Education has established mankind as the best creature on earth. Without education, a human is like an animal. It has been our tradition to start education from the age of 5. Some difficulties must be faced to acquire an education. However, one should continue to study with patience. Therefore, we can find this written in our ancient educational policy verses.
Table of Contents
Past learning is the inspiration for today. It describes the education policies of ancient and medieval times, Chanakya Niti, Charak Samhita, and the benefits of past studies
सुखार्थीचेत्याजेत् विद्यां विद्यार्थीचेत्याजेत् सुखम्ः। सुखार्थीनं कुतो विद्याः? विद्यार्थिनां कुतो सुख:?
The meaning of these Sanskrit verses: If we seek happiness, then stop studying. If we desire knowledge, then stop happiness, because where will those who indulge in pleasure find knowledge? If we want to be true students, where will happiness be found during their student years?
It is impossible to build the future of any country. The development of the country depends on citizens’ access to education and quality, as well as the way in which the inherent power of the individual is transformed into creative skills and energy.
The educational sector of Nepal is still not free from problems. Although institutional education began to spread its roots in Nepal much later than in some countries of the contemporary world, there is still a lack of sufficient educational materials to study its past
Early education in Nepal
Researching the early stages of education in Nepal, it is found that it began in ancient times. In ancient and medieval ages, students lived in or near the Guru teacher’s house where the Guru lived and taught.The place where Guru lived called Guru kula. Students should follow the Guru’s orders and rules In Guru Kul.
Students used to learn lessons such as good character, good manners, respect and service to parents, respect and service to the Guru, respect for respected people, respect for guests, helping and rescuing the poor, sick, children, the victims, etc. Similarly, there, discipline education was taught well for the future, how to behave in society and how to live.
Health education in Guru Kul
In Guru Kul, the rules of staying healthy, what to eat and what not to eat, were also studied. There is ample evidence that health education was studied and practiced in a special way. In this regard, we can see and read the famous health-related texts written by the learned sages of that time. Charak Sanhita Bhrigu Sangita, Ayurveda, and other many important books are the evidence.
We can see many useful Sanskrit verses that motivate students.
विद्वत्वं च नृपत्वं च नैव तुल्य कदाचनः। स्वदेशे पूज्यते राजा विद्वान् सर्वत्र पूज्यते॥
A wise and educated person and a king can never be compared equally. Because a king is revered only in his own country, but a scholar is revered everywhere.
The scholars and inventors of recent times have been educated on the basis of ancient and medieval education. That time was truly a golden age. Many sacred and enlightening texts like Vedas, Puranas, Upanishads, Gita, Mahabharata, etc. were written during that time. The era was based on truth. Justice, economy, society, education, and health were well managed. Many works have been done to make peace and the environment clean, beautiful, and healthy.
The biographies of many scholars, sages, philosophers, scientists, poets, doctors, astrologers, etc. of that time and their writings have been a source of inspiration for us even today.
Among the famous people of the past era, Bidur, Chanakya, king Janak, Sita, etc. can be remembered. Here I would like to give some information about the famous economist Chanakya. Even today, the world is aware of Chanakya Niti( Rules of Chanakya). The economic policy created by Chanakya was very good and it seems worthy of being followed even now. Iwould like to present some Sanskrit verses written in Chanakya Niti.
Chanakya the great philosopher
Chanakya was not only a political expert and policy maker but also a philosopher of life. He became immortal by sharing the experiences he had gathered in life and the rules he made with the people.His ideas and the policies and regulations he created are still world famous.
Chanakya as a Guru teacher
He was also a great teacher and guru. Some of his sayings, which were as relevant as they were hundreds of years ago, are still relevant today.Chanakya used to formulate and apply economic policies and principles of justice only in favor of truth. He also used to inspire everyone to walk and work only in favor of truth. Let’s look at this verse he wrote about truth!
सत्येन धार्यते पृथिवी सत्येन तपते रविः । सत्येन वाति वायुश्च सर्व सत्ये प्रतिष्ठतम् ।।
The earth is stable by truth, the sun is warm by truth, the wind blows by truth, and everything depends on truth.
Chanakya was not only an economist and journalist he was an educational specialist. here’s a slok
माता शत्रुः पिता वैरी येन बालो न पाठितः । न शोभते सभामध्ये हंसमध्ये बको यथा ।।
Parents who do not educate their children are enemies. Just as a duck does not belong in a flock of geese, illiterate children do not belong in a gathering of scholars.
Past study is a golden tool
Reflecting on past experiences and lessons learned can provide valuable insight and inspiration to navigate challenges and opportunities in the present.As well as foster growth and resilience. Examining past successes and failures can help us identify patterns and understand our strengths and weaknesses, and make better decisions in the future. Distinguishing truth from falsehood is important for shaping education policies and is a source of inspiration for the present.
Benefits can include: By understanding the lessons of the past, we can gain perspective and a sense of confidence to face current challenges and pursue our goals.
Resilience and Growth
Past experiences, even difficult ones, can build resilience and teach us valuable lessons about resilience and adaptability.
Personal Growth: Learning from past learning and experiences is a continuous process of self-reflection and improvement, which leads to personal and professional growth.
Examples:
A student who has failed an exam once can learn from his mistakes and study harder to improve his performance in the future.
A business owner who faces failure based on past learning and experience can analyze the reasons for the failure and implement strategies to prevent similar problems in the future.
A person who has experienced a difficult relationship can learn from the experience and build stronger relationships in the future.
Chanakya Niti is a book written by Chanakya on many things related to policies and rules. It is read all over the world because it contains topics that are not found in any other book; It beautifully coordinates ideal behavior with reality. If you can study it well and follow this principle, then surely the policy makers of today’s education will be successful and competent.
A lot of knowledge and experience is needed to make a person competent and beneficial. Everything can be found in the philosophy and policies of Acharya Chanakya, so I would like to recommend this to scholars of all educational fields.
Conclusion on past learning is the inspiration for today
In this article, I have tried to briefly explain the state of education in Nepal in the early period. Chanakya Niti (policy created by Chanakya) is specially described. The methods of staying healthy and health education in the primitive and medieval ages are also briefly described.
The health education texts of that time, Charak Samhita, Bhrigu Samhita Ayurveda, are also described. Similarly, it is also mentioned that by observing the history of education in the past, policies and rules can be made for the present and future education. hope that everyone will read the article carefully and reflect on it.
Next Post: Education Origin and meaning- Great history