The Policy of Education as Reflected in Siksavalli of the Tattiriopanisad

Abstract

The modern system of education has been built primarily upon the foundation of ancient educational ideals and the practices of modern education have been largely influenced by past experiences. Vedic views are the root of our civilization, hence  we cannot neglect the sphere of those views from which our civilization has developed to its present form. The Upanisads are the most important part of the Vedic literature. Theyguide the students through the valuable advices of the preceptors for choosing the correct path in life. The policy of education described in our Upanisads had some special characteristics and it is to be noted that it could be connected to the modern field of education. In this regard, we may refer to the Siksavalli section of the Taittiriyopanisad where education has been handled as a philosophical policy where  the teacher stands at the beginning, the students at the end and the subject of teaching in the middle. Through this  paper an attempt is being made to interpret the policy of education reflected in the Siksavalli section and its utilization in modern educational fields.  A query of investigation would also made to explain how the Vedic people plunged into the world of unknown only with the help of their powerful intellect and deep insight and managed to explain the happenings of the world through their own perception, without any help of modern science and technology. This paper will try to locate the presence and application of the instructions delivered to the students by the preceptor as prescribed in the Taittiriyopanisad, which can still be implemented successfully in the current educational institutions for a smooth and well managed society. A study of the Vedic texts reminds us of the same procedure to be followed for the smooth functioning of the society.