A Study of Insights of Teachings Method and Educational Practices in Buddhist Literature Lumbinī Prabhā – Vol. 10 (May, 2025)

• Uncategorized
• June 4, 2025

This research investigates the educational framework which existed during the Buddha’s Era based on the teaching practices found inside Buddhist monastic institutions. The Buddha alongside his disciples applied different teaching approaches which led to an understanding of their knowledge transfer along with ethical learning and intellectual growth. Buddhist texts from Vinaya Pitaka and Sutta Pitaka and Jataka tales serve as the foundation for the researchers to interpret their study on Buddhist learning. The research explains how the Buddha used sermons and dialogues combined with parables as his teaching methods to develop both conceptual understanding and practical experience in his learners. Buddhism maintains open access to and storage of knowledge through oral traditions for educational benefit of all monks and the general public. This part highlights the open-door nature of Buddhist education which welcomes all social groups such as women and marginalized individuals. Different instructional methods from the Buddhist era are discussed, such as the Shravan method (listening and memorization), the imitation method (learning through observation and repetition), the demonstration and practice method (experiential learning), the interpretation method (understanding via discussion), the lecture method (structured knowledge delivery), the debate and logic method (analytical discourse), the seminar and Shāstrārtha method (formal intellectual debates), the self-study method (autonomous learning through reflection), and the excursion method (learning through travel and observation of nature and society). Describing educational establishments known as Viharas and Mahaviharas showed their status as centers for scripture study which had organized yet flexible structures for teaching scriptures alongside moral and philosophical and meditative student growth. The research establishes that educational practices used during the time of Buddha contribute to enriched ancient civilizations through their ability to generate moral communities which still have value in modern educational settings.

• Tilak Ram AcharyaLumbini Buddhist University, Central Office, Lumbini, Nepal

DOI: 

https://doi.org/10.3126/lumbinip.v10i1.78824

Keywords: 

Buddhist education, Buddhist literature, Gurukul system, Buddhist teaching methods, Guru-disciple relationship, Meditation techniques, Moral parables

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