INTERACTIVE LEARNING IN THE VEDIC TIMES

We are all aware of modern learning techniques such as brain-storming,
GD and mind-maps for modern subjects like Management studies, but how is
it OK to use these to study scripture ?"But if we look back at our
ancient seers, we will find that they too used dynamic teaching
techniques.

When the standard class or lecture is in progress, sometimes, for some
of us, our mind gets distracted and starts to wander. We stop paying
attention to what is being said. It goes in through one ear and out
through the other ear. When hearing or listening itself doesnot take
place, then, where is the question of proper understanding and proper
application of sastra ?

When the same thing occurs in a children's SB class, they will indicate
honestly that they are distracted - by counting the fingers on their
hands, by pulling out threads from their socks, by trying to touch the
tip of their nose with their hand going around the back of the head !

But as adults we are conditioned. We have been taught to cover up and
conceal. So externally we will be sitting in rapt attention, as if
soaking in the nectar. Internally we may be making a shopping list,
planning our lunch menu or composing the next e-mail !

But the Interactive method of teaching and learning doesnot allow this
to happen. Everyone is involved, they share views and realizations, do
things together, talk to each other. They participate. Learning, even
learning difficult subjects becomes fun.

At times, when we refuse to accept a point parents or family elders are
trying to tell us, they will say in exasperation, " You will learn this
one day ! Life will teach you ! "

How does life teach ? By putting us through a certain experience.

In the Interactive method, there is also something called Experiential
Learning. In this method, the teacher plans and sets up a certain
situation in the classroom, makes the students go through different
steps and by the end of that experience they have learnt what otherwise
they maynot have learnt if the teacher simply told them the same thing
in a lecture.

This is exactly what Angira Muni did to Citraketu.

This great sage visited the king with the intention of imparting
transcendental knowledge. But to his dismay he found the king enmeshed
in material affairs, in material consciousness . Not really interested
in all this transcendental stuff.The Muni knew that if he simply gave a
class on this subject, the matter would go in through one ear and out
through the other ear of the king, without much registering in the
brain.

But Angira Muni being a determined and expert preacher looked for some
weakness in the king's situation which he could use as an opportunity to
preach.

In other words, he used the modern, SWOT analysis technique.

The king had one weakness. He desperately wanted to have a son. All day
and all night he pined for, lamented and prayed for a son.

So the great sage did some sacrifices, gave some blessings and
Citraketu's chief queen, Krityaduti gave birth to a son. Meanwhile the
Muni had left the scene with a prediction that a son would be born, but
that he would be the cause of great joy and great unhappiness. This
prediction mystified the king but soon he got completely absorbed in his
affection for his son.

Then the other queens of the king got jealous and poisoned the king's
son.

When the king was deep in lamentation Angira and Narada Munis reappeared
to complete teaching their lesson to the king. By their mystic powers,
the dead son briefly came back to life and preached to his parents about
the eternality of the soul, the impermanence of the material body, the
foolishness of lamenting when the body of a loved one is gone. Now, the
parents, having been put through this whole experience, having undergone
great suffering and misery where in the right mood to hear this. They
eagerly accepted all this knowledge and intelligently cut off their ties
of affection with this son.

In this way Angira Muni's goal was accomplished using this dynamic,
interactive method.