Formal Education System in Ancient India
by Sushmita Nath | 2016 | 63,563 words
This page relates ‘Buddhist Educational Rituals (Introduction)’ of the study on the (formal) education system in Ancient India with reference to Vedic and Buddhist period, investiging educational institutions and universities which existed during this time. Professional educational methods were found in ancient Sanskrit literature (Brahamanas, Dharma-Shastras, Puranas, Jatakas, etc.), including rules, ceremonies and duties of pupils in ancient India.
Buddhist Educational Rituals (Introduction)
The Buddhist system was also characterized by some educational rituals. The significance of ritual was not neglected in Buddhist education system. Because, the Buddhism was born in the womb of Hinduism. So the several principle and basic tenets of Hinduism were preserved in Buddhism. Buddhism can thus rightly be regarded as one of the phases of Hinduism. Whatever little difference seems to underlay both the religion is based on Lord Buddha’s certain opinions concerning religion. So the different rituals like initiation, convocation were closely connected with Brahmanical initiation, convocation as described above.
The Buddhist educational rituals are:
- Pabbaja (initial ordination) and
- Upasampadā (final ordination).
These were the main educational rituals in Buddhist education system. The Buddhist Order follow the same line of the Brahmanical initiation of studentship as described above. Like the Brahmanical system, the Buddhist novice also approached the teacher for instruction. And the teacher also did necessary enquiry and then he received him as a student.