Education for Liberation Education means to "remould" the mind. It means the development of the child's potentiality in all 3 spheres of existence - physical, psychic and spiritual. "We should remember that morality, spirituality, and a happy blending of occidental extroversial science and oriental introversial philosophy is the very foundation of our education" - Prabhat Rainjan Sarkar General Principles 1. Based on the concept of Universalism * all people are children of the one God * there is a unity in all creation * cultivation of love for God means for the entire creation (human beings, animals and plants) * there should be no discrimination on the basis of race, religion, nationality, etc * a curriculum is to be global in perspective and regional in application 2. Holistic approach * the human personality is multifaceted * development of the child's potentiality should be on all levels of existence - physical, psychic and spiritual 3. Morality and ethical values are stressed * development of moral integrity is vital to the well-being of the individual and society as a whole 4. Education must awaken a thirst for knowledge in the child's mind * when learning is joyful, children learn rapidly and thoroughly * younger children learn through the play-way method; including play, stories and songs * older children learn through experiential projects and problem-solving exercises 5. Emphasis is given to applied skills, in addition to theoretical knowledge 6. All teaching must be based on factuality * free from the influence of political or other propaganda 7. All qualities of mind are to be developed * discipline, self-reliance, initiative * rationality, creative intellect, awakened conscience * self-knowledge 8. Culture, language and heritage * children are encouraged to learn and preserve their local culture and language * at the same time they become familiarised with the multicultural world environment * the native culture is maintained in the midst of globalization 9. Development of an expanded social consciousness * starts with self-confidence and esteem * leads to a sense of responsibility * towards social justice, security and peace 10. Benevolent outlook and social service * inculcation of the spirit of selfless service to others * service to humanity is service to God * for the welfare and happiness of all Basics of a Neo-humanistic Curriculum 1. Morality is of fundamental importance, and includes the development of moral principles such as: * integrity of character * trustworthiness * benevolent outlook * simplicity of life * magnanimity of mind 2. Languages * the child's mother tongue is its most precious means of expression * the use of mother tongue is encouraged * the lingua franca of the world, in addition to other useful languages, is to be taught 3. Development of arts, science and technology * art should be for the inspiration and upliftment of humanity (not just "art for art's sake") * science and technology are beneficial to humanity if used properly * children are encouraged to develop their latent skills and aptitude in all these fields 4. Aesthetics and creativity * children should not only learn established facts and methods * children should also develop a sense of aesthetics and creative expression * creativity of thought allows for the development of new ideas and techniques, beneficial for individual and social progress 5. Physical education and practical life skills * to equip the child with the skills needed to deal with the physical world * physical education includes sensory/motor development through sports, exercise and yoga asanas (postures) * practical life skills include health and hygiene, cooking, gardening, self-defense and survival training 6. Sense of human history and society * history is not only inspiring, but gives valuable lessons in human nature and psychology * social studies gives an awareness of social problems and equips the child with the skills needed to deal with these problems * children should feel inspired to work for social justice and upliftment 7. Natural history and ecology * ecologically sound principles are to be explored from an early age * cultivation of sense of love for nature * ecological awareness and care for the environment 8. Intuition and wisdom * children are to be instilled with a sense of positivity and optimism * this leads to a natural curiosity about the wonder of the universe * a basis is built for the contemplation of our relationship with God, others and the universe as a whole * the child gradually gains the ability to realise its purpose in life and act upon it --- NEO-HUMANIST EDUCATION Developing the Mind's Full Potential The average human being uses only 5% of his or her actual mental capability. In progressive schools children are trained in intuitional science to develop their higher mental potential and utilize it for the welfare of society. The regular practice of meditation reduces anxiety and fear, and increases memory power, mental alertness, and care and concern for others. As their minds expand, the children develop a universal outlook free from all discrimination or narrowness; they come to embrace all people, regardless of race, religion, colour, creed or sex, as members of one human society. This growing concern for others also extends to plants and animals, as the children realise the interrelatedness of all creatures. Through gardening, nature studies and care for animals, a true ecological consciousness awakens in them which guides them to protect and nourish their environment all their lives. EDUCATION The character-building values which are imparted to the children are expressed in the word EDUCATION: E - ENLARGEMENT of mind D - DESMEP: Discipline, Etiquette, Smartness, Morality, English, Pronunciation U - UNIVERSAL Outlook C - CHARACTER A - ACTIVE Habits T - TRUSTWORTHINESS I - IDEATION Of the Great O - OMNISCIENT Grace N - NICE Temperament Sa vidya Ya Vimuktaye: " Education is that which liberates." "The real meaning of education is trilateral development - simultaneous development in the physical, mental and spiritual realms of human existence. This development should enhance the integration of the human personality. By this, dormant human potentialities will be awakened and put to proper use. Educated are those who have learnt much, remembered much and made use of their learning in practical life." - P.R.Sarkar The Ananda Marga Education system that oversees everything related to schools and education is called GURUKULA. The Gurukula system of education is the oldest on our planet, tracing its roots back to the times of the earliest Upanishads which were composed within its secluded grounds. Dedicated to the highest ideals of all-round human development - physical, mental and spiritual - Gurukuls were based on the knowledge that true education can best be imparted in communion with the beauty and inspiration of nature. Here, in the bosom of the Indian wilderness, great sages and teachers would live together with their students, sharing their lives and their examples, as well as their knowledge, guiding their students on the path of integrated development of body, mind and spirit. It is a combination of the benefits of the Gurukula education system of ancient times with the modern and visionary ideas of Shrii P.R. Sarkar. Blending the synthetic wisdom of the Orient and the analytic rigour of the Occident. Such educational institutions around the world can build moralist-intellectuals who are spiritual revolutionaries in order to build a peaceful and healthy human society. Gurukula extends across all educational experiences and includes within it preschool education, primary and secondary schooling as well as a variety of university campuses. World wide these are known as institutions of Neo-Humanist Education. This is "Education for Liberation" - not just the teaching of facts which will soon be forgotten, but freeing the children from personal and social bondages which hinder their progress, and helping them forward on the path of self-knowledge.