The Indian Knowledge System
School for little gods!
What is IKS?
Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) is a treasure trove of ancient wisdom that has been cultivated in India over thousands of years. It encompasses a vast range of knowledge, including philosophy, science, art, literature, ethics, and more. This unique system is characterized by its interconnectedness. The fact that Indic Knowledge Systems view the world as a complex web where everything is deeply interdependent and interconnected is revolutionary.
IKS draws wisdom and life hacks from ancient scriptures like the Vedas and the Upanishads, offering insights into life, philosophy, and spirituality. The Bhagavad Gita provides practical life lessons, while the Natyashastra encourages creativity through the performing arts. The Nyaya Sutras teach logic and reasoning, Ayurveda promotes holistic well-being, and the Yoga Sutras focus on mindfulness. Epics and stories like the Ramayana and Mahabharata convey life's conundrums and case studies of how each hero-heroine archetype made choices, imparting moral lessons and ethical understanding. The philosophical works by scholars enrich our understanding. At VEY, your child will explore these sources through Bharath's cultural stories and civilizational history, engaging in activities and practicing her traditions. All this fosters a well-rounded and culturally enriched educational foundation, providing not only academic knowledge but also life skills and a deeper understanding of the world.
What is the purpose of learning or education?
As parents, we all share a profound desire to provide the best possible foundation for our children's futures. Education isn't merely about acquiring knowledge or skills; it's a sacred journey of self-discovery and holistic growth. It's about nurturing the authenticity and innate potential within our children, helping them understand the deeper dimensions of life, and cultivating qualities like Dharma, wisdom, compassion, and inner peace.
Education ought to impart not just information but also the profound civilizational values and existential truths that will serve as guiding stars throughout their lives.
As we embark on this educational journey with our little ones, let us remember that it's not just about preparing them for a future career but for a life filled with purpose, meaning, and a deep connection to their cultural heritage. In this way, we can ensure that our children grow into resilient, compassionate individuals who are not only successful but also deeply content and fulfilled on their life's path. The quality of their life on Earth is determined by the values they hold, and our cultural heritage bestows these values.
Why IKS?
We are not human beings having a spiritual experience; we are spiritual beings having a human experience." - Pierre Teilhard de Chardin.
In today's rapid technological progress, our education often overlooks nurturing children's inner life and mental well-being, which is vital for unlocking their true potential and upholding fairness and inner harmony. This oversight can lead to conflicts, confusion, and stress. Indian Knowledge Systems offer timeless wisdom that enriches cognitive and emotional growth, sparks authenticity, creativity, imparts values, and promotes existential well-being. Rooted in our millennia-long heritage, this wisdom recognizes that learning extends beyond facts, anchoring us in a larger reality that encompasses God, Brahman, Isvara, Prakrti, or Mother Nature. This knowledge, honed over centuries, is seamlessly woven into our rich culture through stories, arts, music, dance, martial arts, cuisine, and aesthetics, guiding us toward holistic growth and global responsibility.
By integrating Indian Knowledge Systems into our preschool curriculum, we embark on a transformative journey with our young learners. The plan is to create an ecosystem that is fertile for cultivating the next generation of visionaries and leaders. This approach caters to the multifaceted development of children, enriching their cognitive growth while nurturing emotional intelligence, ethical values, physical well-being, and social skills. The result is a solid foundation for lifelong learning and holistic development, producing individuals who not only excel academically but also become meaningful contributors to society and the world.
Moreover, our curriculum not only equips children with essential life skills but also nurtures a strong connection to their cultural heritage. It instills a profound sense of identity and belonging, enabling them to appreciate their roots while growing to become global citizens, embracing a broader understanding of their role in the world.
IKS at VEY - How?
Panca-Kosha Learning - Nurturing the Five Layers of Being:
Imagine your child starting each day with a moment of serenity, like a budding Yogi!
Our Pancha Koshas approach makes this a reality. We recognize that today's children face the challenge of growing up in a fast-paced world, often disconnected from their inner selves. We guide children to explore and understand these layers—Annamaya (physical), Pranamaya (vital), Manomaya (mental), Vijnanamaya (intellectual), and Anandamaya (blissful).
Each day begins with child-friendly Yoga Asanas and Pranayama exercises to explore breath and bodily sensations. Arts and Crafts activities enable creative expression, while storytelling helps children understand their inner world through the Koshas. Outdoor play connects them to the physical and vital layers, and group activities foster a sense of community, nurturing the mental and intellectual layers.
Multi-age class-room:
“One fourth comes from the teacher, one fourth from one's own intelligence,
One fourth comes from peers, and last fourth comes with time.”
~ Mahabharata
At VEY, we are incorporating multi-age classrooms to embody the timeless wisdom echoed in the Mahabharata's insightful verse. Just as the verse suggests, one-fourth of a child's learning journey comes from their teachers, and in a multi-age classroom, this teaching extends beyond conventional age boundaries. Older peers, comprising another one-fourth, become valuable mentors and role models, imparting not only knowledge but also important social and emotional skills. The remaining one-fourth emerges from interactions with same-age peers, fostering collaboration and cooperation. Lastly, time itself plays a crucial role, allowing children to progress naturally at their own pace. Multi-age classrooms create a holistic learning environment, aligning with the Mahabharata's wisdom, where children benefit from a comprehensive education that encompasses academic growth, social development, and the passage of time as a natural learning companion.
Pancha Rina - Embracing Life's Debts:
In a materialistic world, it's easy to forget the concept of Pancha Rina—the five debts we owe in life. Our curriculum incorporates this teaching by instilling a sense of gratitude and responsibility in our students. Daily activities include acts of kindness, caring for the environment, and acknowledging the debts we owe to our ancestors, teachers, society, nature, and the divine. Through these practices, children learn the value of giving back and living a purposeful life.
Pancha Mahabhuta - Connecting with the Five Elements:
The challenges of today's world often lead to a disconnection from nature. We address this by immersing our students in the wisdom of Pancha Mahabhuta—the five elements of earth, water, fire, air, and ether. Daily outdoor activities, nature walks, and gardening sessions enable children to experience these elements firsthand. By understanding their connection to the natural world, our students develop a deep sense of respect for the environment and learn to live in harmony with it.
Ritam-Satyam-Dharma - Embodying Truth and Righteousness:
In a world where ethical values can sometimes be overshadowed, our curriculum places a strong emphasis on Ritam (cosmic order), Satyam (truth), and Dharma (righteousness). Daily discussions and activities revolve around these principles, encouraging children to make ethical choices in their daily lives. Through storytelling and role-playing, they learn the importance of integrity, empathy, and living in harmony with others. The premise of Dharma is to do unto others what you want done to you, and it is not an indoctrination of rules or regulations.