The Utility of Upaniṣadic Education

Abstract

The aim of the gurukula system of education is directed towards the purity and solemnity of life and to instil into the minds of the pupil the spirit of self-help, self-sacrifice, devotion to duty and reverence for elders. The true aim of the Upanisadic education can be realised from the constantly recurring prayer invoked in relation to persons engaged in the quest of knowledge and of the Self: the teacher and the taught.The teacher and the student try to build up the intellectual republic which might help them in retaining their fellow-feeling unto the last and develop a keen sense of unity for the achievement of their aspiration. The aim of education is to refine outer and inner life of the individual for the development of his moral, spiritual and intellectual life and to spread the light of knowledge in the direction. From the invocation verse of Kathopaniṣad can be clearly seen that several aims of education are postulated here which can be briefly discussed and evaluated. In this connection we can compare the famous words of Swami Vivekananda – ‘Education is the manifestation of the perfection already in man’. He also said in his lecture that there is a mistaken notion among some that Advaita is likely to make men immortal, because it abolishes the idea of a magistrate God.. So,  we must get to connect with Upanisadic thoughts.