NCERT Class 12 Sanskrit Bhaswati: Chapter 1 — अनुशासनम्
This chapter, 'Anushasanam' (Discipline), is compiled from the eleventh anuvaka (Shikshavalli) of the Taittiriya Upanishad, a significant text in Vedic literature. The Upanishads represent the development of Vedic knowledge, with 'Upanishad' meaning 'sitting near a guru'. This section presents a beautiful and direct instruction from the Acharya to the disciple after the completion of their studies. The text emphasizes living a life of discipline and righteousness. Key directives include speaking the truth, not neglecting self-study, honoring the teacher with wealth, continuing the lineage, and never being negligent towards truth, duty, welfare, prosperity, self-study, ancestral rites, or guests. It advises following virtuous actions and emulating good conduct. In cases of doubt, one should follow the example of learned, impartial, and compassionate Brahmins. This is the command, the instruction, the essence of the Vedas, and the discipline to be followed.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 12 |
| Subject | Sanskrit |
| Book | Bhaswati |
| Chapter | Chapter 1 — भास्वती |
| Language | Sanskrit |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 2 minutes |
| Word count | 358 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the significance of the Taittiriya Upanishad in Vedic literature.
- Learn the meaning and importance of 'Anushasanam' (Discipline).
- Identify key ethical and moral directives for a student's life.
- Appreciate the guru-shishya tradition and its teachings.
- Grasp the concept of living a life of truth, duty, and righteousness.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| अनुशासनम् | Discipline; instruction |
| अनूच्य | Having studied |
| अन्तेवासिनम् | Student (one who lives near the teacher) |
| अनुशास्ति | Instructs; advises |
| स्वाध्यायात् | From self-study |
| मा प्रमद: | Do not be negligent |
| आहृत्य | Having brought |
| प्रजातन्तुम् | Lineage of progeny |
| मा व्यवच्छेत्सी: | Do not cut off |
| भूत्यै | For prosperity |
| अनवद्यानि | Blameless; faultless |
| सुचरितानि | Good deeds; virtuous conduct |
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Practice questions
- Where is the chapter 'Anushasanam' compiled from? Answer: The chapter is compiled from the eleventh anuvaka (Shikshavalli) of the Taittiriya Upanishad.
- What does 'Upanishad' mean? Answer: 'Upanishad' means 'sitting near a guru'.
- What are the primary instructions given by the Acharya to the disciple? Answer: The primary instructions include speaking the truth, not neglecting self-study, honoring the teacher, continuing the lineage, and not being negligent towards truth, duty, welfare, prosperity, self-study, rites, or guests.
- How should a student act in case of doubt? Answer: In case of doubt, a student should follow the example of learned, impartial, and compassionate Brahmins.
- What is the ultimate essence of the teachings in this chapter? Answer: The teachings represent the command, instruction, essence of the Vedas, and the discipline to be followed.
Practice MCQs
Q1. The chapter 'Anushasanam' is from which part of the Vedic literature?
Explanation: The chapter is compiled from the Taittiriya Upanishad, specifically the Shikshavalli section.
Q2. What is the literal meaning of 'Upanishad'?
Explanation: 'Upanishad' literally means 'sitting near' (a guru), signifying the transmission of knowledge.
Q3. Which of the following is NOT among the key instructions given to the disciple?
Explanation: The instruction is to honor the teacher with wealth ('Acharyaya priyam dhnam ahṛtya'), not to always seek wealth for oneself.
Q4. The text advises students to be negligent towards which of the following?
Explanation: The text explicitly states 'Satyat na pramaditavyam', 'Dharman na pramaditavyam', and 'Kuśalan na pramaditavyam', meaning one should not be negligent towards truth, duty, or welfare.
Q5. In case of doubt, whom should a student emulate?
Explanation: The text advises following the example of Brahmins who are thoughtful, engaged, impartial, and compassionate.
Q6. What does 'Prajatantu' refer to in the context of the chapter?
Explanation: 'Prajatantu' refers to the continuation of the family line or progeny.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main theme of the NCERT Class 12 Sanskrit chapter 'Anushasanam'?
The main theme is discipline and ethical conduct, derived from the Taittiriya Upanishad, guiding students on how to live a righteous life.
From which Upanishad is the chapter 'Anushasanam' taken?
The chapter is compiled from the eleventh anuvaka (Shikshavalli) of the Taittiriya Upanishad.
What does the chapter emphasize regarding truth and duty?
It strongly emphasizes that one should never be negligent towards truth ('Satyat na pramaditavyam') and duty ('Dharman na pramaditavyam').
What advice is given for students facing dilemmas or doubts?
Students are advised to follow the conduct of learned, impartial, and compassionate Brahmins in situations of doubt.
What is the significance of 'Swadhyaya' mentioned in the chapter?
'Swadhyaya' means self-study, and the chapter stresses that students should not be negligent towards it.
What are the core values taught in 'Anushasanam'?
The core values include truthfulness, adherence to duty, pursuit of welfare, respect for elders and guests, and continuous learning.
Related resources
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Topics covered
NCERT Class 12 Sanskrit — Bhaswati — Chapter 1 — भास्वती. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 10 Aug 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.