Abstract

Upaniṣads, the concluding part of the Vedas are considered to be Śrutiprasthāna of Vedānta philosophy. The main teaching of the Upaniṣads is—''aitadātmyamidaṃ sarvaṃ tat satyam''. Realty is Brahman. World has no real entity. Bṛhadāranyakoḍaniṣad holds—''neha nānāsti kiṅcana''. There is nothing more than one.

On the other hand, Upaniṣads represent a well organized and well planned society. We may refer to Aśvapati mentioned in Chāndogyopaniṣad whose kingdom is well ordered.

The education system of Vedic age was evolved from the then social system which was based on the staunch ethical, moral and spiritual understanding of the seers of that time. The student acquired full moral and spiritual training by his constant association with his preceptor.

There was no public school. However there are various instances of son being trained by his father.

We may refer to Taittrīya Upaniṣad where we see Bhṛgu the son of Varuṇa approaching his father with the request to train him:

''bhṛgurvai vāruniḥ varuṇaṃ pitaramupasasāra. adhīhi bhagavo braṃheti''.

We may also mention uddālaka teaching his son śvetaketu.

In a passage of Taittirīyopaniṣad the educational policy in the period of Upaniṣads has been reflected. The aim of education was to make a good human being.
In the Taittirīyopaniṣad we find preceptor advising his disciple when after attaining knowledge student is about to go back to his abode. The teacher says—speak the truth -''satyaṃ vada''. People following the path of truth will succeed in the long run. It is truth that triumphs ultimately. Teacher says—''dharmaṃ cara''. Dharma does not mean religion only. It is some noble principles of life. Following those righteous ways of life one may live happily in the world.

In the Vedic age both daughter and son enjoyed the parity of status. Bṛhadaraṇyakaponiṣad presents a father who wished his daughter to be a scholar ''duhitā me paṇditā jāyeta''. Thus we get a beautiful picture of society through the Upanisads.

The message of the Upaniṣad is universal and relevant as the Sun, the Moon and the Stars due to its lesson of harmony and unique vision of peace.