COURSE 2 MODULE 1

COURSE 2 MODULE 1

Course 2, Module 1 of the Sathya Sai Education in Human Values training programme focusses on philosophical understanding and practical applications in various life areas, such as personal, family, school, and workplace settings. During the closing session the various trainers offered a summary of their inspiring and uplifting interventions., shared with the participants over the months.Let’s remember the philosophical foundation of the programme, which implies Sathya Sai's concept of education as drawing out Goodness from within the child. Goodness can also be defined as one’s inherent divinity, meaning the highest and most noble expression of oneself, and is indeed the essence of the Human Being.

Human Values in Family and Society

Vera discussed the importance of human values in building healthy families and societies, emphasizing the need to educate parents and promote peace and harmony within families. She explained the five human values - Truth, Right Conduct, Peace, Love and Nonviolence, and their role in creating a spiritual and supportive family environment. Raksha shared how these values are applied in schools through various teaching methods and activities, highlighting their transformative impact on both children and educators. Esthercris concluded by discussing the application of human values in the workplace, focusing on how organizations can incorporate these principles to foster a positive and values-driven work environment.

Leadership and Human Values

Esthercris discussed the broad definition of business as any activity involving giving and receiving, emphasizing the importance of man-management and self-knowledge in leadership. She highlighted the need to recognize the divine consciousness in others, especially in challenging situations, and stressed the importance of understanding where individuals are in their personal development to effectively lead and inspire them. The discussion also covered how human values, centered around love, can guide interactions within organizations, with examples of how these values manifest in practical aspects like emotional intelligence and teamwork.

Understanding the Five Layers of the True Self

Esthercris explained the theory of creation, focusing on the five elements and their attributes perceived through the five senses, which together form the Annamayakosha, the physical body. She emphasized the importance of maintaining the body as a sacred temple by keeping the senses open only to divine experiences. Esthercris also discussed the Pranamayakosha, the life force layer, highlighting the five vital energies that regulate various bodily functions, from respiration to elimination, and their role in bridging the gross and subtle aspects of being.

Mind's Path to Spiritual Growth

George explained the concept of the mind in the context of the Manomaya Kosha, illustrating it with the analogy of the Vedas and their teachings. He emphasized the importance of focusing on sacred ideals like truth and righteousness to purify the mind and discover deeper layers of the true self. George also discussed the distinction between the mind and wisdom, highlighting the need to cultivate wisdom and intuition to achieve spiritual growth and happiness.

Moral Development Theories Overview

Vassiliki presented a summary of a previous talk on moral development, focusing on the theories of Jean Piaget and Lawrence Kohlberg. She explained Kohlberg's research methods and the three levels of moral development: pre-conventional, conventional, and post-conventional. Vassiliki discussed the Heinz dilemma, a hypothetical scenario used by Kohlberg to study moral reasoning, and the group's discussion on whether Heinz should steal the drug to save his wife. The majority of the group decided that if they were the judge, they would find Heinz guilty but not heavily so, as he would have to face the consequences of his actions.

Creative Techniques for Values Education

Vera presented on compatible teaching techniques for human values education, emphasizing the integration of head, heart, and hands through creative thinking. She discussed five main techniques: brainstorming, mind mapping, experiential learning, lateral thinking, and the six thinking hats method, all designed to help students go beyond established patterns and reach deeper levels of understanding. Vera stressed that while these techniques are dynamic and fun, their ultimate purpose is to activate and embody human values, making them a real part of students' lives rather than just theoretical concepts.

Programme Impact and Future Planning

The conversation ended the first cycle of presentations corresponding to Course 1, Module 1 of the SSEHV prorgamme. The participants expressed gratitude for the programme's impact on personal and team development. George shared plans for an in-person meeting in Greece in October, which will mark the start of the next academic year. Esthercris explained that Module 2 will cover topics like lesson plans, classroom management, and leadership skills. The team expressed appreciation for each other's contributions, with George highlighting the collaborative effort behind the programme's success.