Teacher Student Relationship In Buddhist Education

 In Buddhist education, the relationship between teacher and student is characterized by closeness, purity, goodness, and affection. A teacher, besides being a reputable scholar, must embody inspiring ideals. Like their students, teachers are expected to lead a life of simplicity, constant study, celibacy, adherence to ideals, and strength of character. Both teacher and student are required to value reason and experience, maintain freedom of thought, and uphold discipline in morals and conduct, living a life of self-restraint.

Educational Implications of Buddhist Philosophy

Cosmopolitan Nature

Buddhist education was inclusive, free from communal biases, and did not discriminate based on caste or creed. This approach promoted social cohesion and harmony, setting a valuable example for modern education systems to address issues of discrimination and inequality.

Total Development of Personality

Buddhist education emphasized the holistic development of individuals, integrating physical, mental, and spiritual growth. This aim remains relevant today, advocating for the comprehensive development of students to prepare them for diverse life challenges.

No Corporal Punishment

Buddhist education strictly forbade corporal punishment, a principle that aligns with contemporary views on positive disciplinary practices in education.

Positivism

Buddhist philosophy is positivistic, focusing on logical systematization of ideas, which promotes critical thinking and rational inquiry.

Ethical Foundations

The ethical dimension of Buddhist education, particularly the Eightfold Path to Nirvana, offers universal ethical guidance, making it a valuable moral framework for education.

Democratic Principles

Buddhist education embraced democratic principles, valuing freedom of inquiry and employing democratic and republican procedures in the administration of educational institutions. These principles foster critical thinking, freedom of expression, and intellectual engagement, which are essential for modern education.

Development of Good Conduct

Buddhist educational techniques emphasized the development of good conduct, underscoring the importance of ethical behavior and vigilance in maintaining moral integrity, a principle that remains crucial in contemporary education.

Moral Discipline

Monks (Bhikkus) in Buddhist education took vows of chastity and poverty, with character as the foundation of moral discipline, emphasizing the importance of ethical living.

Emphasis on Manual Skills

Training in manual skills, such as spinning and weaving, was integral to Buddhist education, promoting self-sufficiency and practical learning, which is still relevant today.

Pragmatism

Buddhist education was pragmatic, recognizing the transient nature of life and the importance of adaptability, a perspective that is increasingly pertinent in today's globalized world.

Methods of Teaching

Buddhist education employed oral instruction, preaching, repetition, exposition, discussion, and debates. Buddhist councils organized seminars to discuss major issues, fostering a collaborative and interactive learning environment. Other methods included meditation, educational tours, and the use of various teaching techniques to engage students effectively.

International Impact

Buddhist education significantly influenced international education, contributing to India's global prominence. It facilitated cultural exchange between India and other countries, attracting scholars from afar and promoting the exchange of ideas and knowledge.

Value Education and Character Development

Buddhist education focused on moral education and character development, guided by the noble Eightfold Path, which remains relevant for fostering ethical and peaceful individuals today.

Curriculum

The curriculum in Buddhist education included both secular and religious subjects, offering a comprehensive education.

Organization and Structure of Universities

The organizational structures of ancient Buddhist universities like Nalanda and Ballabhi continue to influence modern educational institutions, including aspects like minimum age requirements for higher education, admission tests, and established rules.

Education as a Social Institution

Buddhist education established education as a vital social institution, a concept that endures in modern society.

Practical Subjects

Buddhist education emphasized practical subjects, a tradition that persists today, ensuring that education remains relevant and applicable to real-world needs.

Collective Teaching Methodology

Buddhist education developed the method of collective teaching and the presence of multiple teachers in a single institution, promoting a collaborative educational environment.

Link for Class: https://youtu.be/jVbaQoKPd48

Link for PPT: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1dtFn2vbj2JREkXCjHpty8N_ikdtamFiQ/view?usp=sharing

Comments

  1. In Buddhist education, the teacher-student relationship is deeply transformative. Teachers embody the ideals they teach, living with simplicity and integrity that profoundly influence their students.

    What strikes me is the holistic focus on developing the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. It shows that true education isn't just about accumulating knowledge but about cultivating character and values. This perspective has the power to reshape our approach to learning and living, guiding us towards a more compassionate and meaningful existence.

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  2. In Buddhist education, teachers and students share a close bond, valuing simplicity, ideals, reason, discipline, and self-restraint.
    Buddhist education promotes holistic development, inclusivity, and ethical behavior, emphasizing reason, experience, and moral discipline. It values critical thinking, democratic principles, and practical skills, influencing modern education by fostering collaborative learning and international cultural exchange.

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  3. Buddhists education is unique in moulding and shaping the students to be more attentive, discipline, active, focused on goals and also to strengthen EQ of each students. The teacher plays a vital role in the lives of students for their holistic development.

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  4. The relationship between the teacher and the student is something very edifying in the Buddhist education system. The second point that I liked is the democratic nature of the education system with the stress on the round and ethical formation of the students. The Third point that I appreciate the most in the Buddhist education system is there was no classification or caste system in the society everyone was equal. The fourth thing that drew my attention in this education system is the skill-based education the practical knowledge of things that promotes self- sufficiency.

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  5. Your writeup on the holistic development and ethical foundations of Buddhist education are truly enlightening!.💡The focus on nurturing physical🏋️‍♂️, mental🧠, and spiritual growth 🧘resonates well with modern approaches to student development, equipping individuals to tackle life's challenges with resilience and wisdom. The rejection of corporal punishment is a progressive step towards creating a positive and supportive learning environment. 🌱 Additionally, the positivistic and ethical aspects of Buddhist philosophy provide valuable tools for fostering critical thinking, moral guidance, and democratic principles in education, nurturing intellectual freedom and ethical responsibility. 🧠📚
    #HolisticDevelopment #EthicalFoundations #ProgressiveEducation #CriticalThinking #EmbracingDiversity #PositiveDiscipline #EducationalPhilosophy 🌱🧠📚

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  6. "The article effectively highlights the profound and nurturing nature of the teacher-student relationship in Buddhist education, emphasizing the mutual commitment to moral discipline and spiritual growth."

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  7. I appreciate Buddhist education, which emphasizes that both teachers and students should acquire values in life that transform them into good citizens. It aims to eradicate caste discrimination and inequality, especially in education, and ensures that everyone has access to education. I am touched by their focus on holistic development, which includes the physical, mental, and spiritual growth of the whole person. The absence of corporal punishment and the emphasis on developing good conduct and moral discipline are commendable. Overall, their education system is more systematic, with the goal of helping individuals and society achieve enlightenment.

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  8. This text reminds me of my own experiences with teachers in schools and colleges. I notice many differences compared to the teacher-student relationships in Buddhist education. Today, to some extent, some individuals have turned education into a business, and good teacher-student relationships are not as common. We often hear news about harassment, abuse, and student suicides. Given these issues, the focus on teacher-student relationships in Buddhist education is something we should think about and try to practice.

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  9. Buddhist education system is seen as the most pragmatic which means very practical as well as contextual education. I like the idea of holistic development of the students under their care. Moral and ethical aspects of the personhood have been emphasized time and again. Equality and democratic values which are the most fundamental characteristics of the society has been imprinted in the lives of the students in Buddhist education.
    Buddhist education is not that of isolated, but it is a kind of all-pervasive idea of the life. political, economic, social and every essential aspect of the person especially character building of the person has been taken care. This is the fundamental reason for which I appreciate the educational system of the Buddhism.

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  10. Buddhist education methods and principle resembles the ancient Guru-Shishya relationship. Moreover, it gives an ambiance of Matt where students are given all-round formation. Primarily focusing on values based upbringing, critical reasoning, spirituality, ethical conduct, and practical aspects of life. All these aspects enhance students to confront the challenges of present day; thus this system of education is very much applicable to present time. As we see around the world where people have forgotten the values and uniqueness of individual that build the nation. I personally appreciate and promote their educational principles to self and people I meet.

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  11. Through this I learned that the teacher-student relationship in Buddhist education is based on mutual respect, ethical living, and continuous self-improvement, inspiring me to value both reason and experience.
    I see the importance of inclusivity, holistic development, and practical learning, which emphasize preparing students for diverse life challenges and fostering a cohesive, ethical society.

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  12. Buddhism focused on the building a individual for the future society with good conduct, emotional control, confidence and more importantly focused on building a good relationship with teacher and students. So that children can like and learn the subject without any fear.

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  13. I value Buddhist education for its focus on instilling values that turn both teachers and students into responsible citizens. It works to eliminate caste discrimination and ensure everyone has access to education. I'm impressed by their approach to holistic development, nurturing the physical, mental, and spiritual growth of individuals. The absence of corporal punishment and emphasis on good behavior and moral discipline are praiseworthy. Overall, their education system is well-organized, aiming to help people and society reach enlightenment.

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  14. Here we se the teachers who themselves have struggled and understand what the students are going through. These teachers have experienced the inner transformation and now accompany their students on this arduous journey with compassion and concern. The ultimate aim is to prepare a liberated person who can contribute to he wellbeing of the world.

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  15. The bond between teacher and student is highly beneficial in the Buddhist schooling system. I also appreciated the emphasis on students' well-rounded and ethical development within the democratic education system. I appreciate the lack of classification or caste system in the Buddhist education system, with everyone being equal in society. The fourth aspect that caught my interest in this school system is the emphasis on practical skills and hands-on learning that encourages independence.

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  16. I found out that in Buddhist education, the bond between teacher and student is all about respect, simplicity and strong morals. It is focused on building a person’s character, teaching them to think critically, act ethically, and learn practical skills. I was impressed by how inclusive and democratic their approach is, and how the focus on non-violence and positive discipline can really help people grow and create a peaceful society.






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    1. Relationship between teacher and student in Buddhists education is something unique in present context. I liked very much teacher's dedication for children's growth. They deal with everyone equally without discrimination based on caste or creed.

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  17. I feel that Buddhist education fosters a respectful teacher-student relationship, emphasizing simplicity, reason, and discipline. It was inclusive, encouraging social harmony and holistic development—body, mind, and spirit. Non-violent discipline focused on ethical living through the Eightfold Path. The system valued critical thinking, democratic principles, and practical skills, using interactive teaching methods. I was really touched and feel that Nalanda influenced global education, blending secular and religious studies for real-world relevance.

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  18. Learning from the teachings of Buddhist philosophy I comprehend that the teacher-student relationship in Buddhist education system is one of the profound approaches to the pursuit of knowledge. It is a relationship that nurtures both intellectual understanding and spiritual growth in a student.

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  19. In Buddhist education,the teacher and student relationship is one of mutual respect , moral discipline and shared commitment to simplicity, study and spiritual growth.

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  20. Buddhist education focuses on holistic development and ethical principles, nurturing physical, mental, and spiritual growth for resilience and wisdom. Rejecting corporal punishment fosters a positive learning environment, while Buddhist philosophy promotes critical thinking, moral guidance, and democratic values. This education system aims to create good citizens by eradicating discrimination and promoting access to education for all. Emphasizing holistic development and moral discipline, the system strives for enlightenment for both individuals and society.

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  21. Buddhist education highlights a deeply respectful and ethical teacher-student relationship, emphasizing simplicity, moral discipline, and mutual growth. Teachers are not only knowledgeable but also live by the values they teach offering valuable lessons for modern education, advocating for a more compassionate and well-rounded approach to learning

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  22. When I look at the current education system of our country, I am very much convinced that some of its principles may have been inspired by the Buddhist education system. Concepts such as holistic development and the elimination of corporal punishment have proven to be very effective in the field of education. A couple of decades ago, our country's education was different. Teachers focused primarily on bookish knowledge, with little regard for holistic development, and often entered the classroom with a big stick in hand. However, the situation has now changed significantly, and the benefits of this modern approach to education are evident in the growth and development of students.

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  23. Buddhist education values a close, respectful teacher-student relationship, with both expected to live simply and uphold strong moral values. It promotes fairness, personal growth, and avoids corporal punishment, principles that are still important in today’s education.

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  24. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Buddhist education highlights the deep impact of the teacher-student relationship, where teachers embody the values they teach. The focus on holistic development—mind, body, and spirit—shows that true education is about cultivating character and values, not just acquiring knowledge. This approach can transform our understanding of education and promote a more compassionate way of living.

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    2. Vamshi.
      In Buddhist education, the relationship between teacher and student is characterized by closeness, purity, goodness, and affection. The teacher becomes role model for the students, teachers are expected to lead a life of simplicity, constant study, celibacy, adherence to ideals, and strength of character.

      Delete
  25. What stands out to me is how Buddhist education was all about creating a genuine relationship between teacher and student, almost like a mentorship. It wasn't just about academic learning but also about nurturing the whole person – their character, ethics, and practical skills. They were against corporal punishment, which was quite progressive. The emphasis on critical thinking and interactive discussion makes it feel surprisingly modern for its time.

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  26. As I went through the classes I realized and came to know about how Buddhist education fosters a respectful and ethical teacher-student relationship, which focuses on simplicity, moral discipline, and holistic development. It uses techniques like inclusivity, critical thinking, and practical skills that promote individual growth and eradicate caste discrimination and inequality in education. The absence of punishment and the focus on moral conduct create a learning environment that aligns with contemporary needs. By integrating these principles, Buddhist education offers valuable lessons for creating a more compassionate and well-rounded educational experience.

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