacher as members
of his family. They were Brahmacharis and observed the rules pertaining to the
first stage of life, brahmacharya, a life of self-control and abstinence for a
period of twenty five years.
Education System in Hinduism sought to promote an
integration of the physical, mental and spiritual dimensions.
Bibliography – Encyclopedia of Hinduism Volume IV – page 10 and page 11
Bibliography – Encyclopedia of Hinduism Volume IV – page 10 and page 11