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Vidyarthi's Qualities (विद्यातुराणां लक्षणानि) (view source)
Revision as of 22:07, 31 May 2022
, 22:07, 31 May 2022adding content
A shishya or vidyarthi (Samskrit: विद्यार्थी), a student, in ancient India was known for exceptional qualities. As soon as he is initiated in Vedic study he underwent rigorous training to develop specific qualities which prepared him eventually for the life ahead. He also had specific duties towards his [[Guru (गुरुः)|Guru]] or [[Acharya (आचार्यः)|Acharya]].<ref name=":6">Mookerji. Radha Kumud, (1947) Ancient Indian Education (Brahminical and Buddhist) London: MacMillan And Co., Ltd. (Page 185)</ref> The very atmosphere in which students lived, was calculated to give a proper turn to their character. They were under the direct and personal supervision of their teacher, who was to watch not only over their intellectual progress but also over their moral behaviour. Ancient Indians held that good character cannot be divorced from good manners; the teacher was to see that in their every day life, students followed the rules of etiquette and good manners towards their seniors, equals and inferiors. These rules afforded an imperceptible but effective help in the formation of character of a student.<ref name=":0" />
A shishya or vidyarthi (Samskrit: विद्यार्थी), a student, in ancient India was known for exceptional qualities. As soon as he is initiated in Vedic study he underwent rigorous training to develop specific qualities which prepared him eventually for the life ahead. He also had specific duties towards his [[Guru (गुरुः)|Guru]] or [[Acharya (आचार्यः)|Acharya]].<ref name=":6">Mookerji. Radha Kumud, (1947) Ancient Indian Education (Brahminical and Buddhist) London: MacMillan And Co., Ltd. (Page 185-190)</ref> The very atmosphere in which students lived, was calculated to give a proper turn to their character. They were under the direct and personal supervision of their teacher, who was to watch not only over their intellectual progress but also over their moral behaviour. Ancient Indians held that good character cannot be divorced from good manners; the teacher was to see that in their every day life, students followed the rules of etiquette and good manners towards their seniors, equals and inferiors. These rules afforded an imperceptible but effective help in the formation of character of a student.<ref name=":0" />
==शिष्यलक्षणानि ॥ Shishya Lakshanas==
==शिष्यलक्षणानि ॥ Shishya Lakshanas==
It has been falsely portrayed in many instances that sushrusha to Guru meant performing household chores, tending to the cows, performing agricultural activities, and personal service to the Guru and his family without any learning activity. However, that is not the case. As mentioned above, the shishya spends his complete time with the Acharya participating in all activities of daily life. While selecting the twigs for yajnas he learns botanical aspects practically. While observing how his Acharyas and seniors perform the yajnas he learns the practical aspects about it. Thus on a continuous basis he learns the principles and reasoning involved in the activities when he observes them closely and performs them. This method of teaching instills confidence to handle the problems that may arise during the various activities involved in the life of a Grhastha. Acharya teaches the knowledge involved for say how to observe the soil for tilling or predict the rains based on movement of the celestial bodies. The tattva or reasoning behind the actions may not be immediately understood by the disciple and it is here that sushrusha has to be remembered. There were many times when the secrets unraveled by the Acharyas are specifically given only to his students and thus the knowledge is transmitted to the future student generations of that rshi. In this way the theory and practical aspects of subjects such as Botany, Geology, Astronomy, Agricultural activities, Mathematics, Political Sciences etc were grasped by students under constant guidance as well as surveillance.
It has been falsely portrayed in many instances that sushrusha to Guru meant performing household chores, tending to the cows, performing agricultural activities, and personal service to the Guru and his family without any learning activity. However, that is not the case. As mentioned above, the shishya spends his complete time with the Acharya participating in all activities of daily life. While selecting the twigs for yajnas he learns botanical aspects practically. While observing how his Acharyas and seniors perform the yajnas he learns the practical aspects about it. Thus on a continuous basis he learns the principles and reasoning involved in the activities when he observes them closely and performs them. This method of teaching instills confidence to handle the problems that may arise during the various activities involved in the life of a Grhastha. Acharya teaches the knowledge involved for say how to observe the soil for tilling or predict the rains based on movement of the celestial bodies. The tattva or reasoning behind the actions may not be immediately understood by the disciple and it is here that sushrusha has to be remembered. There were many times when the secrets unraveled by the Acharyas are specifically given only to his students and thus the knowledge is transmitted to the future student generations of that rshi. In this way the theory and practical aspects of subjects such as Botany, Geology, Astronomy, Agricultural activities, Mathematics, Political Sciences etc were grasped by students under constant guidance as well as surveillance.
This is most exemplified by the story of [[Uddalaka (उद्दालकः)|Uddalaka]], the faithful shishya of [[Dhaumya (धौम्यः)|Dhaumya]]. We learn that as a part of faithfully listening to his Acharya, Uddalaka lays himself down in the field to block the flow of water and wins the heart of his Acharya who blesses him with all the [[Vidya (विद्या)|Vidyas]] and fame.
This is most exemplified by the story of [[Uddalaka (उद्दालकः)|Uddalaka]], the faithful shishya of [[Dhaumya (धौम्यः)|Dhaumya]]. We learn that as a part of faithfully listening to his Acharya, Uddalaka lays himself down in the field to block the flow of water and wins the heart of his Acharya who blesses him with all the [[Vidya (विद्या)|Vidyas]] and fame.
==== Other Qualities ====
The story of [[Nachiketa (नचिकेताः)|Nachiketa]] is exemplary of a student of higher learning. When Yama asked him to seek three boons, for his third boon, Nachiketa wanted to learn about death and what happens after it. After hearing Nachiketa's argument about the boon, Yama was immensely pleased with [[Nachiketa's Qualities (नचिकेतसः गुणाः)|his disciple's qualities]] and gave him the knowledge of Self ([[Brahmavidya (ब्रह्मविद्या)|Brahmavidya]] or Atmavidya).<ref name=":2" />
==== Other Qualities of a Student ====
Elsewhere it is mentioned that<blockquote>शान्तो विनीतः शुद्धात्मा श्रद्धावान् धारणक्षमः ।समर्थश्च कुलीनश्च प्राज्ञः मच्चरितो व्रती । एवमादिगुणैर्युक्तः शिष्यो भवति नान्यथा ॥</blockquote>He is called a shishya, a disciple who is/possessess
Elsewhere it is mentioned that<blockquote>शान्तो विनीतः शुद्धात्मा श्रद्धावान् धारणक्षमः ।समर्थश्च कुलीनश्च प्राज्ञः मच्चरितो व्रती । एवमादिगुणैर्युक्तः शिष्यो भवति नान्यथा ॥</blockquote>He is called a shishya, a disciple who is/possessess
* <span style="color:blue">'''शान्तः - tranquil'''
* <span style="color:blue">'''शान्तः - tranquil'''
* <span style="color:blue">'''व्रती - takes up learning as an austerity/vow'''</span>
* <span style="color:blue">'''व्रती - takes up learning as an austerity/vow'''</span>
Only a person who possesses all of the above qualities is called a disciple.<ref>Dr. Rani Sadasiva Murty in [https://smriti.upaasana.net/tag/dr-rani-sadasiva-murty/ Smriti], Spheres of Knowledge - Part 4</ref>
Only a person who possesses all of the above qualities is called a disciple.<ref name=":2">Dr. Rani Sadasiva Murty in [https://smriti.upaasana.net/tag/dr-rani-sadasiva-murty/ Smriti], Spheres of Knowledge - Part 4</ref>
'''Apastamba Grhyasutra''' mentions that the duties of a student consist in acts pleasing to the spiritual teacher, the observance of rules conducive to his own welfare and industry in studying.
'''Apastamba Grhyasutra''' mentions that the duties of a student consist in acts pleasing to the spiritual teacher, the observance of rules conducive to his own welfare and industry in studying.
* wear worn out clothes
* wear worn out clothes
A crow is said to have keen observation. That kind of cognizance is an essential characteristic in a student interested in increasing his wisdom. A stork is popular for its undivided focus and concentration, a quality greatly required for a student for deeper understanding of many things in a short time. A dog is a light-sleeper; easily aroused at slightest stir. This characteristic of high state of alertness towards learning keeps the mind active at all times. It is well known that intake of too much food makes a person drowsy and dull. Hence a student is advised to consume food in small portions without indulging in pleasing his palate. Wearing worn out clothes or being very sober about his looks is prescribed for a student to avoid/control unwanted distractions and diversions commonly present in his/her age.
A crow is said to have keen observation. That kind of cognizance is an essential characteristic in a student interested in increasing his wisdom. A stork is popular for its undivided focus and concentration, a quality greatly required for a student for deeper understanding of many things in a short time. A dog is a light-sleeper; easily aroused at a slightest stir. This characteristic of high state of alertness in a student, towards learning, increase the sources of knowledge. It is well known that intake of too much food makes a person drowsy and dull. Hence a student is advised to consume food in small portions without indulging in pleasing his palate. Wearing worn out clothes or being very sober about his looks is prescribed for a student to avoid and control unwanted distractions and diversions commonly present in his/her age.
== निषिद्धशिष्यलक्षणानि ॥ Prohibited Shishya Lakshanas ==
== निषिद्धशिष्यलक्षणानि ॥ Prohibited Shishya Lakshanas ==
Just like good qualities are desired in anything, bad qualities (अवगुणाः) are undesired and have to be given up. Vidura mentions seven important avagunas which a student should not have.<blockquote>आलस्यं मदमोहौ चापलं गोष्टिरेव च। स्तब्धता चाभिमानित्वं तथा त्यागित्वमेव च। एते वै सप्त दोषाः स्युः सदा विद्यार्थिनां मताः ॥</blockquote>A vidyarthi should stay away from seven undesired qualities namely,
Just like good qualities are desired in anything, bad qualities (अवगुणाः) are undesired and have to be given up. Vidura mentions seven important avagunas which a student should not have.<ref name=":2" /><blockquote>आलस्यं मदमोहौ चापलं गोष्टिरेव च। स्तब्धता चाभिमानित्वं तथा त्यागित्वमेव च। एते वै सप्त दोषाः स्युः सदा विद्यार्थिनां मताः ॥</blockquote>A vidyarthi should stay away from seven undesired qualities namely,<ref name=":2" />
* <span style="color:red">'''आलसत्वम् - laziness'''
* <span style="color:red">'''आलसत्वम् - laziness'''
* <span style="color:red">'''अभिमानित्वं - state of self-conceitedness'''
* <span style="color:red">'''अभिमानित्वं - state of self-conceitedness'''
* <span style="color:red">'''त्यागित्वम् - abandoning nature'''</span>
* <span style="color:red">'''त्यागित्वम् - abandoning nature'''</span>
The above mentioned qualities pertain to the mental nature. Reviling and backbiting are severely condemned. It is also prescribed that the Guru's misdeeds if at all, are not to be blindly followed.
== Rules applicable while studying ==
== Rules of Study ==
=== Rules of behaviour towards teacher ===
The student must commence his study in the morning, touching the feet of his teacher both at the beginning and end of his lesson. After having received permission, he will sit down to the right of his teacher, turning his face towards the east or towards the north. Then the Savitri is to be recited, together with the syllable "Om" before the instruction in the Veda is begun. The student must be very attentive the whole day long, never allowing his mind to wander from the lesson during the time devoted to studying. During the time for rest (which he has, after attending to his studies and the business of his teacher, as has been indicated above), the pupil is to give his mind to doubtful passages of the lesson learnt.
There are rules regulating the behaviour of the student towards his teacher. He must always obey his teacher except when ordered to commit crimes which cause loss of caste. He must not contradict him. He must occupy a couch or seat lower than that of his teacher. When he meets his teacher after sunrise (coming for his lessons), he shall embrace his feet, and shall study, after having been called by the teacher, and not request the teacher to begin the lesson. He must not stretch out his feet towards him but, according to some, he may, if the teacher be lying on a bed. He shall not address the teacher whilst he himself is in a reclining position, but he may answer the teacher sitting, if the teacher himself is sitting or lying down. And if the teacher stands, he shall answer him after having risen also. He shall walk after him if he walks, and run after him if he runs. He shall not approach his teacher with shoes on his feet, or his head covered, or holding implements in his hand, except when on a journey, or occupied in work. He shall approach his teacher with the same reverence as a deity, without telling idle stories, attentive, and listening eagerly to his words. He shall not sit either too near to, or too far from, his teacher, nor with his legs crossed. In the presence of his Guru, he is to avoid covering his throat, leaning against a wall, stretching out his feet, spitting, laughing, yawning, and cracking the joints of his fingers. He must not sit with his teacher to the leeward or to the windward of him, but may sit with his teacher in a carriage drawn by oxen, horses, or camels, on a terrace, on a bed of grass or leaves, or a mat, on a rock, on a wooden bench or in a boat.<ref name=":6" />
=== Rules during study time ===
The student must commence his study in the morning, touching the feet of his teacher both at the beginning and end of his lesson. After having received permission, he will sit down to the right of his teacher, turning his face towards the east or towards the north. Then the Savitri is to be recited, together with the syllable "Om" before the instruction in the Veda is begun. The student must be very attentive the whole day long, never allowing his mind to wander from the lesson during the time devoted to studying. During the time for rest (which he has, after attending to his studies and the business of his teacher, as has been indicated above), the pupil is to give his mind to doubtful passages of the lesson learnt.<ref name=":6" />
=== Rules of Reading ===
Many Shiksha granthas, like Panini Shiksha, lay down the rules of how to and how not to read a lesson. Six are the qualities of good and bad readership.<blockquote>माधुर्यमक्षरव्यक्तिः पदच्छेदस्तु सुस्वरः । धैर्यं लयसमर्थं च षडेते पाठकाः गुणाः ।। ३३ ।। (Pani. Shik. 7.33)<ref name=":3">Panini Shiksha ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A3%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%95%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B7%E0%A4%BE/%E0%A4%B8%E0%A4%AA%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%96%E0%A4%A3%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A1%E0%A4%83 Khanda 7])</ref></blockquote>These are the six qualities of a good reader - Sweetness in tone (माधुर्यम्), clarity of syllables (अक्षरव्यक्तिः), isolation of words (पदच्छेदः), proper intonation (सुस्वरः), confidence (धैर्यं), accompanied with rhythm (लयसमर्थं) - these are the 6 attributes of a (good) reader.<ref name=":4">https://sanskritpearls.blogspot.com/2010/06/june-17th.html</ref>
# Tenderness in tone has to be present; one must avoid harsh hoarse voice.
# Accuracy in pronouncing each individual syllable is required; avoid leaving syllables and hurried pace of reading.
# The breakup of words in the right places adds both sweetness and meaning. There should not be too much of breakup of words nor complete fusion of syllables and words. Just enough pause between words should be present.
# An appropriate tone of voice depending on the bhava (feeling) being expressed is required.
# Poise and certainty in reading makes the material delightful.
# Proper rhythm in reading, neither too fast nor too slow is required to make a good speaker.
The above 6 are the traits that define a good reader. These traits make one's reading clear; conveys the message accurately; makes the material he is reading appealing. Additionally an upright posture and previous preparation about the subject matter, and precise pronunciation endears everyone to listen to the one who is reading.<ref name=":4" /><blockquote>गीती शीघ्री शिरःकम्पी यथालिखितपाठकः । अनर्थज्ञोऽल्पकण्ठश्च षडेते पाठकाधमाः ॥ (Pani. Shik. 7.32)<ref name=":3" /></blockquote>These are the six qualities of a bad reader - (reading) like a song (गीती); in a hurry (शीघ्री); shaking his head (शिरःकम्पी); just as is written (यथालिखितः); without knowing the meaning (अनर्थज्ञो); and in a low tone (अल्पकण्ठः).<ref name=":5">[https://sanskritpearls.blogspot.com/search/label/Student%20%28%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A5%E0%A5%80%29 Good Qualities of a Reader]</ref> The following attributes are to be avoided at all costs.
# Reading with a tune, as if the text were a song is to be avoided.
# Reading in a hurry and swallowing up the syllables make the content unclear and not understandable.
# Nodding the head or moving some part of the body while reading distracts the listener.
# Reading just as is written, even if there were errors has to be avoided at all costs.
# Reading without understanding the meaning of the text makes it rote reading and listless.
# Reading with a tone so low that even the person sitting in front has to perk up his ears causes disinterest in the listener.<ref name=":5" />
== Development of Character ==
== Development of Character ==
====Importance of Habits====
====Importance of Habits====
Rules of discipline, prescribed during formative years, are often laid down for forming good and valuable habits (preventive action) more than for the purpose of prohibiting him from doing undesirable acts (corrective actions). Preparing for the hard life and long struggles before him, rules are laid down, calculated to develop them into strong men with determination and great enduring power.<ref name=":0" />
Rules of discipline, prescribed during formative years, are often laid down for forming good and valuable habits (preventive action) more than for the purpose of prohibiting him from doing undesirable acts (corrective actions). Preparing for the hard life and long struggles before him, rules are laid down, calculated to develop them into strong men with determination and great enduring power.<ref name=":0" /> Good Habits of a Shishya include
* Raising early at dawn, in [[Brahma Muhurta - Scientific Aspects (ब्राह्ममुहूर्त का वैज्ञानिक अंश)|Brahmamuhurta]].
* Plain living and high thinking (Costly food and gorgeous dress was prohibited)
====Importance of Routine====
====Importance of Routine====
Routine also played an important role in the pliable age which aided in the formation of good habits and master their subjects by the end of their course. It was made interesting and engaging for children so that compliance is easily achieved. Recitation of the slokas and group recitation by several children was for motivating the children and secure their cooperation. Different ways of routine for example was
Routine also played an important role in the pliable age which aided in the formation of good habits and master their subjects by the end of their course. It was made interesting and engaging for children so that compliance is easily achieved. Recitation of the slokas and group recitation by several children was for motivating the children and secure their cooperation. Different ways of routine for example was
वेदाभ्यासस्तपो ज्ञानं इन्द्रियाणां च संयमः । अहिंसा गुरुसेवा च निःश्रेयसकरं परम् । । १२.८३ । ।<ref name=":1">Manusmrti ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%B6%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83 Adhyaya 12])</ref>
वेदाभ्यासस्तपो ज्ञानं इन्द्रियाणां च संयमः । अहिंसा गुरुसेवा च निःश्रेयसकरं परम् । । १२.८३ । ।<ref name=":1">Manusmrti ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%A8%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%B8%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AE%E0%A5%83%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%B6%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%A7%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%83 Adhyaya 12])</ref>
=== Student Duties ===
=== Student Duties ===
A student was to hold his teacher in deep reverence and honour him like th king, parents and devatas. (manu 1.200, Charaka samhita vimana sthanam 8.4)
A student was to hold his teacher in deep reverence and honour him like the king, parents and devatas. (manu 1.200, Charaka samhita vimana sthanam 8.4)
Vidya Prasamsha Shabdakalpadhruma <ref>Shabdakalpadhruma ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%AC%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%B2%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%97%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%82 Word विगानं])</ref>
Vidya Prasamsha Shabdakalpadhruma <ref>Shabdakalpadhruma ([https://sa.wikisource.org/wiki/%E0%A4%B6%E0%A4%AC%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%A6%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%B2%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%AA%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8D%E0%A4%B0%E0%A5%81%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%83/%E0%A4%B5%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%97%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%82 Word विगानं])</ref>