Education begins in the womb itself. Even though research is yet to be done about the complicated topic like Chakravyuha, it has been discovered by modern neurologists that the development of the language center of the brain starts in the eleventh week of pregnancy. Thus, the education of mother tongue starts from the womb itself. Therefore, in some degree,all human beings are Abhimanyu. The development of all other senses also starts from the womb itself. This is also known to modern science. They are yet to know the development of the mind & consciousness and the beginning of the intellect & ego. In the Bharatiya scriptures, more work has been done on the Antahkarana, the inner instrument for achieving Adhijanan (Evolved Progeny). Samskaras (Culturing Practices) have been designed since even before conception.
Learning of the newborn begins with the birth. All children have to make an adventurous enterprise of perceiving the world as soon as they open their eyes. From there, the research begins. We are all researchers by birth. Knowing your surroundings begins with the five senses. The first stage of knowledge realisation is perception. Cognition by comparison through intellect and reaching conclusions by analysis-synthesis process is the second step. Realizing this important point, the first stage of learning in Bharatiya pedagogy is Adhisheela or progressive education. Matrukula education i.e. pre-institutional education from birth till admission in pre-school, primary or elementary schools, education begins in the presence of the mother before entering the Gurukul. In the present system, the pre-primary education (Early Childhood Care and Education-ECCE), which has been called the Foundation level by the National Education Policy, is also expected to be the contemporary form of Adhisheela Shiksha.
This is the level of sensory development. The instruments of senses such as eye, its neurological connection optic nerve, the optic center in the brain and the foundation of the mind, together completes the functioning of the senses. Development at all three levels is expected in progressive education. This is possible only with practice of Samyama (Restraint). Consciousness is awakened only through the exercise of restraint, i.e., regulation in the use of the senses. Whole life the extent and choice of sensory consumptions is done through Viveka (Conscience). The awakening of that conscience is the main aim of progressive education. If prudence is not developed scientifically, then distorted values shape the direction of whole life. Bhagvan Shri Krishna says in the Gita –
श्रद्धावान् लभते ज्ञानं तत्परः संयतेंद्रियः॥ Shraddhavan labhate jnanam tatparah sanyatendriyah
Sense restraint is said to be the pre-requisite for the realization of knowledge. That is why, the name of the period of learning is Brahmacharyashram.
The goddess of second Navratri is Brahmacharini. In the Puranas, there is a description of fierce tapas by her. There is a story of performing tapas for thousands of years for marrying Shiva. Due to the different planes of existence in time, the matter of fasting only on bilvapatra for 3000 years has to be understood accordingly. The main motivation factor is that by destroying every obstacle in the path of welfare of all, one has to do penance (research) in order to attain Shiva, Devadhidev who blesses everyone. This is the way to both knowledge and well-being. Brahmacharya is attained only by austerity and by that everything is attained. White clad Maa Brahmacharini, holds a japamal in one hand and a kamandalu in the other, signifying that along with culture, prosperity too, comes from austerity and celibacy.
Great thought