Studies in the Bhagavati Sutra

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

Page 359

334
STUDIES IN THE BHAGAWATI SUTRA
[Ch. Vì
chapter on 'Economic conditions' that there were three classes of teachers in the society as depicted in this canonical work, viz. Kalācārya, Silpācārya' and Upadhyāya.3 Relation Between Teacher and Student
A great emphasis has been laid on the discipline of the students in regard to their behaviour and reverence towards their teacher. Any opposition to him was highly condemned,' because he has been called the spiritual and intellectual father in the ancient Indian texts.
"Acarya upanayamano Brahmacariņam kṛṇute garbhamantah."
The terms 'Ayariyapadinie' and 'Uvajjhayapaḍinie' express the censure attaching to the students who opposed their teacher.
The reference to the statement "defamers of the Acāryas and Upadhyayas" (ayariya-uvajjhāyānaṁ ayasakarā)' made in the BhS, reflects upon the general relation between the teachers and students in both religious and secular institutions of its period.
Students' life :
The text does not give a clear idea of the students' life, except that they continued their education till they became free from the childish state, reached the stage of youth, and attained the capability of bearing the burden of responsibilities of the household affairs and enjoying the worldly life.
Centres of Education :
Thus it appears that the above mentioned three classes of teachers were the main props of the educational institutions of its period.
Besides these, there were the other centres of education at different capital cities, holy places, Caityas (temples) and
1 Bhs, 11, 11, 429. See Commentary of Abhayadeva Suri. 8.4 Ib., 9, 33, 389.
Ib., 7, 9, 300.
Ib; Cf. Atharva-Veda, XI, 5. Acaryaḥ.
6. Bh8, 9, 33, 389.
8 Ib; 9, 33, 380.