The Vedic system of education very much emphasized the importance of discipline in the attainment of knowledge. This, however, was self discipline. In fact it was self-control which was realised by observance of rules of the Brahmacharya Ashram.
Image source; vediccity.in/images/bg-overview1.jpg
The Parishads or the local academies were initiated by the king. Therefore, the scholars and the aspirants of knowledge gathered at the parishads with a perfect academic order.
There was hardly any need for insisting upon rules and regulations as these were laid down by scriptures. No one questioned the scripture’s command concerning discipline. Therefore, discipline was self-imposed as a part of self- culture.
ADVERTISEMENTS:
Since Vedic age education had been put thus “The education is the source of knowledge which shows the real way in the various fields of life” this is approved by the Rig-Veda statement “If anyone is greater than the other, that does not mean that he has extra bodily organs, but he is great because his intellect and mind have become enlightened and completed by real education.” Education system of Vedic age aimed at proper and all round development of humanity.
Though Vedic education was carried on verbally, but there were two methods of Vedic education (i) in first the Rigvedic hymns were composed, and (ii) in second they were preserved. The first was based on the inward meditation, which enabled the formation of the hymns and second was based on outward learning method, which enabled the presentation of those hymns.
The Rishis, who brought the hymns in spiritual beings, were enlightened with the inner light and eternal knowledge. In Vedic age, they were recognised as ‘Deva’. In Rigveda, Acharya Guru is called ‘Agnipracheta’ which means
Ecially learned, Vishvavida, i.e. knowing everything (sarvagya), ‘Satya-janma’ i-e- one knows everything that is born, ‘Vishwani peva Yoyunani Vidvan’ i.e. knowing everything, ‘Dhiman Yanta’ who gives progress to intellect etc. These were the qualities attached to the ‘Gurus’.
ADVERTISEMENTS:
Their boundless learning is proved with the fact that they composed the hymns and enabled the development of various knowledge and philosophies. It should also be noted that the symbols of Acharyas were Indra, Agni, etc.
In the beginning, Vedic hymns were the traditional heritage of the various families of the Rishis. Thus these hymns were verbally preserved in the families of Vamadeva, Attn, Bhardwaja, Vashishtha, etc.
Vedas occupy a very important place in the Indian life. The basis of Indian Culture lies in the Vedas, which are four in number- Rigveda, Samveda, Yajurveda and Atharvaveda.
Scholars differ as regards the causes and time of the rise of Vedas. This remains still in mystery. Scholars are still trying to unravel this mystery. However, nobody doubts that they are the most ancient books of the world.