Indian Educational System in the Vedic Period

Abstract

The aims of Indian Education were initially laid down by the Vedas. According to Vedic worldview, the world is pervaded by divinity and the aim of every living being is to achieve liberation. Thus, according to the Vedas, the aim of education is liberation. According to a famous statement, that is knowledge which gives liberation. Therefore, A.S. Altekar has rightly pointed out, the knowledge is the third eye of man, who gives him insight into all affairs and teaches him how to act. In the spiritual sphere, it leads to our salvation, in the mundane sphere; it leads to all-round progress and prosperity. The illumination given to us by education swatters illusions removes difficulties and enables us to realize the true values of life. The cause of liberation and bondage, according to Vedic thinkers is the mind or chital. Therefore, liberation is possible only through the control of the mind. The Indian philosophers developed a whole techniq ue for the control of the mind. The equanimity of the mind leads to self-realization. The Vedic axiology does not distinguish between the social and the individual values since according to it both are part of fundamental universal values.