Educational Research and Reviews (ERR) is an open access journal that publishes research and review papers in all areas of education including policies and management. Papers are published in ERR after a peer-review.
The November 2009 issue of ERR includes a review article by Ms. Priya Kumari, titled Strands of Constructivism in the Bhagavad Gita. Ms. Priya teaches at the Amrita School of Education (ASED) in Mysore.
“Learning is a process wherein an individual constructs his or her own meaning through cognitive processes,” the paper abstract states. “…Constructivist approach highlights the active role of the learner …”
“Knowledge must be experienced, and the experience should be reflected upon, to internalize that knowledge. Through direct experience, one can acquire essential knowledge.”
The abstract further quotes from the Bhagavad Gita. Ekam sankhyam cha yogam cha, yah pashyati sa pashyati (5.5) “One who sees sankhyam (jnana) and yoga (karma) as one, truly sees.”
Ms. Priya’s review paper is a noteworthy attempt to examine the ancient text Bhagavad Gita, for parallels to modern learning theories. In recent times, several scholars have mined scriptural texts to apply their timeless wisdom to modern settings.
The review paper concludes with a section titled Beyond Constructivism. In this, the author quotes from the Bhagavad Gita again. Sraddhavan labhate jnanam … Jnanam labdhva param shantimachirenaadhigacchati (4.39)
“If you have faith (sraddha), you will attain knowledge (jnanam). When you get this jnanam, in no distant time, you will achieve supreme peace. The aspirant must direct his power of concentration towards the attainment of tranquility and then to self-realization.”
Sraddhavan labhate jnanam, these words are also part of Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham’s logo. The earnest aspirant gains supreme wisdom, the Amrita fraternity firmly subscribes to this belief.
The abstract finally states, “In this paper, the author has made an attempt to bring out the glimpses of the process of knowledge construction, mutual learning and the facilitation of knowledge construction in the Gita. An attempt is made in going beyond constructivism as reflected in the Gita.”
Dec 4, 2009
School of Education, Mysore
