BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT

Business environment refers to those aspects of the surroundings of business enterprise which
have influence on the functioning of business. An organisation can survive and grow only when
it continuously and quickly adapts to changing environment. We are living in the dynamic world
which is undergoing a rapid changes, because of coming up of new ideas, economic changes,
political changes and new technology.

Business does not function in vacuum. It is affected by internal and external environment factors.
These internal and external factors collectively constitute business environment. The internal
factors are within the control of the business. Whereas the external factors like economic
environment, political environment, socio cultural environment and technological environment
are beyond the control of the organisation.

POLITICAL ENVIRONMENT

Political environment of the country affects different business units significantly. A stable and
dynamic political environment is indispensable for business growth.

POLITICAL ENVIRONMENT INCLUDES

Political ideology of the government.

 Political stability of the country.

Relations of our nation with other countries.

Defense and military policy.

Welfare activities of government.

Centre state relationship.

Approach of opposition parties towards business.

POLITICAL IDEOLOGY

Political ideology of government refers to the political thinking, approach and vision of the
government towards various economic and social activities of the country. Political ideology
affects the business units. It decides as to what type of business activities should the country
have, what areas should be opened for private sector, what areas are to be exclusively reserved
for small scale sector. Laws and regulations covering all aspects of business enacted by the
government.

POLITICAL SYSTEM

A political system which is stable, honest, efficient, dynamic and which ensures political
participation of the people and assures personal security to the citizens, is a primary factors for
the economic development. The rich countries of today owe their success to political systems
they richly enjoyed.

In the lack of political stability, long term plans cannot be formulated. In case of frequent
changes in government, economic policies are frequently changed. It leads to climate of
uncertainty in the business class. Thus, business in adversely affected if the government is not
stable. Some factors which may cause political instability are communal riots, declaration of
emergency, civil war etc.

OTHER FACTORS OF POLITICAL SYSTEM

Relations of the govt. With other countries also affect business. If a country enjoys
cordial and friendly relations with other nations, then it has favorable effect on foreign
trade. Moreover, cordial relations of government with neighboring countries help to
reduce defense budget, hence more funds can be spent on developmental activities like in
restructure, which in turn has favorable effect of business.

If government allocates a very large amount for defence budget, it will adversely affect
the business and economy, as government may impose more taxes, withdraw incentives
 and spend less on economic infrastructure. Cordial Centre- state relations also have
favorable effect on business. Positive thinking and healthy attitude of opposition parties
also have favorable effect on the developmental activities.

SOCIO CULTURAL ENVIRONMENT

Business is an integral part of society and both influence each other. It is one of the important
non-economic external components of business environment. Socio-cultural environment refers
to influence exercised by certain social and cultural factors which are beyond the control of
business unit.

SOCIO CULTURAL ENVIRONMENTINCLUDES:

Attitude of people to work

Family system

Caste system

Religion

Education

Marriage

Habits and preferences

Languages

Urbaisation

Customs and traditions

Value system

Business ethics

Social trends

Social responsibilities of the business.

SOCIAL STRUCTURE

Family system has started changing from jointly family system to nuclear and small
family. It has led to increase in demand of consumer durables. With the spread of
education family traditions and customs are changing. This has led to the growth of
women entrepreneurship and role of women in society.
 Religion also has considerable effect on business. Some religions restrict their followers
from doing a particular type of business e.g., Jain religion does not allow its followers to
engage in leather industry, cigarettes manufacturing, wine making, sea food industries
etc. Islam religion prohibits moneylending and payment or acceptance of interest.

Difference in language is another problem is in national level and international level

business. The businessman must be familiar with the local language of the place where
the business is to be operated. Because difference in languages, advertisements are
dubbed in different languages in different states and in different nations. The level of
Urbaisation also affects the business.

If urbanization is more in economy, then demand for durables like T.V., AC, car,
washing machine, microwave oven etc. will be more. If people are health conscious, then
demand for products like water purifier, health drinks will be more.

The values associated with consumption of a particular product may show wide
variations among different cultures, e.g., products like beer, whisky, non-vegetarian food
are not accepted by one culture, while the same may be accepted by other cultural groups.
Thus, the type of products to be manufactured and marketed, the way in which the
business should be organised and governed, the values and norms of business all are
influenced by social structure and culture of a society.
SPIRITUAL VALUES AND SECULAR BUSINESS VALUES
SECULAR VALUES
The word secular refers the worldly things that are physical not religious. Secularism refers to
rational or knowledgeable working for the livelihood of a person. You can also call it
professional working which is completely apart from the difference of caste, colour, nature,
religion or any other such basic differences of human beings.

SECULAR BUSINESS VALUES

Productivity

Profit

Goodwill and reputation

Responsibility
 Strategy and achievement

CHARACTERISTICS OF SECULAR VALUES

Focus on factual realities

Practical orientation

Focus on scientific results

Believe in equality

SPIRITUAL VALUES
Spirituality refers to the concept of soul or the feelings what we have in our inner heart.
Out of the limitations of physical life there is a limitless world, where a person works
from his real satisfaction or inner satisfaction and for the satisfaction of others. The
things, which really affect human being, are called spiritual things. This concept of
spiritualism is not understandable and accepted by all. It is a mystery for most of the
people in our society.

SPIRITUAL MANAGERIAL VALUES

Self-fulfilment

Ego-less ness

Complete freedom

Universal or unconditional love

CHARACTERISTICS OF SPIRITUAL VALUES

Consciousness

Wisdom and skills

Divine

Inspirational

Purification

Strong belief in religion

 Believe in karma

Control over mind

Balance between need, wants, demand.

SECULAR VS SPIRITUAL WORKING

Secularism talks through words. Spiritual talks through inner feelings.

Secular works as professional. Spiritual work as humanism.

Secularism is primarily profit oriented. Spirituality is primarily satisfaction oriented.

Secularism bears responsibility towards organisation. Spiritualism bears responsibility

towards society and world.

STRESS
Stress is the bodys automatic response to any physical or mental demand placed on it.

Adrenaline is a chemical naturally produced in our body as a response to stress.

Fight or Flight response is elicited.

CHARACTERISTICS OF STRESS
Stress affects the whole body.
A wide variety of stressors cause the identical response.
Therefore, whether the stress is fear, injury, anger, excitement, or some type of infection,
the stress response will be the same.

IS ALL STRESSING BAD?

Moderate levels of stress may actually improve performance and efficiency

Too little stress may result in boredom

Too much stress may cause an unproductive anxiety level

SOURCES OF STRESS

The Environment the environment can bombard you with intense and competing
demands to adjust. Examples of environmental stressors include weather, noise,
crowding, pollution, traffic, unsafe and substandard housing, and crime.
Social Stressors we can experience multiple stressors arising from the demands of the
different social roles we occupy, such as parent, spouse, caregiver, and employee. Some
examples of social stressors include deadlines, financial problems, job interviews,
presentations, disagreements, demands for your time and attention, loss of a loved one,
divorce, and co-parenting.
Physiological Situations and circumstances affecting our body can be experienced as
physiological stressors. Examples of physiological stressors include rapid growth of
adolescence, menopause, illness, aging, giving birth, accidents, lack of exercise, poor
nutrition, and sleep disturbances.
Thoughts Your brain interprets and perceives situations as stressful, difficult, painful,
or pleasant. Some situations in life are stress provoking, but it is our thoughts that
determine whether they are a problem for us.

Stressors

School
Work
Family
Relationships
Legal

Finances
Health/illness
Environment
Living Situation

NEGATIVE EFFECTS OF STRESS

Physical

- Weight gain/loss

- Unexpected hair loss

 - Heart palpitations

- High blood pressure

Emotional

- Mood swings

- Anxiety

- Can lead to depression

Can also lead to unhealthy coping strategies (i.e. alcohol, drugs, etc)

MANAGING STRESS
STRESS MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES

1. Learn how to say NO! know your limits and do not compromise them. Taking on
more than you can handle is not a good choice. It is ok if you dont do every single
activity that your club, fraternity, sorority or your friends are doing.

2. Attitude it is human nature to want to freak out. Your mind is a powerful tool; use it in
your favor. Thinking rationally can take you a long way.

3. Laugh Do something that you enjoy, take on a hobby, hang out with friends, and learn
to balance your life. If you are feeling upset, express your feelings. Dont keep them to
yourself because that will only add to your stress.

4. Avoid alcohol and cigarettes this is just a quick fix. Once the chemical leave your
body, you are back to feeling stressed and you are probably worse off than when you
started.

5. Healthy eating get the proper nutrition. Eat at least one hot-home cooked meal a day.

6. Exercise physical activities can help you in not only burning off calories, but burning
off stress. Exercise helps release tension. Exercise for 30 minutes a day for at least 3
times per week.

7. Relaxing your mind and body take deep breaths. Visualize success. Set some alone
time where you do something you enjoy. Practice mindfulness, focusing your
attention on the present moment.
8. Sleep at least 7 hours of sleep are needed in order for your brain and body to function at
optimum level. Avoid taking naps for more than 1 hour.

9. Healthy relationships talk and hang out with friends. Find some you relate to and with
whom you can share your problems with.

10. Time management get a planner, create a schedule, or even a to-do list. Map out what
your quarter will look like. Once you have done that, do a schedule for each week. Then
create a schedule for each day. Be specific. Mark down your class meeting times, study
time for a specific subject, mealtimes, fun activities, and sleep.

11. Organization learn how to organize your notes, keep track of your assignments and
note important due dates or date of exams. Establish your priorities for the day.

12. Budget create a budget for your monthly expenses. Distribute your money according to
the bills you need to pay for the quarter (i.e. rent, tuition, groceries, personal items, house
bills, gasoline, etc.). Determine about how much money you will be able to spend for
fun.

13. Spirituality spiritually is regarded as finding meaning in your life, the ability to
connect with others.

14. Determine your learning style find out whether you are a visual, auditory or
kinesthetic learner.

15. Slow Down take a deep breath and know your limits. Take your time so that you can
ensure a well done job.

16. Find a support system whether its your mom, sister, brother, friend or counselor, find
someone you feel comfortable sharing your feelings with. Sometimes all we need is to
vent off the frustration.

17. Make changes in your surroundings if you find it difficult to study in your dorm try
moving to a place where there is no loud music, and brighter lights.

18. Delegate responsibilities when school or work becomes overwhelming, dividing up

the work or responsibilities helps alleviate pressure and stress.
BENEFITS OF STRESS MANAGEMENT
Physical health gets better

o -more energy and stamina

Emotions stabilized

o -positive attitude
o -hopeful/happier

Ability to focus improved

o -able to learn and achieve

Our brain fires electrical waves at 14 or more cycles a second.

These are beta waves and are great for getting tasks done, but not for learning new things.

Taking a few minutes to relax deeply slows your brain waves down.

These slower waves are alpha waves.

They occur at between 7 and 14 cycles a second

Studies show alpha waves improve learning.

OnCourse by Skip Downing

DECISION MAKING
A decision is a judgment. It is a choice between alternatives. It is rarely a choice between right
and wrong. It is at best a choice between almost right and probably wrong.-Drucker

Decision = choice made from available alternatives

Decision Making = process of identifying problems and opportunities and resolving

them

THE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS

Define the problem

Identify the problem

 Define the problem

Identify the problem separately from its symptoms (A successful manager doesnt just
attack symptoms; he works to uncover the factors that cause these symptoms)

Identifying the limiting factor

Realistically, managers operate in an environment that normally doesnt provide ideal

resources. For example- they may lack the proper budget or may not have the most
accurate information or extra time. So they must choose to satisfice-to make the best
decision possible with the available information, resources and time available.

Develop potential alternatives

Although brainstorming is the most common technique to develop alternative solutions,

managers can use several other ways to help develop solutions. Here are some examples-

nominal group technique (its a structured meeting, with an agenda, restricts discussion
during the decision making process)

Delphi technique- ( participants never meet, but a group leader uses written questionnaire
to conduct the decision making

Advantages of group decision making

Groups provide a broader perspective

Employees are more likely to be satisfied and to support the final decision
Opportunities for discussion help to answer questions and reduce uncertainties for the
decision makers.

Analyze the alternatives

Decide the relative merits of each idea
Identify the advantages and disadvantages of each alternative solutions
Perform a cost benefit analysis for each alternative
Rank/give weights/ to each alternative
A manager needs to evaluate each alternative in terms of-

Feasibility (can it be done)

Effectiveness (how well does it resolve the problem situation?)

Consequences (what will be its cost to the organization?)

Select the best alternative

 Decides which alternative is- the most feasible and effective less cost to the
organization chances of success. A manager simply selects the alternative with the
highest probability of success.

Implement the decision

Establish a control-
Actions need to be monitored. An evaluation system should provide feedback on how
well the decisions are being implemented, what are the results, what adjustments are
necessary to get the results etc

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF DECISION MAKING

Decision making is the one truly distinctive characteristic of managers.

Decisions made by top managers commit the total organization toward particular courses
of action.
Decisions made by lower levels of management implement the strategic decisions of top
managers in the operating areas of the organization.
Decisions invariably involve organizational change and the commitment of scarce
resources.

CONSTRAINTS OF RATIONAL DECISION MAKING

PROBLEM
Seldom consensus as to the definition of the problem.
Differentiate fact from opinion.
Identify what standard is violated.
GENERATE ALTERNATIVE SOLUTION
The first acceptable solution is usually accepted.
Alternatives are based on what was successful in the past.
Specify alternatives that are consistent with goals.
EVALUATE ALTERNATIVES
Limited information available about each alternative.
 Satisfactory solutions, not optimal ones, are usually accepted.
Do not evaluate main effects and side effects.
IMPLEMENT AND FOLLOW UP
Resistance to change is a universal phenomenon.
Not always clear what part of the solution should be monitored or measured in follow-up.

DECISION STYLES

Directive Style

People who prefer simple, clear-cut solutions to problems

Make decisions quickly

May consider only one or two alternatives

Efficient and rational

Prefer rules or procedures

Analytical Style

Complex solutions based on as much data as they can gather

 Carefully consider alternatives

Base decision on objective, rational data from management control systems and other
sources

Search for best possible decision based on information available

Conceptual Style

Consider a broad amount of information

More socially oriented than analytical style

Like to talk to others about the problem and possible solutions

Consider many broad alternatives

Relay on information from people and systems

Solve problems creatively

Behavioral Style

Have a deep concern for others as individuals

Like to talk to people one-on-one

Understand their feelings about the problem and the effect of a given decision upon them

Concerned with the personal development of others

May make decisions to help others achieve their goals

PERSONAL DECISION FRAMEWORK

HOLISTIC APPROACH TO DECISION MAKING
The term Holistic refers to the wholeness of anything, any action, any concept in any discipline
of management and life. It sees anything as a whole but not as a part.

In general, decisions tend to be overly-focused on the achievement of a single aim or the

discovery of a solution to an immediate problem. We generally do not include the broader goals
that we have for our organization, and too often, we do not consider the wider social, economic
and environmental considerations on which our actions will have an impact. In business, a
decision made by a manager is generally considered effective if it solves a given problem; but
in todays environment, decisions often have a variety of other consequences -- desired or not --
which can attenuate or enhance the quality of the initial decision. This is why modern managerial
decision making requires a holistic approach.

Holistic decision making encourages us to be aware of our actions and their impact on the whole;
it ensures that we take responsibility and accept accountability for the decisions we make and
empowers us to be part of the on-going process of change. In order to provide managers with the
necessary tools to manage modern organizations with a view to building long-term sustainable
competitive advantage, it is imperative that organizations embrace a more holistic approach to
problem solving.

ELEMENTS OF HOLISTIC DECISION MAKING

Effectiveness

The first impact dimension of a decision is the extent to which it solves the immediate
problem that it was meant to solve. As this can be difficult to measure in complex
situations, we are more concerned with the ex-ante emphasis on problem solving -- the
extent to which a manager takes a particular action, which he believes will be sufficient
to solve the immediate problem. We call this the executive dimension of a decision.

Operative Learning

As a result of having interacted to solve a particular problem, the agents involved have
the capacity to learn something. The second impact dimension of a decision is the extent
to which it enhances or diminishes the capacity of the two agents, both individually and
as a team, to solve similar problems in the future. We refer to this dimension as the
operational learning dimension.

Relational Learning

Each interaction that a manager has with a stakeholder is an opportunity for the two
agents to learn about each other, and the decision taken by the manager and its
subsequent implementation will influence the extent to which the two agents will want to
 work with each other in the future. The third impact dimension of a decision is the extent
to which the agents involved in it increase their willingness to work together in the future
as a result of having interacted on the decision. We refer to this dimension as the
relational learning dimension.

HOLISTIC DECISION MAKING PROCESS

VALUE DRIVEN HOLISTIC MANAGEMENT

Dharma its the law of delivering moral obligation with right attitude for happiness of
ones own life and in life of others. There are three divine elements of dharma.

Spirit

Righteousness

Fearlessness

Integrity

Wholeness
Goodness
Self-discipline
Inner truth
Courage
ESSENTIALS OF HOLISTIC APPROACH FOR MANAGERS
Work with unity with no opponent

Employees should be respected

Managers should stand out as a facilitator

Managers should work with patience, calm and all loving affection as a guide with a
holistic vision and respect to the divinity in each member of the organisation.

All work and workers should be given equal importance.

FEATURES OF INDIAN HERITAGE

HERITAGE

Heritage refers to something inherited from the past. The word has several different senses,
including:

Natural heritage, an inheritance of fauna and flora, geology, landscape and landforms, and other
natural resources

Cultural heritage, the legacy of physical artifacts and intangible attributes of a group or society:
man-made heritage

Food heritage

Industrial heritage, monuments from industrial culture

Virtual Heritage, an ICT work dealing with cultural heritage

Heritage means what we inherit from our ancestors and from our past. The heritage of India is
the result of developments in the social, economic, cultural and political life of Indian people
over a period of thousands of years. The land and people are the two components of this heritage.
Nature has made India into a distinct geographical entity. India is a vast country. It extends for
nearly 3000 km from Kashmir in the north to Kanyakumari in the south and for the same
distance from its western-most parts to its eastern-most parts. The Himalayan ranges in the north
and the sea in the east, west and south separates it from the rest of the world.

Since the old Stone Age people from neighboring as well as distant regions having coming into
India and making it their home.

India has been a crucible of various 'races' and ethnic groups. They have all contributed to the
making of Indian history and culture. The people from other cultures and civilizations have
brought with them their own traditions which got intermixed and integrated with the pre-existing
traditions.

Similarly, people of India have gone to other parts of the world and various elements of culture
carried by them have intermixed and integrated with the preexisting traditions. The mountains
and the rivers systems have been an important factor in the emergence of a number of distinct
cultural zones within the country. India's culture has been changing and developing due to
internal factors and contacts with other cultures. The Harappan culture was the first urban culture
to emerge in India.

Jainism and Buddhism which arose in the sixth century B.C. left a lasting influence on Indian life
and culture. This period saw the spread throughout the country of beliefs and practices associated
with Hinduism, including Vedic religion. The next phase in Ancient Indian History covers the
period from about 200 B.C. to about A.D. 300. There were the Indo-Greefes, the Shakas, the
Parthians and the Kushanas. There was significant progress of Buddhist art in the Deccan, and
the beginning of Tamil literature in the south.

The Gupta's built a large kingdom during eighth century. In the Deccan, there were kingdoms of
the Pallavas and of the Chalukyas. After the fall of Buddhism and the rise of Hinduism idol
worship became popular and building of temples on a large scale started in the south and the
Deccan as well as in the north. Art inspired by Buddhism also continued.

Medieval period is important for the growth of modern Indian languages, architecture, sculpture
literature, and philosophy flourished under the patronage of the Chola Kings. The establishment
of the sultanat of Delhi: It saw the introduction of new features in art and architecture of India.
Two new languages-Arabic and Persian became a part of India's linguistic heritage. Persian was
more important in many areas. It replaced Sanskrit as the court language and through out the
country under the influence of Persian, new forms of literature such as the ghazal were
introduced.

The Bhakti movement which had started earlier spread throughout the country. Kabir and Nanak,
disapproved of religious narrow mindedness. The Bhakti saints condemned caste inequalities and
laid stress on human brotherhood. The Sufis or the Muslim mystics preached the message of love
and human brotherhood.

Sikhism began to emerge as a new religion based on the teachings of Gurunanak. Akbar, the
greatest of the Mughal emperors, followed a policy of 'sulahkul'. Some of the finest specimens of
Indian architecture and literature belong to this period. Influenced by the Persian traditions the
Mughal paintings developed into a distinct Indian style. Another significant development was the
emergence of a new language (Urdu).

The eighteenth century marks the beginning of the modern period of Indian history. Politically
the period saw the decline of the Mughal Empire and the birth of a number of small and big
independent states in different parts of the country. The process of colonization of vast areas of
the world by a few

European countries had been under way since the sixteenth century. From about the middle of
the 18th century, the conquest of India by Britain began.

For the first time in her history, India came under foreign rule. A new system of exploitation of
one country by the dominant classes and groups of another country came into being. The long
struggle for independence ended the imperialist exploitation of India. From the early decades of
the nineteenth century, various social, religious, cultural and intellectual movements started
which aimed at removing the state of stagnation of Indian society. The nationalist movement
united the Indian people on a new basis. It recognized and cherished 'the unity in diversity' and
composite nature of India's - culture as its unique feature.
ANCIENT INDIAN LEARNING SYSTEM
UNIQUENESS OF ANCIENT INDIAN EDUCATION

From time immemorial, India has explicitly recognized that the supreme goal of life is self-
realization and hence the aim of education has always been the attainment of such a fullness of
being. But at the same time it was also recognized that different individuals have naturally
different inclinations and capacities. Hence not only the highest philosophy but also ordinary
subjects like literature and science as also vocational training find a place in ancient education
system. The education system of ancient India may claim to be unique in the world in many
respects like-

The State and the society did not in any way interfered with the curriculum of studies or
regulating the payment of fees or hours of instructions.
Another special characteristic of ancient Indian educational system was it was fully and
compulsorily residential. The student had to live in the house of his teacher for the whole
duration of his studies and learn from him not only what was taught but also observe how
his teacher responded to different situation arising in daily life and learn from it.
 Stress was laid on having a personal relation between the teacher and the taught. Each
student used to meet the teacher separately and learn from him through separate
instruction and guidance.
Education was absolute free and the teacher looked after the primary needs of the
students including food and clothing.
The Indian system of education upheld the dignity of labour. Hence even a student
aiming at the highest philosophical knowledge was duty bound to do some manual labour
daily such as collecting fuel, tending cattle, etc.
Education in ancient India was more of seminar type where students used to learn
through discussions and debates.
OBJECTIVES

Self-Control

Development of character

Social Awareness

Integral development of personality

Propagation of purity

Preservation of knowledge and culture

AIMS OF EDUCATION

The aims of education were to provide good training to young men and women in the
performance of their social, economic and religious duties. Also preservation and enrichment of
culture, character and personality development and cultivation of noble ideals were the other
aims of education in ancient India.

EDUCATION OF WOMEN

A high standard of learning and culture was reached by Indian women during the Vedic age. In
addition to training in the arts of housekeeping they learnt music and dancing. Like boys, girls
had to undergo the upanayana ceremony. There were two classes of educated women,
Sadyodwahas- who prosecuted studies till their marriages and Bramhavadinis who did not marry
and pursued their studies though out their lives. Women were also taught the Vedas and
Vedangas, but the extent of their study was restricted only to those hymns which were necessary
for the Yajna (sacrifice) or other ritualistic operations. Women sages were called Rishikas.
VOCATIONAL EDUCATION

A majority of people earned their livelihood by following various professions. Ancient Indian
literature refers to sixty-four arts which include weaving, dyeing, spinning, art of tanning leather,
manufacture of boats, chariots, the art of training elephants and horses, art of making jewels,
implements and equipment, art of dance, music, agriculture, building houses, sculpture, medical
science, veterinary science, the profession of a chemist, manufacture of perfumes and a host of
other professions. In the vocational system of education young men used to work as apprentices
under a master for a number of years and gained expertise in their respective professions.

METHODS OF LEARNING:

In ancient India close relationship existed between the pupil and the teacher. The teacher used to
pay individual attention on his students and used to teach them according to their aptitude and
capability. Knowledge was imparted orally and the different methods of learning were-

Memorization- The preliminary stage of learning was learning by heart the sacred text
through indefinite repletion and rehearsal by both the teacher and the taught.
Critical Analysis- This was another method in which knowledge was comprehended. It
was through critical analysis that Sri Ramanuja and Sri Madhvacharya differed from their
teachers on the interpretation of the Brahmasutra composed by Sri Shankara and later
came out with their own interpretation of the Brahmasutra. Madhvacharya even made his
teacher subscribe to his view which shows that gurus were open to new ideas and views
articulated by their students.
Introspection- Sravana (listening), Manana (contemplation) and Nididhyasana
(concentrated contemplation) of the truth so as to realize it was another method to study
Brahma Vidya (Vedanta).
Story telling- The teacher used stories and parables to explain. This was the method
Buddha used to explain his doctrines.
Question and Answer method- In this method the pupils used to ask questions and the
teacher used to discuss at length on the topics and clear their doubts.
Hands-on method- For professional courses including medical science,
students/apprentices used to learn by observation and through practical method.
Seminars- The students also gained knowledge thought debates and discussions which
were held at frequent intervals.

PERIOD OF STUDY

It took 12 years to master one Veda. Hence depending upon the wish of the student to learn as
many subjects, the period of study varied. It was 12 years, 24 years, 36 years or 48 years.

TYPES OF TEACHERS
 Acharya was a type of teacher who taught his pupil Vedas without charging fee from the
pupils.
Upadhyaya was the one who adopted teaching as a profession to earn his livelihood and
taught only a portion of the Veda or Vedangas.
Charakas or wandering scholars toured the country in quest of higher knowledge.
Thought not normally competent as teachers they were regarded as possible source of
knowledge by Satapatha Brahmana.
Guru was the one who used to lead a gruhasta life and earn his livelihood after imparting
education to his disciples and maintain his family.
Yaujanasatika were teachers famous for their profound scholarship that students from
distant places, as far as from a distance of hundreds of miles would come to seek their
guidance.
Sikshaka was a teacher who gave instruction in arts like dancing.

ADVANTAGES
As it was the only system of learning known in India at the time, most of the shishyas
gained their education through this medium.

The shishyas received knowledge in all subjects.

They got a practical and in depth look into life.

Children from all classes of society lived under the Gurukul roof as brothers.

Along with practical knowledge they also received knowledge on various aspects of
life.

They were taught impeccable manners and values that life is based on.

They were taught respect for elders, mothers, fathers and teacher.

The children were taught to live with meager material things and no fancy,
pretentious object.

The Gurukul was a comprehensive learning center.

GURUKUL SYSTEM
Gurukul System is an ancient Indian concept of education, wherein the participants get
knowledge, by residing with his teacher as part of his family.

GURU refers to the Teacher or the master.

ROLE OF GURU
Gu-Invisible, i.e. God, `ru - visible

The scriptures say that

Brahma the creator

Vishnu the preserver
Siva the destroyer

Destroys the effects of bad karma

Eternal relationship

Responsible for attain moksha (liberation)

Preserves the physical, mental and spiritual well-being of the disciple.

Indian culture puts special emphasis on the guru-disciple relationship.

Real guru is one who has attained Self-realization.

If a person sincerely seeks enlightenment,

God sees that he gets a true guru.

Mind remains stable in sorrow

Free from passion, fear and anger

Stable mind

Free from desire, selfishness, egoism `I-ness, attachment and greed.

He is full of pure love, compassion and mercy.

For genuine desire for spiritual progress.