(Because they take care of you when you are vulnerable
and educate you in so many essential skills).
At an appropriate age boys and girls were sent to a Gurukul ( Guru = teacher, Kul = family) -
boarding school. The Guru, his family, and all the students lived a very simple life without any complaints. The students help in various chores including feeding and cleaning guru’s cows. They all worked hard, ate simple food, lived a very simple life, and concentrated on their studies. Even princes and sons of rich people were treated the same as other students.
They gave up pleasures of all sense organs (taste, touch, smell, etc.). There was great emphasis on developing noble character (becoming an Āryan). This helped the student lead a life of self-discipline. There was no time to think about boyfriend or girlfriend, or worry about ‘who will go with me on the Prom night’.
A student is called Vidyārthi. In Sanskrut and means ‘Seeker of knowledge’. Vidyā =
knowledge and Artha = wealth. Vidyārthi considers knowledge as her wealth. A good student works hard day and night to gain knowledge. His main focus during this period of life is to study.
Vidur was a very wise Prime Minister who said: सुखा थनः कुतो िव ा ।
िव ा थनः कुतो सुखम् ॥
Sukharthinah kuto Vidyā.