Studies in the Bhagavati Sutra

Author(s): J C Sikdar
Publisher: Research Institute of Prakrit Jainology & Ahimsa Mujjaffarpur

Page 353

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STUDIES IN THE BHAGAWATI SUTRA
[Ch. VỊ
of life and differences between him and the society, and bringing about & harmonious relation between them to a successful
consummation.
The BhS gives the above conception of education of its period, although a complete picture of educational institutions, like the modern schools, colleges and universities is conspicuous by its absence in this canonical work.
It has placed the ideal of education based on the unity of thought and action thus that men can attain liberation and put an end to all miseries by intellect, the only sight, like a snake and by the only sharpness (kriya-action) like a razor blade.'
It has laid a great emphasis on the self-control, moral character, physical, mental and intellectual development, theoretical and practical knowledge in different arts and crafts to make an individual man capable of shouldering the responsibility of the worldly affairs by holding before him the goal of life-Mokṣa (liberation).
The conception of education as reflected in the BhS is well supported by the ancient literatures of India which throw much light upon its meanings, principles and importance in a very clear and systematic way.
Aims and Ideals of Education
The aims and ideals of education as embodied in this work are represented in the four stages of life which have already been discussed in the second section of the fourth chapter on 'Social Conditions' in details.
Here they may be summed up in brief for recapitulation and dealing with the educational system of its period in a clea. rest possible manner.
They are as follows: Virtue, acquirement of knowledge, building up of character, development of personality, capability of shouldering the responsibilities of household life with a spirit of performing the individual and social, secular and religious
1 Bhs, 9, 33, 384.