REVIEW ARTICLE May-June 2020

Qualities of teachers in Ayurvedic prospect

More Sangita Dnyanoba1, Tambe Geeta Shridhar2
1
Associate Professor, Department of Sanskrit Samhita, SVNHT’S Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya, Rahuri, 2Associate
Professor, Department of Sharira Kriya,Yashwantrao Chavan Ayurved Medical College, Aurangabad, Maharashtra,
INDIA.

ABSTRACT
Teacher is the heart of the education system. In Ayurveda teacher not only create good disciple but
also a good Vaidya (physician). In old generation of Guru-Shishya Parampara or in the computerized
modern era, Teacher is undisputedly the best among the source of knowledge. One of the primes of
any successful education system is the teacher. In medical branches like Ayurveda, one who has the
sharp observing capacity can develop the qualities of good teaching. Specially in the field of Ayurveda
where the classical text, though the centuries old still stand to be true require the efforts of learned
teacher to impart knowledge which is based on his own inferences and experience suitable to the
modern era. When one refers the quality of teacher and examiner it looks like some quite identical
because who is well aware of the knowledge (teacher) can also become the good examiner of subject,
object or knowledge. Ideal author of ancient text Charaka Samhita has truly emphasized on Pariksha
i.e. the process of examination. Need of these qualities are to be elaborated more in today's
era. These qualities can be developed through the training programs specially conducted in the field of
Ayurveda also.

Key words: Qualities of teachers, Acharya Guna, Parikshka Guna, Shastra.

INTRODUCTION teacher is to instill faith in the student about

For the expansion and sustenance of any Shastra Ayurveda and to transform the student into a good
(medical science) contribution of teacher is necessary practitioner using basic principles as well as applied
in the education system. Also, the status of education knowledge of Ayurveda. Similarly, for the post
in a society represents the expansion of the Shastra graduate level the main objective of the teacher is to
(medical science). One of the primes of any successful teach the Shastra (medical science) in finer details
education system is the teacher.[1] leading to specialization in a particular subject. The
teacher at this step is also expected to prepare the
There are different objectives of a teacher in the field
student for research works as a junior scientist or to
of Ayurveda according to the education level i.e., for
train them to become a good teacher or a good
an undergraduate student the main objective of the
physician as per the capability and ability of the
Address for correspondence: student. A teacher should instill enough confidence in
Dr. More Sangita Dnyanoba
Associate Professor, Department of Sanskrit Samhita, SVNHT’S the student and boost their morale. Similarly, for a
Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya, Rahuri, Maharashtra, INDIA. student at the level of doctorate, the teacher is
E-mail: [email protected]
expected to teach the student the Shastra (medical
Submission Date: 23/05/2020 Accepted Date: 26/06/2020
science) in more and more details leading to
Access this article online
Quick Response Code proficiency in the subject. Thus, the teacher is
undisputedly the best among the source of education
Website: www.jaims.in
systems especially in Ayurveda.

Published by Maharshi Charaka In the field of Ayurveda where the classical texts
Ayurveda Organization, Vijayapur, though centuries old still stand to be true require the
Karnataka (Regd) under the license CC-
by-NC-SA efforts of a learned teacher to impart knowledge

Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences | May - June 2020 | Vol. 5 | Issue 3 142
 More Sangita Dnyanoba et al. Qualities of teachers in Ayurvedic prospect

ISSN: 2456-3110 REVIEW ARTICLE May-June 2020

which is based on his own inferences and experience A teacher well versed in Ayurveda can easily teach
suitable to the modern era. fundamentals of Ayurveda to a student which forms
the foundation of the latter’s knowledge through his
Two types of persons are mentioned in Charka
experience.
Samhita viz; Laukika (common people) and Parikshaka
(specific/particular learned person).[2] The Parikshaka 2. Paridrushtakarmanam (practical experience)[6]:
are the people who examine any kind of actions It means one who has gained knowledge by
before performing them and also evaluate the observations and through practical findings and
consequences obtained from the actions. also has safely performed many operations.
When one refers to the qualities of teacher as well as A person though well versed in theory cannot
that of a Parikshaka some degree of similarity is found accomplish success in life unless he is also trained
between the two. One who is well aware of the practically. Knowledge of any science is useless
knowledge i.e. teacher can only become a good without its utility for the benefit of patients. A teacher
examiner of subject, object or knowledge.[3] should be himself well trained to teach his students
with applications of Ayurvedic fundamentals so that
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES disciple can use his knowledge in treating the
To emphsize on the improvement of quality of patients.
teacher in todays era. 3. Daksha (be diligent)[7]: It means one who is
MATERIALS AND METHODS attentive and efficient in his activities or the
science.
As this is review article, concept is thoroughly
explained with the help of Ayurvedic Samhita and A teacher should also be alert about the latest
related Ayurvedic books. developments in the science and the latest
technologies and utilize the knowledge for the welfare
DISCUSSION of his students. Teacher should be updated his
knowledge with the time. In today’s time teacher
Qualities of Teachers
must be trained with online education, so that in any
The teacher is to be examined after proper worst condition teaching will be continue without any
examination of the Shastra (medical science). The disruption.
qualities of the teacher are quoted under Acharya
4. Dakshinam (dexterous)[8]: It means on who is
Pariksha[4](Search of ideal preceptor)
skillful in his activities. Skill is gained through
These qualities are as given as follows continuous practice as well as experience. The
1. Paryavadatashrutam (clear knowledge of knowledge gained through experience is superior
subject)[5]: It means a person who has inherited to textual knowledge. Many findings of the
pure knowledge through the texts and also by teacher based on his own experience also enrich
serving his teachers. It also means one who is well the student’s knowledge. According to this
grounded in scriptures. It possesses complete experience there are three phases of teacher in
knowledge of the subject with its depth, meaning his life; i.e. assistant professor, associate
and purpose of clinical application. Perfect professor and professor. Knowledge becomes
knowledge of a subject is necessary for the sharp with the help of experience of teaching.
application of the subject. No practical work can 5. Shuchi (virtuous)[9]: It means one should be pure
ever be performed without basic knowledge. In by all means i.e.; body, language and mind. The
Ayurveda it means having a thorough knowledge person should not be greedy for achieving wealth,
of the texts and classics. but the knowledge should be put to a good use

Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences | May - June 2020 | Vol. 5 | Issue 3 143
 More Sangita Dnyanoba et al. Qualities of teachers in Ayurvedic prospect

ISSN: 2456-3110 REVIEW ARTICLE May-June 2020

for gaining Dharma. The above quality is the most any deficits in the student are overcome through
important quality of the teacher considering the proper knowledge and guidance.
society. A student usually tries to follow the path
10. Pratipattigynam (well-versed in courses of
of a teacher and hence this quality is very
emergency management and quick actions)[15]: It
necessary in a teacher for building of a righteous
means one who has the proper knowledge of the
society. Teacher should not have any type of
science and is also capable of utilizing his
Dwesh (hate or dislike), Irsha (envy of anothers
intelligence at the required time. A teacher should
success) or Rag (affection)[10] during teaching. This
timely satisfy any kind of queries from the student
type of quality maintains total health of body and
through his knowledge. A teacher should also
mind.
teach the student the importance of timely
6. Jitahastam (with skilled hand)[11]: It means one decisions in practice as well in other spheres of
who possesses the inherent qualities of life.
diagnosing and treating the patients. This quality
is developed by constant study and practice. In 11. Anupskritvidhyam (having his knowledge
the context of education, who is successfully deal uncensured)[16]: It means one whose knowledge is
with the teaching leads to quality of Jitahasta. not overshadowed by the knowledge of other
With this quality teacher can clear any Shanka scriptures. A teacher should first have a thorough
(doubt) asked by student. knowledge of his own subject as well as other
related subjects. There should be no doubts in his
7. Upkaranvantam (well equipped)[12]: It means one mind regarding his own science while explaining
who has all the necessary equipments for the his students.
treatment.
12. Anahankritam (one who is free from ego)[17]: It
This is important mainly from the practical point of
means one who does not possess vanity. A
aspect. Teacher should be equipped with all types of
teacher should always satisfy any doubts from his
textbooks and commentaries available in Ayurveda.
students however impractical they are. Thus, a
8. Sarvendriyoppanam (possessing all the senses in student obtains knowledge without losing his
normal condition)[13]: It means one should have confidence and feels free to consult his teacher
all his sensory and motor functions of the body whenever required.
intact. Also, the mind of the person should be in
13. Anasuyakam (free from jealousy)[18]: A teacher
sound condition.
should impart all his knowledge to the student for
Without the presence of efficient Indriyas a person the upliftment of the life.
can neither grasp nor gain any knowledge which
makes it more impossible for imparting knowledge to 14. Akopanam (free from anger)[19]: This quality
students. Hence the above quality is indispensable in shows the patience of the teacher in dealing with
students. A teacher instead of being angry with
the making of a good teacher.
the student should patiently make him realize his
9. Prakrittigynam (acquainted with constitution)[14]: mistake so that it is not repeated in future.
It means one who is acquainted with the human
(student) nature. It also means who knows all the 15. Kleshkshamam (forbearing)[20]: It means one who
Karanas by which Karya will produce. A teacher can work hard and overcoming difficulties.
well acquainted with the nature of the student 16. Shishyavatsala (paternal to disciples)[21]: It means
not only guide the student to achieve his goal but one who is affectionately disposed towards all his
also encourages him and utilizes his good qualities disciples.
for the same. The teacher also makes sure that

Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences | May - June 2020 | Vol. 5 | Issue 3 144
 More Sangita Dnyanoba et al. Qualities of teachers in Ayurvedic prospect

ISSN: 2456-3110 REVIEW ARTICLE May-June 2020

17. Gynapanasamartham (fit for imbue Disciple as the seasonal cloud helps bring about good
[22]
understanding) : It means one who can express crop in a fertile land”.[25]
his views with clarity. Not all students are equally
Plans for Inculcating the above Qualities in Today’s
intelligent (i.e., Trividh Shishya Buddhi)[23] and a
Teachers
teacher should make sure that all the students are
equally able to grasp the knowledge. 1. Firstly, the quality of the teachers should be
improved. For this purpose, various teaching
In the classics of Ayurveda certain qualities are
programs should be conducted for new teachers.
attributed to the Parikshaka.[24] These qualities bear
certain resemblances with the qualities of the 2. Various re-orientation programs should be
teacher. These are as follows. conducted time to time under the subject experts
to get the mastery in the subject or specialty.
1. Shrutam can be correlated to the
Paryavadatshrutam. 3. The teachers should be taught to use the latest
technology like computers and other audio-visual
2. Dakshyama can be correlated to the Daksha.
means for enhancing the teaching methodology.
3. Vacavishuddhi can be correlated to the Suchi.
4. Every fundamental or basic principle of Ayurveda
4. Shama means tranquility. This quality helpful in should be explained based on the very science
maintained of sound state of the body and mind itself.
i.e. free from Vikaras. This quality may include in
5. Teaching every subject in depths as well as
Anahamkritam, Anasuyakama, Akopanama.
quoting its practical application and utility should
These qualities indicate mind state which helps in
be one of the aims of the teacher. Various
maintain of health.
experiments should be then conducted, and its
5. Siddhi: Represent the knowledge of the object inferences should be drawn and published and
and the means of obtaining the object. thus made popular. This sharing of knowledge
also helps the propagation of Ayurveda.
6. Medha: It means to understand the Shashtras
according to his Buddhi. 6. Various teachers in the organization should meet
regularly for discussions and the resultant
7. Kirti represent the knowledge about exposition
exchange of ideas should eventually benefit
itself and not name, fame.
students.
All above three qualities are responsible for the
7. A teacher should develop a direct relationship
Gynapanasamartham.
with every student in the class and develop the
8. Kshama: it means patience. This quality is interest in the student regarding Ayurveda.
included under Kleshakshama.
CONCLUSION
9. Daya means sympathy. This quality includes
under Shishyavatsalama. If teacher is fulfilled with above qualities with the help
of ancient knowledge and recent technology then
Thus, good teacher may become good Parikshaka
there will be generating good disciple of Ayurveda.
also.
By these qualities a Teacher should not only teach his REFERENCES
disciple, but he should try to develop these qualities 1. Charka Samhita - Ayurveda Dipika Commentary of
into him and make him an ideal teacher in future. Cakrapanidatta. Edited by Vaidya Jadavaji Trikamji Acharya;
Chaukhamba Sanskrit SansthanaVaranasi; Fifth Edition, 2001,
As per Acharya Charak, “An Acharya possessed of sutrasthan25/40,pg no.132
such qualities infuses medical knowledge to a good

Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences | May - June 2020 | Vol. 5 | Issue 3 145
 More Sangita Dnyanoba et al. Qualities of teachers in Ayurvedic prospect

ISSN: 2456-3110 REVIEW ARTICLE May-June 2020

2. Charka Samhita - Ayurveda Dipika Commentary of

Cakrapanidatta. Edited by Vaidya Jadavaji Trikamji Acharya; 16. http://www.carakasamhitaonline.com/mediawiki-
Chaukhamba Sanskrit SansthanaVaranasi; Fifth Edition, 2001, 1.32.1/index.php?title=Rogabhishagjitiya_Vimana#Search_of
, sutrasthan28/36,pg.no180 _ideal_preceptor
3. Charka Samhita - Ayurveda Dipika Commentary of 17. http://www.carakasamhitaonline.com/mediawiki-
Cakrapanidatta. Edited by y Vaidya Jadavaji Trikamji Acharya; 1.32.1/index.php?title=Rogabhishagjitiya_Vimana#Search_of
Chaukhamba Sanskrit SansthanaVaranasi; Fifth Edition, 2001, _ideal_preceptor
sutrasthan10/5, pg.no.65
18. http://www.carakasamhitaonline.com/mediawiki-
4. Charka Samhita - Ayurveda Dipika Commentary of 1.32.1/index.php?title=Rogabhishagjitiya_Vimana#Search_of
Cakrapanidatta. Edited by Vaidya Jadavaji Trikamji Acharya; _ideal_preceptor
Chaukhamba Sanskrit SansthanaVaranasi; Fifth Edition, 2001,
19. http://www.carakasamhitaonline.com/mediawiki-
vimansthan8/4, pg.no.262
1.32.1/index.php?title=Rogabhishagjitiya_Vimana#Search_of
5. http://www.carakasamhitaonline.com/mediawiki- _ideal_preceptor
1.32.1/index.php?title=Rogabhishagjitiya_Vimana#Search_of
20. http://www.carakasamhitaonline.com/mediawiki-
_ideal_preceptor
1.32.1/index.php?title=Rogabhishagjitiya_Vimana#Search_of
6. http://www.carakasamhitaonline.com/mediawiki- _ideal_preceptor
1.32.1/index.php?title=Rogabhishagjitiya_Vimana#Search_of
21. http://www.carakasamhitaonline.com/mediawiki-
_ideal_preceptor
1.32.1/index.php?title=Rogabhishagjitiya_Vimana#Search_of
7. http://www.carakasamhitaonline.com/mediawiki- _ideal_preceptor
1.32.1/index.php?title=Rogabhishagjitiya_Vimana#Search_of
22. http://www.carakasamhitaonline.com/mediawiki-
_ideal_preceptor
1.32.1/index.php?title=Rogabhishagjitiya_Vimana#Search_of
8. http://www.carakasamhitaonline.com/mediawiki- _ideal_preceptor
1.32.1/index.php?title=Rogabhishagjitiya_Vimana#Search_of
23. Charka Samhita - Ayurveda Dipika Commentary of
_ideal_preceptor
Cakrapanidatta. Edited by Vaidya Jadavaji Trikamji Acharya;
9. http://www.carakasamhitaonline.com/mediawiki- Chaukhamba Sanskrit SansthanaVaranasi; Fifth Edition, 2001,
1.32.1/index.php?title=Rogabhishagjitiya_Vimana#Search_of sutrasthan4/20, pg.no.34
_ideal_preceptor
24. Charka Samhita - Ayurveda Dipika Commentary of
10. The Students Sanskrit English, by Vaman Shivram Apte, Cakrapanidatta. Edited by Vaidya Jadavaji Trikamji Acharya;
Motilal Banarsidass Publishers, 2005, pg.no 266,97 and 466 Chaukhamba Sanskrit SansthanaVaranasi; Fifth Edition, 2001,
11. http://www.carakasamhitaonline.com/mediawiki- sutrasthan28/37,pg.no.180
1.32.1/index.php?title=Rogabhishagjitiya_Vimana#Search_of
25. http://www.carakasamhitaonline.com/mediawiki-
_ideal_preceptor
1.32.1/index.php?title=Rogabhishagjitiya_Vimana#Search_of
12. http://www.carakasamhitaonline.com/mediawiki- _ideal_preceptor
1.32.1/index.php?title=Rogabhishagjitiya_Vimana#Search_of
_ideal_preceptor How to cite this article: More Sangita Dnyanoba,
13. http://www.carakasamhitaonline.com/mediawiki- Tambe Geeta Shridhar. Qualities of teachers in
1.32.1/index.php?title=Rogabhishagjitiya_Vimana#Search_of Ayurvedic prospect. J Ayurveda Integr Med Sci
_ideal_preceptor
2020;3:142-146.
14. http://www.carakasamhitaonline.com/mediawiki-
1.32.1/index.php?title=Rogabhishagjitiya_Vimana#Search_of Source of Support: Nil, Conflict of Interest: None
_ideal_preceptor declared.
15. http://www.carakasamhitaonline.com/mediawiki-
1.32.1/index.php?title=Rogabhishagjitiya_Vimana#Search_of
_ideal_preceptor

Copyright © 2020 The Author(s); Published by Maharshi Charaka Ayurveda Organization, Vijayapur (Regd). This is an open-access
article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0),
which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences | May - June 2020 | Vol. 5 | Issue 3 146