VEDIC

SYSTEMS
Higher learning and education in
ancient times

by Kanchana G
INTRODUCTION

The Vedic system of education, rooted in ancient India,

was a comprehensive and holistic approach to learning
that shaped the intellectual, moral, and spiritual
development of individuals
Key features and Principles
1. Gurukul Tradition: Education was imparted in gurukuls, which were residential schools where
students lived with their guru (teacher).

2. Curriculum: The curriculum was diverse and included a range of subjects such as the Vedas
(scriptures), Vedangas (limbs of the Vedas like grammar, phonetics, etc... Practical skills such as
agriculture, warfare, and arts were also taught based on the student's aptitude and societal role.

3. Learning Methodology: Education was primarily oral in nature, with students memorizing and
reciting texts. This helped in the preservation and transmission of knowledge across
generations.
 Holistic Development: The Vedic system emphasized the holistic development of an
individual, encompassing intellectual, moral, and spiritual aspects. Alongside academic
knowledge, students were taught virtues like humility, discipline, respect, and duty.

Personalized Education: Each student's education was tailored to their abilities, interests,
and future societal role. The guru observed and guided the student's progress closely,
adapting teaching methods accordingly.

Role of Guru: The guru was not just a teacher but also a mentor and spiritual guide.
Students lived in the guru's household, imbibing knowledge through observation and daily life
experiences, not just formal lessons.

Ethical and Moral Education: Students were taught the principles of dharma
(righteousness) and the importance of leading a virtuous life.
Sources of vedic system
Vedas
1. Rigveda: Rigveda is crucial for its insights into early Indo-Aryan society, religious
practices, and the development of early philosophical thought.It is the oldest of vedas.
2. Samaveda: It emphasizes the musical aspect of Vedic rituals and the transformative
power of chanting.

3.Yajurveda: It serves as a practical guide for performing rituals with correct procedures
and offering.
4.Atharvaveda: It addresses the practical aspects of life, including medicine, agriculture,
and social relationships, reflecting a more accessible and pragmatic approach
compared to the other Vedas.
Vedangas

1. Shiksha (Phonetics): It deals with the proper pronunciation and phonetics of Vedic mantras.
2.Vyakarana (Grammar): It focuses on the grammar and syntax of the Vedic language, particularl
Sanskrit.
3. Chandas(Prosody): It deals with the meter and poetic structure of Vedic hymns and mantras.I
guides the rhythmic chanting of Vedic verses during rituals, enhancing their aesthetic and
ritualistic impact.
4.Nirukta (Etymology): Nirukta explores the etymology and meanings of Vedic words and phrase
5. Jyotish (Astronomy/Astrology): Jyotish deals with astronomy and astrology, particularly as
applied to Vedic rituals and calendar systems.
6. Kalpa (Ritual): Kalpa provides guidelines and procedures for Vedic rituals and ceremonies.
Upavedas
1. Ayurveda: Ayurveda is the Upaveda associated with medicine and healthcare. It deals with
principles of health, disease prevention, and treatment through herbal remedies, diet, lifestyle
practices, and therapeutic treatments.

2. Dhanurveda: it is the Upaveda related to military science and warfare. It encompasses knowledge
of martial arts, weapons, tactics, and strategies for defense and combat.

3. Gandharvaveda: Gandharvaveda is the Upaveda associated with performing arts and aesthetics.It
covers music, dance, drama, and other forms of artistic expression.

4. Arthashastra: It provides principles of statecraft, administration, economic policy, diplomacy,

and ethical governance.
 Brahmas

Brahma (Creator Deity): In Hindu mythology, Brahma is the creator deity and one of the Trimurti
(trinity), alongside Vishnu and Shiva

Brahman (Ultimate Reality):Brahman is the ultimate reality or cosmic principle in Hindu philosophy

Brahma (Priestly ): In the Vedic tradition, a Brahma (or Brahman) refers to a member of the priestly
class (Brahmins)

Brahma (Sound or Vibration): In spiritual and metaphysical contexts, Brahma can denote the cosmic
sound or vibration underlying creation.

.
 Smritis
Manusmriti (Laws of Manu):
Description: Manusmriti is one of the most well-known and influential Smritis in Hinduism

Content: It is attributed to Manu, the mythical progenitor of humanity according to Hindu tradition.
Manusmriti covers a wide range of topics, including social ethics, moral duties, laws, caste system,
governance, and rituals.

Importance: Manusmriti outlines guidelines for personal conduct and societal norms, emphasizing
the duties (dharma) of individuals based on their varna (caste) and ashrama (stage of life).

Criticism and Interpretations: While Manusmriti has been criticized for its hierarchical social
structure and perceived discrimination, it also reflects the social and ethical norms prevalent.
 Yajnavalkya Smriti:

Description: Yajnavalkya Smriti is another significant text in Hindu jurisprudence and ethics.

Content: It is attributed to the sage Yajnavalkya and focuses on dharma (righteousness) and law.
Yajnavalkya Smriti elaborates on various aspects of personal conduct, inheritance, marriage, and
judicial procedures.

Themes: The text emphasizes ethical principles, social responsibilities, and the proper conduct of
individuals in different stages of life.

Application: Yajnavalkya Smriti provides guidelines for resolving disputes and maintaining harmony
within society, reflecting the practical application of dharma in everyday life.
 Narada Smriti:

Description: Narada Smriti, attributed to the sage Narada, is another important text in the genre of
Smritis.

Content: It covers diverse topics such as legal principles, ethics, governance, and religious duties.

Focus: Narada Smriti emphasizes the importance of justice, honesty, and ethical conduct in persona
and social life.

Influence: The text is known for its detailed discussion on legal procedures, punishments for
offenses, and the role of kings in upholding dharma and protecting the welfare of their subjects.
 Schools of Philosophy

1.Nyaya:
Founder: Sage Gautama (also known as Akṣapāda Gautama).

Focus: Nyaya emphasizes logic (nyaya) and epistemology (pramana), aiming to establish valid
sources of knowledge and systematic reasoning.

Methodology: It uses inference (anumana), perception (pratyaksha), comparison (upamana),

testimony (shabda), and non-perception (anupalabdhi) as means of gaining knowledge.

Importance: Nyaya seeks to clarify concepts, refute fallacies, and establish sound arguments, making
it foundational to Indian philosophical discourse and debate.
 2.Vaisheshika:
Founder: Sage Kanada (also known as Kashyapa).

Focus: Vaisheshika explores metaphysics and atomism, analyzing the nature of reality through the
classification of substances (padarthas) and their inherent qualities.

Doctrine: It posits six categories of existence (dravya), including substance, quality, action, universal
particularity, and inherence.

Contribution: Vaisheshika philosophy laid the groundwork for understanding material existence and
the principles of causation (karma) in Indian philosoph
 3.Samkhya:
Founder: Sage Kapila.

Focus: Samkhya is a dualistic school that posits two fundamental principles: purusha
(consciousness) and prakriti (matter).

Teachings: It explores the nature of the universe, the evolution of consciousness, and the liberation
(moksha) of the individual through discrimination (viveka) between purusha and prakriti.

Influence: Samkhya philosophy influenced various other schools of thought, including Yoga and
Vedanta, and contributed significantly to the development of Indian psychology and metaphysics
 4. Yoga:
Founder: Sage Patanjali.

Focus: Yoga is a spiritual and philosophical discipline that aims to attain self-realization and
liberation (moksha) through mental and physical practices.

Pathways: Patanjali's Yoga Sutras outline the eight limbs (ashtanga) of yoga, including moral
principles (yamas and niyamas), physical postures (asanas), breath control (pranayama),
concentration (dharana), meditation (dhyana), and samadhi (union with the divine).

Purpose: Yoga integrates philosophy with practical techniques for spiritual growth, emphasizing
inner peace, self-awareness, and transcendence of suffering.
 Mimamsa:
Founder: Sage Jaimini.

Focus: Mimamsa (also known as Purva Mimamsa) examines the nature of dharma (religious duty) and
ritual practices prescribed in the Vedas.

Approach: It emphasizes the authority of the Vedas (sruti), interpretation of Vedic texts, and the
performance of rituals (karma-kanda) as means to attain material and spiritual goals.

Doctrine: Mimamsa critiques philosophical systems that deviate from Vedic orthodoxy and defends
the efficacy of rituals in maintaining cosmic order (rita)
 Vedanta:
Founders: Various scholars including Badarayana (author of Brahma Sutras), Shankaracharya,
Ramanujacharya, and Madhvacharya.

Focus: Vedanta interprets the Upanishads (the concluding part of the Vedas) to explore the nature o
ultimate reality (Brahman), the relationship between the individual soul (atman) and Brahman, and th
paths to spiritual liberation (moksha).

Schools: Vedanta encompasses several sub-schools including Advaita Vedanta (non-dualism), Dvaita
Vedanta (dualism), Vishishtadvaita Vedanta (qualified non-dualism), and others.

Philosophy: Advaita Vedanta, founded by Shankaracharya, is particularly influential for its doctrine
of non-duality, asserting that the individual soul (atman) is identical with Brahman, the ultimate
reality
 END OF VEDIC SYSTEM

The end of the Vedic period marks a significant transition in ancient Indian history, characterized by
the decline of the Vedic culture and the emergence of new philosophical, social, and political trends.
The Vedic period, which roughly spans from around 1500 BCE to 500 BCE, is divided into two main
phases: the Early Vedic Period (1500 BCE - 1000 BCE) and the Later Vedic Period (1000 BCE - 500
BCE).
 Factors Leading to the End of the Vedic System:
Social Changes and Urbanization:
Towards the end of the Later Vedic Period, there was a noticeable shift from rural, tribal societies to
more urbanized and settled communities. This urbanization brought changes in social structures,
trade patterns, and governance, which gradually moved away from the strict hierarchical norms of
the Vedic society.

Political Transformations:
The political landscape during the Later Vedic Period saw the rise of janapadas (territorial kingdoms)
and the beginning of state formations. This transition marked the decline of the old tribal oligarchies
and the emergence of monarchies that began to consolidate power and authority.
 Challenge from Ascetic Movements:
The later Vedic period also witnessed the rise of ascetic movements (sramana traditions) such as
Buddhism and Jainism, which questioned and critiqued the Vedic rituals and the authority of the
Brahmin priesthood. These new religious and philosophical movements gained significant traction
and influenced Indian thought profoundly.

Cultural Assimilation and Integration:

As urban centers expanded and trade routes flourished, there was increased interaction with
neighboring regions and cultures. This led to the assimilation of diverse cultural elements and
practices, contributing to the transformation of religious and social norms.
 Legacy of the Vedic System:
Despite its decline, the Vedic system left a lasting legacy on Indian civilization. It laid the foundation
for classical Hinduism, with its emphasis on rituals, sacrificial practices, and the hierarchical social
order upheld by Brahmins. The Vedic hymns, compiled in the Rigveda, also provided a cultural and
literary heritage that continued to influence subsequent Indian literature and thought.

In conclusion, the end of the Vedic system marked a period of transition and transformation in
ancient India. While the Vedic rituals and social structures gradually faded, they provided the
cultural, religious, and philosophical framework upon which subsequent Indian civilization would
evolve and flourish.
thank

you