An element of every scripture

“Every great discovery, every timeless scripture, every life-changing decision—has always begun with one thing: a question.”

Right from a young age, when we were in schools and colleges, the format of learning was simple, ask questions and receive answers. At first glance, it might appear ordinary, but in truth, it has always been one of the most powerful methods of learning. Modern educationists and scholars still emphasize the art of questioning, conducting deep research on how the right questions can shape a student’s thinking. What feels like a modern tool of learning is, in fact, an ancient wisdom that has existed for thousands of years. The Vedas, Upanishads, Puranas, Bhagavad Gita, Bible, Torah, and countless other scriptures stand testimony to this eternal format of knowledge, the dialogue of questions and answers. Let us dive into how both modern academicians and ancient scriptures celebrated this timeless method of learning.

•  Use Divergent or Open-Ended Questions

Open-ended questions open the door to creativity. Instead of seeking a simple yes or no, they inspire the answer-giver to think, reflect, and express multiple perspectives. Teachers today encourage such questions—like “What do you think?” or “What could be done differently?”—because they push learners to think critically. Interestingly, such questioning was a hallmark of ancient times too. In the Ramayana, when King Dasharatha decided to crown Lord Rama, he didn’t simply announce his decision. Instead, he asked his citizens questions like, “Why do you think Rama should be king?” and “What qualities make him worthy of the throne?” These open-ended questions reflect not just a wise king’s humility, but also the timeless power of dialogue in shaping decisions.

• Try to Avoid Convergent or Close-Ended Questions

Close-ended questions often confine thought. For example, asking “Do you see the yellow color?” leaves no room for imagination. While such questions have their place, they should be used sparingly. Ancient scriptures also highlight this balance. In the Mahabharata, Guru Drona tested his disciples during archery practice by asking if they could see the bird on the tree. Most gave vague, unfocused answers. But Arjuna’s response stood apart: “I only see the eye of the bird.” His sharp, focused answer was the result of a precise question—and it demonstrated how avoiding restrictive questioning can channel deep concentration and clarity.

• Offer Question Starters

Another effective way to encourage learning is to frame questions with starters like “How could we solve…?” or “What would happen if…?” These invite learners to explore multiple angles of a situation. Ancient dialogues are filled with such questioning techniques. When King Parikshit sought wisdom from Sage Sukadeva Goswami, he often framed his questions with thoughtful starters: “What did Krishna do after slaying the demoness Putana?”, “How did the people of Vrindavan react?”, “Were the cows and calves safe?” Such questions didn’t just invite factual answers—they encouraged the sage to narrate stories from different perspectives, weaving in emotion, context, and philosophy.

•  Accept Every Answer Equally

A true teacher or leader values every response, even when the answers differ. Modern classrooms encourage this so that learners don’t feel judged or dismissed. Ancient scriptures too echo this principle. In the Ramayana, when Lord Rama asked his generals—Sugriva, Jambavan, and Hanuman—whether Vibhishana, Ravana’s brother, should be accepted into their fold, the responses varied. Some advised against it, while Hanuman firmly said yes. Rama listened to them all patiently, respecting each view, before explaining why Vibhishana should indeed be accepted. This moment shows the importance of honoring every answer, for it nurtures inclusivity and wisdom in decision-making.

In essence, the format of questions and answers has always been humanity’s most powerful tool for learning, shaping kingdoms, guiding disciples, and enriching scriptures. Without questions, there would be no Bhagavad Gita, no Mahabharata, no Ramayana because each was born out of dialogue. So the next time someone asks you a question, remember,  it is not just curiosity, it is an age-old key to wisdom, passed down through generations.