Editorial

Comparative Analysis of Ancient and Modern Teaching Methods in

Ayurveda: Recommendations for Enhancing Contemporary Education
The knowledge of Ayurveda has been transmitted across Teaching and Learning Methodologies in
generations, first through oral teachings and subsequently Charaka Samhita
recorded in writings such as the Charaka Samhita, Sushruta
It outlines the threefold method of learning:
Samhita, Ashtanga Hridaya etc. These texts detail medicinal
adhyayanam (learning), adhyapanam (teaching), and
practices and the principles of diagnosis, prevention, and
tadvidyasambhasha (discussions). Adhyayana vidhi (learning
treatment. Preserving Ayurvedic knowledge has always
process) involves focused study, where students repeat
remained essential and a challenge as well. Conventionally,
the aphorisms while fully understanding their meaning.
the Gurukula education system was foundational, with
Adhyapanavidhi (teaching process) was seen as a way of
students living with Guru in immersive environments.
solidifying one’s own knowledge while guiding others.
Learning was practical, involving observation, and oral
Ayurveda learning directly from the guru and practicing makes
transmission, ensuring a thorough understanding of the
it easy. Tadvidyasambhasha (scholarly discussions) means
science and its real‑world applications. In contrast, modern engaging in discussions with peers and experts was essential
Ayurvedic education has shifted to institutional settings for expanding one’s knowledge and refining critical thinking.
with structured curricula, standardized examinations, and Charaka also describes three methods to ensure complete
teaching aids. While this makes education more accessible, mastery of Ayurvedic texts; Vakyasha (understanding the
it poses challenges in maintaining the depth of traditional sentences), Vakyarthasha (understanding the meaning of
knowledge and practical experience, often prioritizing sentences) and Arthavayavasha (understanding the meaning
breadth over depth and theoretical knowledge over practical of concepts). Charaka further identifies three sources of
skills. knowledge namely Aptopadesha (authoritative instructions),
Pratyaksha (direct observation) and Anumana (inference).
Gurukula System
The Gurukula system was fundamental to ancient Teaching and Learning Methodologies in
education in India, including Ayurveda. Education in Ashtanga Hrudaya
this model went beyond simply sharing knowledge; Ashtanga Hrudaya emphasizes three key methods namely
it involved living with the Guru/s (the teacher/s) and Paatha (students memorize verses through repeated reading),
embracing a lifestyle aligned with his/their teachings. Avabodha (students work on understanding the meaning
This highly personalized approach meant the Guru was of the texts) and Anusthana (practical implementation of
responsible for the student’s intellectual, professional, the knowledge gained). Arunadutta’s commentary on the
spiritual, and ethical growth. This development was Ashtanga Hrudaya emphasizes breaking down verses word
considered essential to medical knowledge, as Ayurveda by word, explaining their meaning, addressing doubts, and
was seen as a holistic practice that required virtues such clarifying the relation of each verse to the greater context.
as compassion, humility, and self‑discipline from its
practitioners. Teaching and Learning Methodologies in
Sushruta Samhita
Experiential Learning
Sushruta stresses the importance of purity in both body
Emphasis on experiential learning was a fundamental and mind for students. Reciting verses systematically
component of Ayurvedic education in ancient times. The and correctly, without distorting them, is essential for
students learned by directly engaging in the practice of learning. Practical training has been given the immense
medicine, from the preparation of herbal remedies to the importance, with Sushruta encouraging the use of models
diagnosis and treatment of patients. and substitutes for human limbs (yogya) for surgical
practices. Sushruta further states that a physician is
Integration of Philosophy and Spirituality incomplete without practical knowledge, and that practical
In the Gurukula system, education was not limited to knowledge alone, without theoretical understanding, can be
the acquisition of medical or professional knowledge. dangerous – similar to a bird with only one wing.
It also encompassed the study of philosophy, ethics,
Structure of Modern Teaching Methods in
and spirituality. Ayurveda is deeply rooted in the
philosophical teachings of the Vedas and Upanishads,
Ayurveda (Institutionalized Education)
which emphasize the interconnectedness of the body, The teaching of Ayurveda has significantly transformed
mind, and spirit. over the centuries, particularly with the formalization

© 2024 Journal of Ayurveda | Published by Wolters Kluwer - Medknow 245

 Sharma, et al.: Ancient vs modern teaching: Evolving framework for Ayurveda teaching practices

of education in modern times. Ayurvedic education is versus scientific aspect: The integration of spirituality
now primarily offered through universities, colleges, and philosophy was a fundamental aspect of Ayurvedic
and regulated institutes. In this structured setting, the education in ancient times. In contrast, modern Ayurvedic
curriculum covers a wide range of topics, from foundational education tends to focus more on the scientific and clinical
principles to clinical applications. It is typically divided aspects of Ayurveda, with less emphasis on its spiritual and
into undergraduate (BAMS), postgraduate (MD/MS), and philosophical dimensions.
doctoral (PhD) levels, each featuring specific subjects,
examinations, and assessments. There is a standardized Assessment and Evaluation
curriculum prescribed by the regulatory body and the Assessment methods have also evolved significantly. In
lecture‑based teaching is the primary mode of instruction the Gurukula system, the assessment was continuous and
in modern Ayurvedic education. Classroom environment holistic, with the Guru evaluating the student’s progress
in modern Ayurvedic education is typically formal and based on daily interactions, practical skills, and ethical
structured, with students attending scheduled lectures, conduct. Modern Ayurvedic education, however, relies on
practical classes, and clinical rounds and heavily relies formal assessments such as written examinations, practical
on textbooks, research papers, and digital resources for examinations, and viva voce.
teaching. The assessment methods in modern Ayurvedic
education are largely based on written examinations, Challenges and Opportunities for Enhancing
practical examinations, and viva‑voce. Ayurveda Education
Challenges in Modern Ayurvedic Education The comparison between ancient and modern teaching
methods in Ayurveda highlights both challenges and
Challenges include reduced practical training, high opportunities for enhancing Ayurvedic education today.
student‑to‑teacher ratios, and limited integration of While modern education has brought about greater
philosophy and spirituality. However, the regulatory
accessibility, standardization, and the integration of
authority (NCISM) has now developed a curriculum
contemporary scientific knowledge, it has also led to the
emphasizing practical experience, competencies, student
loss of some of the depth, personalization, and holistic
engagement in teaching and learning, nonteaching hours,
integration that characterized the Gurukula system.
and critical thinking and problem‑solving skills.
Potential Strategies for Enhancement of
Comparative Analysis of Ancient and Modern
Ayurveda Teaching in Modern World
Teaching Methods in Ayurveda
Integrating traditional wisdom with modern educational
Holistic versus Fragmented: The ancient Gurukula
techniques can be one of the most promising strategies for
system emphasized holistic learning, in contrast, the
enhancing education in this ancient healing system today.
modern Ayurvedic education often follows a fragmented
Blended learning, which combines traditional face‑to‑face
approach, where subjects are compartmentalized, and
instruction with online and digital resources, can be a
learning is divided into distinct theoretical and practical
powerful tool in this field. The adoption of e‑learning
components. Personalized instructions versus. Mass
platforms and digital resources can greatly improve
education: The Gurukula system was characterized by a
accessibility and reach, while incorporating interactive
close, mentor‑mentee relationship between the Guru and
and participatory methods, along with practical training
the student. In modern times, Ayurvedic education has
and clinical exposure, can prove particularly beneficial.
become more institutionalized, with larger class sizes and
Strengthening clinical rotations and internships, establishing
less opportunity for personalized instruction. Emphasison
simulation labs, enforcing a mentor‑mentee program,
Practical Skills versus theoretical knowledge: Practical
revitalizing the study of philosophy and spirituality, and
skills were a cornerstone of the Gurukula system, where
adding ethics to the curriculum can significantly enhance
students learned by directly engaging in the preparation of
the quality of education. In addition, initiatives focused on
medicines, diagnosis, and treatment of patients. Modern
personality development and promoting a research culture
Ayurvedic education, while still including practical
within the discipline can have a substantial impact on the
components, often places a greater emphasis on theoretical
education system as a whole.
knowledge. Oral tradition versus text book‑based learning:
In the ancient Gurukula system, oral transmission of To further enhance Ayurveda education and training,
knowledge was the primary mode of education. This adopting influential strategies such as establishing
method, known as Shruti (that which is heard) and research centers and incubators, fostering collaborations
Smriti (that which is remembered), was deeply ingrained with modern medical institutions, and encouraging
in the learning process. Today, Ayurvedic education relies student‑led research projects is essential. In addition, in
heavily on textbooks, scientific journals, and digital our increasingly interconnected world, enhancing global
resources. Integration of spirituality and philosophy outreach, and awareness of Ayurveda is crucial for its

246 Journal of Ayurveda ¦ Volume 18 ¦ Issue 4 ¦ October-December 2024

 Sharma, et al.: Ancient vs modern teaching: Evolving framework for Ayurveda teaching practices

continued growth and acceptance. Strategies to achieve this Sanjeev Sharma, Om Prakash Lekhrao1,
include forming international collaborations and exchange Fatemeh Moazzamipeiro2
programs, offering online courses, and certification Vice - Chancellor, National Institute of Ayurveda Deemed to be University
programs, and implementing public awareness campaigns (De Novo), Departments of 1Dravyaguna and 2Maulik Siddhanta, National
and outreach initiatives. If embraced, these strategies can Institute of Ayurveda, Deemed University, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
yield remarkable results in advancing the field of Ayurveda. Address for correspondence:
Prof. Sanjeev Sharma,
Conclusion National Institute of Ayurveda Deemed to be University (De Novo),
Jaipur, Rajasthan, India.
The ancient Gurukula system of Ayurveda education, E‑mail: [email protected]
characterized by personalized instruction, practical
This is an open access journal, and articles are distributed under the terms of the Creative
skills, and holistic integration, has given way to modern Commons Attribution‑NonCommercial‑ShareAlike 4.0 License, which allows others to
institutionalized education. While modern education has remix, tweak, and build upon the work non‑commercially, as long as appropriate credit is
brought standardization and accessibility, it has also led to given and the new creations are licensed under the identical terms.

a loss of depth, personalization, and spiritual integration.

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crucial. Forming international collaborations, offering
online courses, and implementing public awareness
campaigns can yield remarkable results. Furthermore, DOI:
10.4103/joa.joa_297_24
incorporating traditional wisdom with modern educational
techniques, blended learning, and interactive learning
methods can strengthen Ayurvedic education. Revitalizing
How to cite this article: Sharma S, Lekhrao OP, Moazzamipeiro F.
the study of Ayurvedic philosophy and spirituality, and Comparative analysis of ancient and modern teaching methods in
adding ethics to the curriculum can also add high quality ayurveda: Recommendations for enhancing contemporary education.
to the education. By embracing these strategies, we can J Ayurveda 2024;18:245-7.
advance the field of Ayurveda and promote its continued Submitted: 02‑Dec‑2024 Revised: 02‑Dec‑2024
growth and acceptance. Accepted: 02‑Dec‑2024 Published: 21-Dec-2024

Journal of Ayurveda ¦ Volume 18 ¦ Issue 4 ¦ October-December 2024 247