Vaishali Institute Research Bulletin 4

SR No.: 522604
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: R P Poddar
Publisher: Research Institute of Prakrit Jainology & Ahimsa Mujjaffarpur
Publication Year: 1983
Total Pages: 288
Language: English, Hindi
Classification: Magazine, India_Vaishali Institute Research Bulletin, & India
File Size: 5 MB

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Vaishali Institute Research Bulletin No. 4 Students took education, often living at houses of their teachers. Some wealthy persons also used to help students by arranging their boarding and lodging in the city,
Holidays
A systematic list of holidays has been given in the Brahmanical literature 1 The principal cause of such interruption was the occurrence of certain natural phenomena-untimely clouds, thunder, heavy showers, frost, dust-storms etc. Asramas were also closed when the peace of the city was disturbed on account of a battle between two armies or two towns or when there was a wrestling or when great leader passed away. The study was to be stopped when certain sounds were heard, e. g. howling of jackals, barking of dogs, braying of donkeys, grunting of camels, cry of wolf, screeching of an owl, the sound of an arrow etc.
Qualification of the Student
According to Vedic law, the teacher (Acārya) accepted those who had a strong desire to study. Those, who were unable to study, were required to accept the work of ploughing or weaving.
The Jain law accepts the following qualities of the student:-At the time of study, students had to lead a celibate life. Constant and laborious preparation was necessary to acquire real grounding and efficiency in a subject.
Both the rich and the poor had to submit to stern discipline in order to become learned. Living at the house of the teacher, enthusiasm, love of knowledge, sweet tongue and good conduct were essential for a student.
Uttarādhyayana gives the following code of conduct for the student. The student should not sit very close, or to the back or front of the teacher. He should avoid such proximity to the teacher that his teacher's feet are touched by his feet. He should not reply bis teacher lying on a bed or resting on his seat. He should not sit before the teacher crossing his leges or keeping his knees close to his chest or stretching a way both of his legs. If the teacher calls out the student should not keep mum, rather one who is desirous of salvation and who wants favour of his teacher should present himself immediately before the teacher. He should take a seat which is lower than his teacher's and which is soundless on account of its being firm.
1. Gautama Dh. S, II. 7, 2. Uttaradhyayana-I