Adhyapana vidhi

Ayurveda is a document based on the traditional learning methods of passing knowledge from teacher to students (guru shishya parampara). It ensured proper dissemination of knowledge through generations of teachers and disciples. The knowledge transfer is a continuous process. [Chakrapani on Cha. Sa. Sutra Sthana 1/3] The teaching and learning methodology in ancient India was based on oral communication (shruti parampara). The written communication or documentation through the means of Alphabets began only after 1500 BC, which were preceded by contact through logography or imprints. Thus the substantial knowledge of Ayurveda was transferred through the oral communication itself. (A. H. Sutra Sthana 1/3, Cha. Sa. Sutra Sthana 1/4,5) As a medical science, Ayurveda also includes the methods of clinical examination and ethical aspects in the teaching methods. This article deals with the teaching methodology or pedagogy mentioned in the Ayurveda texts and its contemporary practices.

Contributors

Section/Chapter/topic	Concepts/Adhyapana vidhi
Authors	Bhojani M. K. 1, Joglekar Aishwarya 2 Deole Y.S. 3
Reviewer & Editor	Basisht G.4
Affiliations	1 Department of Sharir Kriya, All India Institute of Ayurveda, New Delhi, India 2 Department of Samhita Siddhanta, All India Institute of Ayurveda, New Delhi, India 3 Department of Kayachikitsa, G. J. Patel Institute of Ayurvedic Studies and Research, New Vallabh Vidyanagar, Gujarat, India 4 Rheumatologist, Orlando, Florida, U.S.A.
Correspondence emails	meera.samhita@aiia.gov.in, carakasamhita@gmail.com
Publisher	Charak Samhita Research, Training and Development Centre, I.T.R.A., Jamnagar, India
Date of publication:	September 16, 2023
DOI	10.47468/CSNE.2023.e01.s09.160

Etymology and definition of adhyapana

अधि + इड्+ णिच भावे ल्युट

The word ‘Adhyapana’ in Sanskrit language is derived of the ‘Adhi’ Upasarga meaning to pledge or commence and ‘Lyuta’ pratyaya. Monnier Williams dictionary has referred to adhyapana as instruction or learning. Shabdakalpadruma refers to it as pathana and vidyadana also termed as one of the six things to be regularly done by brahmina.

Synonyms

Shiksha, Vidyapradan, Vidyadanam, Guru vachana, Pathanam

Teaching as a mean to acquire knowledge

Teaching methodology is elaborately explained and is one of the three methods for acquirement of knowledge regarding text or shastra. [Cha. Sa. Vimana Sthana 8/152] Other two means for enhancing depth of knowledge are self-study or self-learning (adhyayana) and discussion with authorities (tadvidya sambhasha). [Cha. Sa. Vimana Sthana 8/6] According to Harita and Apte Sanskrit- English dictionary Adhyapana is of three kinds:

1. Undertaken for charity
2. For wages and
3. In consideration of services rendered;

Qualities of a teacher (acharya pariksha)

Contemporary medical science has attempted to put forth the qualities of a good medical teacher. Student perception studies have also been undertaken to match the demands of students. Medical teachers' few desirable qualities are commitment to work, interaction and good communication with students, deep knowledge of the subject, leadership, good clinical skills, encouragement of creativity and skills in students, etc.
A teacher or preceptor (acharya) shall have ideal qualities to guide those who make the learning understanding of the basics and complexities of science. The qualities of acharya are as follows:

1. Clear and comprehensive knowledge of the subject (paryavadashrutam) coupled with the practical experience (drishta karmata)
2. Diligent (daksha), devoid of confusions (avamabuddhi), dexterous (dakshina), virtuous and pure-hearted (shuchi) with skilled hand (jitahasta)
3. He is equipped with instruments and means of teaching and learning (upakaranavanta). Chakrapani mentioned that if the teacher is not well equipped, he is unable to adequately demonstrate the treatment procedures to students (Chakrapani on Cha. Sa. Vimana Sthana 8/6)
4. He possess all the senses in normal condition or having competent sensory perception. (sarva-indriya upapanna)
5. He is acquainted with physical and psychological constitutions, and normalcy (prakritidnya), is well-versed in courses of emergency management, and is quick in taking actions and making decisions. (pratipattidnya)
6. The teacher should be having uncensored and authentic knowledge (anupaskrita vidyam)
7. The teacher should be free from ego (anahankrita), devoid of envy (anasuyaka ), devoid of anger (akopana ), forbearing or hard-working (kleshakshama)
8. Caring and paternal to disciples (shishya vatsala)
9. Having characteristics of a good teacher (adhyapaka) and fit to imbue understanding (dnyapana samartha ).
10. The teacher holding such qualities quickly inculcates physician’s grades in his disciple as the seasonal cloud furnishes good crops in a suitable land.

Ancient methods of teaching [Cha. Sa. Vimana Sthana 8/10]

Following teaching methods were applied in ancient times. These methods are rarely used nowadays in the education system. The teacher should examine the student before commencing the task of teaching. Teaching should be with the following pre-requisites-

1. When the sun is in the northerly course or during the phase of uttarayana or aadana kala i.e. during winter (shishira), spring (vasanta), summer (greeshma) and during the full moon phase (Shukla paksha) i.e. lunar fortnight- waxing moon phase.
2. The course work should only commence on an auspicious day (prashasta diwase), the moon having conjunction with one of the Tishya (pushya), Hasta, Shravana and Ashvayuja constellations in Kalyanekarana and Maitra muhurta.
3. The student should have undergone the mundana sanskara (shaved head) after following fast (krita- upavasa), had bath (snata), wearing ochre-coloured or kashaya clothes and possessing sacred thread (samveeta) and wearing the fragrances.
4. The student should be equipped with the ricinus leaves (gandha hasta), sacred fire wood, fire, ghee, means of besmearing (cow-dung etc.), water jars, garland, rope, lamp, vessels of gold, silver, jewels, pearls, etc and food promoting memory power and paste of fragrant wood.”

Contemporary methods

The contemporary practices, however, have revolutionized over time, where the student's admission into the course is ensured through various national or international entrance tests, and an extensive course module comprising of 4 and half years involving the various subjects of medicine and surgery are taught to students. The teaching and learning involve classroom teaching, practical demonstrations and bedside clinics. This also involves practical training in internships at various community health centers. The National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) has also introduced a transitional curriculum for the newly admitted undergraduate and sanskara program for postgraduate scholars to orient the scholars with the upcoming course curriculum and prospects. The Shishyopanayan Sanskara, similar to that mentioned in the Ayurveda texts, is also performed in many Ayurveda institutions across the country.

Sacred proceedings are to be undertaken by the teacher and student before commencing with the course [Cha. Sa. Vimana Sthana 8/12]

Before commencing the study work, the students perform the homa and havana (sacred or fire rituals) in the presence of teachers, where the offerings of many holy and auspicious materials are offered. The enchanting of righteous prayers and sacred mantras is done paying homage to the holy fire.
According to Sushruta Samhita, the students were welcomed into the course through the Sanskara termed as “Shishyopanayana,” where rituals and sacred proceedings are done before enrolment. (Su. Sa. Sutra Sthana 2/3) Like Charak Samhita, the proper student selection was done before enrolment. Sushruta Samhita also mentions the teacher’s responsibility after the Shishyopanayana Sanskara to teach the students with interest, honesty and integrity. (Su. Sa. Sutra Sthana 2/7)

Code of conduct to be followed by the student as preached by the teacher (Cha. Sa. Vimana Sthana 8/13)

The teachers should advise the students to follow the rules above and regulations while undergoing the coursework:

1. One should follow abstinence and keep a beard and mustache (bramhachari, smashru dharina). (Note: This is not advised nowadays)
2. One should speak the truth only (satyavadi)
3. One should not eat meat (amansaada) (Note: This is not advised nowadays)
4. One should follow pure and intellectual functions (medhyasevi)
5. One should perform deed devoid of jealousy (nirmatsarena) and avoid using weapons (ashashtra-dhari)
6. Students should always follow the teacher’s instructions.
7. Students should always entrust the teacher and consider the teachers recommendations in the matter of study
8. Students should live with teacher behaving as sons, servants, and suppliant. (Note: This is not advised nowadays as the educational campus is separate from students' houses.)
9. Students should possess modesty, alertness, a focused mind, humility, and vigilantness about work, without seeing defects in others' qualities, and not leave without the teacher's permission.
10. Students should first make an effort as far as possible to accomplish things or tasks as assigned by the teacher.
The student should always pray for the welfare of cow, brahmana, and all the living creatures. (Note: This is rarely practiced nowadays)
11. Scholars should try to impart health to the patients and all creatures by all means possible.
12. Scholars should not showcase hatred toward patients
13. Scholars should be moral and righteous in their conduct
14. The scholar's attire and accessories should be modest.
15. Scholars should not be addicted to alcohol, indulge in sins, and be accompanied by sinners.
16. The scholar should be soft-spoken, possess flawless communication, be righteous, blissful, thankful, truthful, and productive, and make measured statements keeping place and season or time in mind.
17. The scholar should be present with a good memory, constantly striving for knowledge, progress, and excellence in equipment (medicines, diagnostic instruments etc.).
18. The scholar should not treat the persons having troublesome conduct, those who have never counteracted their censors, and one nearing death
19. One should not treat women without their husbands or guardians and should deny meat provided by the women without permission from their husbands or guardians. Nowadays, it is ethically practiced to check female patients only in the presence of a female attendant.
20. During the home visit, the student should take along a known individual whose entrance is allowed in the house while entering the patient's house. The patient's information should be kept confidential and should never be revealed. Nowadays, written informed consent and declaration is signed by patients before clinical procedures to allow physicians to treat.
21. Even though the scholar has learned enough, they should not boast too much because it may lead to anxiety among peers and listeners.

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