children’s foundation of knowledge in ancient Indian culture has its own significance. India has a rich cultural and spiritual history.
Aim or goal:-
In ancient times, aim was to emphasizes on instilling the seeds of humanity in the hearts of children and preparing lifestyle strategies and educational plans for the development of perfect human beings.
Importance of dharma, artha, karma, moksha:-
Focus of Indian culture or thinkers is not to use the human brain like a computer that enters information into the brain.They are taught to have a sense of dharma (duty) in every action The importance of salvation(moksha) was discussed to curb the unnecessary desire to accumulate money. Therefore, it is important to understand the importance of duty (dharma), wealth (artha), work (karma) and salvation (moksha) in the life of the children.
Role of family:-
In ancient times, the family was considered to be the seedbed of education.Gaining knowledge in childhood triggers joy in their mind.Parents were conscious about presenting life characters like stories. Such actions began to instill a vision of life in the mind of the child. These efforts or teachings helps them to know the actual meaning of life, prepare them for their life journey in a very ethical way. They become physically fit, mentally strong and spirituality aware of conscious. Some qualities started to grow, such as politeness, honesty etc.
Focus on mental, emotional and spiritual development of a child:-
In ancient Indian culture, Some disciplinary steps or structures were designed, which can help in overall development of a child, such as emotional, mental and spiritual development. These were:-
- Meditation (dhyan) is for the development of the soul.
- Course of (Yama) and (Niyama) for the development of the mind.
- Some (Asana), (Suryanamaskar) and (Pranayama) for the development of the body.
- Teachings of behavioral concepts for the development of intelligence.
Development of some ethical, moral qualities:-
In ancient Indian culture, another important aspect of teaching or providing knowledge to a child in their early age is about behavioral elements. Such behavioral elements includes politeness, honesty, respect towards elders, respect of knowledge and wisdom etc. These elements are the ornaments of every human being. A wise person is only said to be wise if all the above said qualities are lies within him/her. So, at that time parents, teachers as well as the society were very conscious about providing these ethical and moral knowledge to a child.They tried to provide them these knowledge through education and through practical knowledge.
Material and spiritual knowledge:-
In ancient Indian culture, the subject of education was self-knowledge or self-awareness (atma-tatva). Self-knowledge or self-awareness indicates “pure blissful consciousness”. Priority was given to spiritual knowledge. Various aspects were discussed about reality beyond our material reality. curriculum was designed to answer such questions and easily outline reforms in the dry mind and teach accordingly.Apart from spritual knowledge, There were also other subjects such as ayurveda (medicine), Dhanurveda (martial arts), Gandharva Veda (music and dance), Sthapatyaveda (architecture), aviation, astronomy, mathematics, literature, etc.
Gurukul ashram culture :-
In the Vedic era, the gurukul ashram education system involved sending disciples to the gurukul for education immediately after the upanayana ritual. The disciple acquired knowledge through the system of hearing and memory by serving the Guru and treating the Guru’s words as divine words. The teacher was called Guru or Acharya. He was a man of great personality and wisdom. The ignorance in the mind of the disciple upon coming into the presence of the calm, gentle and knowledgeable personality of the Guru. The darkness dissipated spontaneously.
Therefore, in the Vedic era, it was said that the darkness and ignorance of the disciple’s mind died upon seeing the Guru, and a miraculous and pure spiritual power emanated. Upanishads, In addition to teaching mathematics, geography, astrology, archery, etc., equal emphasis was placed on character building, yoga, meditation, pranayama, physical exercise, celibacy and observance of vows. It is well known that he began his household life with profound knowledge and later lived a life of “banaprastha” and asceticism according to scriptural rules.
In today’s environment :-
It is essential to think and reflect on the education system of the past in order to develop human resources by making the educational system immaculate and clean. Although we have to keep pace with the present age of science and technology, it is desirable for all of us to seriously consider the need and importance of spiritual education by remembering the ancient history.Teachers and great people can influence individuals in families and communities. Teachers are always respected and devoted by the students. Children follow the behaviour, ideals and teachings of the teachers with great respect and devotion. As a great person, the teacher is able to win the hearts of the children by providing them with moral, spiritual, intellectual and social education. Children of an ideal teacher are inspired to be characterful, respectful, eloquent and conscientious. The personality of the teacher fuels the development of the child’s personality. Just as a teacher with personality can easily solve academic, moral and social problems, a child can easily overcome difficulties with the resources of a good personality. Children can reform with their instincts to adapt to nature or the environment with a reforming mind. With knowledge and experience, children can develop themselves suitably and gain the strength and motivation to engage in learning and expansion. If the right environment can be created in educational institutions, the task of providing ideal education to children will become easier and simpler.
Therefore, teachers and society need to take seriously the responsibility and duty of creating a genuine educational environment. In terms of learning, children desire an open environment. Such an environment is essential for the expression and development of children’s innate instincts. This is because children can gain knowledge and experience by working as they wish. Failure to provide children with freedom and freedom to work and play will hamper their education. This is because children tend to do things themselves. Teachers and community members should monitor children so that they are not misled. Children need to be sympathetic, loved, encouraged, and the objectives of parents, teachers and community members. It is a collective effort by people from all walks of life to welcome innovation with a new perspective to the new generation.
Root of any civilization should always be preserved, because they have rich cultural and spiritual history.
You can also check:-
Loved it . Best website for earning knowledge