Methods Of Teaching In Buddhist Education System
The Buddhist education system consisted of two tiers: elementary education and higher education.
Elementary Education:
- Popular elementary education was religious and included worldly education up to the age of 12. Pupils received instruction in reading, writing, arithmetic, and religion.
- The curriculum included grammar, Hetu Vidya (logic), Nyaya (science of reasoning), Adyatma Vidya (philosophy), Shilpa Sthan (arts and crafts), and Chikitsya Vidya (medicine).
Higher Education:
- Higher education was well-organized and carried out at Buddhist monasteries and universities. It was available only to those intending to become monks or nuns, emphasizing both theoretical and practical aspects.
- Subjects included Buddhism, Hinduism, Jainism, theology, philosophy, metaphysics, logic, Sanskrit, Pali, astronomy, astrology, medicine, law, politics, administration, and Tantric philosophy.
Methods of Teaching:
- Predominantly verbal, including question-answer sessions, discussions, and debates.
- The Agra Shishya Pranali (monitorial system), travelling and nature study methods, book method, preaching, and conference methods were also used.
- The medium of instruction was Pali, with importance given to vernacular dialects.
Teacher-Taught Relationship:
- The relationship was close, pure, good, and affectionate.
- Teachers were scholars of repute with inspiring ideals, leading simple lives of constant study, celibacy, and strong character.
- Both teachers and students valued the authority of reason and experience, maintained freedom of thought, disciplined morals and conduct, and lived self-restrained lives.
Link for Class: https://youtu.be/u8jqi4aysVg
The Buddhist education system makes me question our own. Imagine kids learning not just basics but deep philosophy and practical skills from an early age. Higher education was a mix of spirituality and real-world know-how, and teaching involved debates and hands-on experiences. Teachers didn’t just talk the talk; they walked the walk. It’s a powerful challenge to our current system—maybe we’re missing out on education that truly transforms us.
ReplyDeleteThe system has a clear demarcation .The 2nd tier of the education system might have been reserved for those aiming to become nuns or monks since it may demand extra time in meditation and deeper self awareness in order to purify ones intentions and actions.
ReplyDeleteI admire the Buddhist education system's integration of practical and theoretical knowledge, fostering critical thinking through discussions and debates. The close teacher-student relationships and emphasis on morality and self-discipline resonate, while the use of vernacular languages ensures education is accessible and inclusive for all.
ReplyDeleteThe Buddhist education system emphasizes more on the importance of a holistic approach combining religious and worldly education, promoting a close teacher-student relationship, discipline, and freedom of thought, which can inspire modern educational practices to value character development and critical thinking beside academic learning.
ReplyDeleteThe Buddhist education system, encompassing elementary and higher education, integrates religious and worldly knowledge. It offers a balanced curriculum, teaching essential skills and religious principles up to twelve years old. Higher education, reserved for monks and nuns, offers in-depth exploration of various subjects. Teachers serve as role models.
ReplyDeleteThe education system of Buddhism has been very traditional and effective as it caresses the holistic development of students. The method of imparting knowledge is also very traditional where the teacher-student relationship is nurtured. Their education was not limited to intellectual pursuits but rather imparting every necessary knowledge and skill to live meaningfully, such as learning medicine, leadership, logic, science and arts, etc. Today education has become more of a business and intellectual activity, missing out on greater areas of human values, and emotional and communitarian life; thus many students end their lives in failure and depression as is often seen in a country like ours.
ReplyDeleteSylvester Pariong
ReplyDeleteThe Buddhist education system and its method is very valuable. They do not focus only on giving information but they fostering a great integration for personality development. This system and the method of teaching fits in well in those times but now a days, i could see that it is not very effective.
The methods of Buddhist teaching is essential in present context. Because they focus on self learning for instance book and preaching methods in which they develop self learning and getting depth information.
ReplyDeleteThe methods of teaching in the Buddhist education system, highlighting its two-tier structure, diverse curriculum, and various instructional methods aimed at comprehensive learning and monastic training.
ReplyDeleteIntegrating moral education with academics and emphasizing critical thinking, philosophy, and the arts can nurture well-rounded individuals. Strong teacher-student relationships, rooted in respect and shared values, would support a holistic learning environment that appreciates India's cultural and spiritual diversity.
ReplyDeleteI appreciate the teaching methods of the Buddhist education system. Having lots of open discussions and debates on a different topic is one of the very effective ways of learning. The one thing that I dislike in the Buddhist education system is that higher education was only for those who intend to become monks or nuns. the education should have been made open and available for all.
ReplyDeleteThe analysis of the Buddhist education system 📚 is quite thorough and insightful. The system comprised two main tiers: elementary education and higher education. Elementary education focused on religious teachings and worldly knowledge for children up to the age of 12, covering subjects like reading, writing✍️, arithmetic➗, and religion🛐. The curriculum also included grammar, logic, philosophy, arts and crafts🤹♂️, and medicine. Higher education, on the other hand, was more specialized and conducted in Buddhist monasteries and universities, catering primarily to those aspiring to become monks🧙♂️ or nuns. Subjects at this level ranged from Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism to theology, philosophy, astronomy🌘, medicine, law, and politics. Teaching methods were predominantly verbal, involving question-answer sessions, debates, and discussions, along with various other techniques like the monitorial system and nature study methods. The teacher-student relationship was characterized by closeness, purity, and mutual respect, with teachers being esteemed scholars leading simple lives dedicated to study and moral principles. Overall, your positive critique offers a comprehensive overview of the rich and structured educational system prevalent in Buddhist institutions.
ReplyDelete#BuddhistEducation 🌿 #StructuredLearning 🌟 #Wisdom 📖 #Enlightenment 🌌 #EducationForAll 🎓
The Buddhist education system is well-structured and exemplifies an ideal school education system. Students engaging in intellectual formation, arts, crafts, and chikitsya during elementary education are quite unique to me. In higher education, study of different philosophical schools and various subjects such as politics and medicine would certainly produce well-educated and integrated individuals. Furthermore, the Buddhist method of teaching seems appropriate and can be applied in various situations according to students' needs. I appreciate the teacher-student relationship. I find it valuable as it resonates with my idea of teachers as inspiring figures.
ReplyDeleteOne of the most prominent elements that I found in Buddhist education system is of teacher-student relationship from the elementary schooling. It is a constant support and the constant guidance of the teachers and the monks what makes the Buddhist education an exemplary educational system in the society. In Ignatian terms this can be seen as the Cura personalis.
ReplyDeleteI admire the instructional techniques of the Buddhist school system. Engaging in numerous open conversations and debates on various subjects is a highly successful method of acquiring knowledge. I have a problem with the Buddhist education system because only those who want to become monks or nuns can access higher education. Education should be accessible to everyone.
ReplyDeleteIt is wonderful the way Buddhist education promotes the basic and fundamental values to children in their early stage of formation. As they are exposed to various subjects in curriculum helps them to accumulate ethical behavior and right conduct recognizing their interest of areas and pursuing to better them. today, these type of value based education is only found in private religious schools and colleges whereas in government institutions they aim at skills and intellectual caliber for the production of goods.
ReplyDeleteI am little bit taken a back to learn that the Buddhist education institutions allowed the students to freely express their ideas through debates and others means. The classes had time for questions and answer. I feel this is lacking in many schools which I have attended so far.
ReplyDeleteBuddhist education had two main levels: basic schooling up to age 12, which covered basic subjects and religion and higher education at monasteries for those becoming monks or nuns. Teaching methods included lots of discussions, debates and practical learning with a focus on Pali and local dialects. The teacher-student relationship was close and respectful with teachers living simply and valuing reason and experience.
ReplyDeleteThe Buddhist education system was traditional and effective, promoting the holistic development of students. Teaching was done through verbal instruction, discussions, and debates. Teachers were respected scholars who encouraged reason, experience, and free thinking. The relationship between teachers and students was close and respectful, fostering a deep love for learning.
ReplyDeleteIn my opinion, the Buddhist education system was incredibly well-organized and thoughtfully designed. It started with elementary education for children up to age 12, focusing on essential life skills like reading, writing, math, and religion, while also including subjects like grammar, logic, art, crafts, and basic medicine. For those aspiring to become monks or nuns, higher education in Buddhist monasteries and universities offered specialized studies in areas like philosophy, astronomy, medicine, and law. I find the teaching methods, which emphasized discussions, debates, and a strong teacher-student relationship based on respect and moral guidance, particularly admirable. Overall, this system provided a solid foundation of knowledge and encouraged deeper learning within a framework of wisdom and integrity.
ReplyDeleteWhat is quite interesting to note in the traditional education system of the Buddhists is their emphasis on the student-teacher relationship. In order to strengthen the bond between the teacher and the student, it is important for to adhere to the basic tenets laid down. Hence, it was required for the students to be humble, open and active learners, while the teacher is exemplary in his words, deeds and lifestyle. I wonder how amazing it would have been to study under a such a teacher, who is not only academically savvy but also who could relate with me freely by foregoing all of his ego!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteBuddhist education used methods like discussions and debates, focusing on critical thinking and reasoning. Teachers and students had a close, respectful relationship, valuing discipline and open-minded learning.
ReplyDeleteThe Buddhist education system blends deep philosophy with practical skills and real-world knowledge, emphasizing holistic growth and teachers who lead by example. This approach challenges our current system, which often overlooks transformative and comprehensive education.
ReplyDeleteVamshi.
ReplyDeleteThe Buddhist education system consisted of two tiers: elementary education consists of reading, writing, medicine, art and craft basic philosophy etc. Higher education consists of Subjects including Buddhism, Hinduism, Jainism, theology, philosophy, metaphysics, logic, Sanskrit, Pali, astronomy, astrology, medicine, law, politics, administration, and Tantric philosophy and it was mainly meant for monks and nuns. The methods which they included were very practical, which students feel at home to learn. The healthy relationship between the student and the teacher also is taken into consideration. Students have the autonomy to express their views.
The Buddhist education system was a blend of practical learning and spiritual development, consisting of 2 tiers, elementary and higher education. I liked the teaching methods which were diverse and interactive, which included oral teaching and practical experience. I also liked the relationship between teachers and students which was grounded on mutual respect and high moral standards and it fostered an environment of disciplined learning and personal growth.
ReplyDelete