Teaching learning process in ancient ayurvedic text - Charak Samhita

Abstract

The word Ayurveda consists of two words ‘Ayu’ means life and ‘Veda’ means knowledge. Therefore the word Ayurveda, means knowledge of life i.e. study of life. In Ayurveda the teaching and learning was based on “Gurukula” system of education. A “Gurukula” was a place where a teacher (Guru) and students lived together. There were three ways for obtaining the knowledge i.e. Adhyayanam (Study/learning), Adhyapanam (teaching) and Tadvid Sambhasha (discussions) with the learned persons. Ayurveda suggest that in order to get expertise in any subject one should have the basic knowledge of the concepts. Other teaching and learning methods should be adopted which help to acquire more and accurate knowledge in that subject while practical training should be provided for application of that knowledge. Study of a single science gives only limited understanding, therefore one should also get knowledge of other sciences. To explain different concepts in Ayurveda Acharya Charak has given various methods of teaching and learning. The Roots of most of the current teaching methodology resides in ancient teaching and learning skills. Hence here is an attempt to review various teaching, learning methods used in Charak Samhita. Teaching learning process is very well applied in Charak Samhita. It is the very first school of Ayurveda with various techniques and scholarly approach of subjects to students. Charak Samhita develops its own teaching learning process. It is the most important text in the field of Ayurveda Teaching Learning Process.