The Oriental Method: In our own country, the system of education followed in the past was a training ground for life. A student chose his master and lived his everyday life under his master's watchful eye and imbibed the spirit of his guru. This was the case, not merely with spiritual training, but, in every walk of life. Any attempt to educate the masses must include inculcation of true standards of financial, social and economic value above all things.

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Varied aspects of life: Man is a complex being; we cannot divide him up into watertight compartments and develop him in stages. Education, which attends only to the intellectual development leaving aside the physical, moral and spiritual aspects, is directed towards the production of monstrous cities. If our aim is a true education we have to attend to all faculties at one and the same time. We have to develop a person physically, socially, mentally and spiritually. He has to learn an occupation, he has to learn how to live as a member of community, and he has to know how to evaluate man and matters. Unless all these are attempted we can have no education worth the name.

It is much better for the school to function under the eyes of its community. The school should be the centre of culture and the point of contact with the outside world.

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Panchakosha Education system

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Education means holistic development of the person. Development of physical, mental, emotional, intellectual and spiritual dimensions of the person. This can be seen as the development of the 5 koshas called as Panchakosatmikavikas, as explained below.

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Annamayakosha

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aharashuddausattvashuddhih, sattvashuddaudruvasmrutih, smrutilambesarvagrathinaam, vipramokshah

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By eating pure food one’s very existence becomes purified; by purification of existence finer tissues in the memory become sanctified, and when memory is sanctified one can think of higher values of life.     

                                                                           -Chandogya Upanishad (VII 26,2)

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This is the holistic development of the physical body i.e., internal organs and gross senses.

Organs:

The blood circulatory system, respiratory system, digestive system, excretory system, nervous system takes some time to blossom and needs proper care and nourishment.

​Sense organs:

•           Eyes / Vision: Ability to see near and distant objects clearly.

•           Ears / Hearing: Ability to distinctly hear sounds, and identify the direction.

•           Nose / Smell : Ability to smell various fragrances distinctively.

•           Tongue / Taste : Ability to recognize the various tastes.

•           Skin: Ability to feel warmth and cold.

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Annamaya consciousness is taking everything comes, by mouth, ears, eyes. At young age they do not have discrimination. Thus they should be exposed to only pure things.

 

Therefore for all these above a proper growth environment, care and nourishment is needed. The main factors would be:

1.     Food : āyuḥ-sattva-balārogya-sukha-prīti-vivardhanāḥrasyāḥsnigdhāḥsthirāhṛdyāāhārāḥsāttvika-priyāḥ

Foods dear to those in the mode of goodness increase the duration of life, purify one’s existence and give strength, health, happiness and satisfaction. Such foods are juicy, fatty, wholesome, and pleasing to the heart. – BG 17.8

Exposing them to six tastes via Madhura (sweet), Amla (sour), Lavana (salty), katu (pungent), Tikta (bitter), and Kasaya (astringent).

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2.     Health & Hygiene: Avoiding antibiotics, which deprives the immune and normal hormonal growth of the child. Using ayurvedic or homeopathic medicines as they heal from inside and does not harm in long term. Regular intake of Go-ark. Good Hygiene practices like regular bathing and cleaning.Giving them right care based on their body composition ( vatt, pitt, kaff).

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3.     Environment: Pollution free (air & sound) natural environment. Good exposure to sunlight and clear distinction of day and night. Less exposure to artificial  lighting at night. Singing or playing devotional music for spiritual vibrations.

 

4.     Lifestyle: Sleep with sun and wake up with Sun. 8-10 hrs of night sleep. Avoiding late night programs. Free play which is physically enriching.

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Goal is for the proper development of the child's physical body, which is  strong, flexible and has good stamina.

 

Indications of  development of good Annamayakosha

Age appropriate growth of weight, height and hair.Rarely falling sick.Fasting on regular basis.

Drinking sufficient water, chewing and eating properly. Not having allergy or aversion to healthy diet.

Keeping body clean and hygiene by regular bathing and oiling.Combing, clean clothes.

Good stamina. Walking even without footwear, long distances, cycling, swimming, trekking, running, lifting weights and carry them and work for long hours.

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Pranamayakosha

 

Prana means life. This is the vital shell that is full of life. This can be perceived as the aura around a person. This kosha is not physical but more subtle. There are five vital life airs which keeps the body alive.

            

         1. Prana - Enters the body through the breath and is sent to every cell through the circulatory system (heart                              beat). Sensation of life.

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          2. Apana - Eliminates waste products from the body through the lungs and excretory systems.

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          3. Udana - Sound production through the vocal apparatus, as in speaking, singing, laughing, and crying.

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          4. Samana -The digestion of food and cell metabolism (i.e. the repair and manufacture of new cells and                                        growth).Samana also includes the heat regulating processes of the body. 

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          5. Vyana - The energy that diffuses throughout the body (i.e. circulation). The expansion and contraction                                     processes of the body, e.g. the voluntary muscular system.

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Balancing the above 5 life airs helps in proper functioning of the body. The three dosas of ayurveda (vatt,pitt&kaff) are also effect of this kosha. Regulating activities, endeavoring for a specific task are functions of this kosha. 

Pranamayakosha can be developed with Asana’s and pranayama.The 7 energy chakras are supported by this kosha.

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Indications for development of good Pranamayakosha:

• Expressing life spirit (tejas), smile, peacefulness, attention and focus.

• Mastering over several yoga asans, agility in performing them for longer durations.Breath control and meditation.

• Ability to observe one’s digestion and excretion, regulate them.

• Memorize verses, clear pronunciation, good singing, sweetness in voice, group singing and playing instruments.

• Ability to describe events, facial expressions, able to raise and lower voice while speaking and laughing freely.

• Good handwriting, drawing, painting, dexterity in handwork.

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Manomayakosha

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The 5 gross senses and mind together constitute the manomayakosha. These 6 connect the person with the external world. Feelings of attraction & repulsion are the causal effects of this manomayakosha. The three gunas namely Satva, Rajas and Tamas keeping influencing the manomayakosha.

By narrating stories from Puranas and history, by giving examples of devotion of saints, courage of warriors, sacrifices of freedom-fighters, dedication of social workers, their interest, emotions and love should be evoked. Inspire them about such higher principles and help them to contemplate on such thoughts. 

By exposing them to Literature, prose, poetry, arts and crafts, their inherent emotions of wish, wonder, surprise, respect, love and appreciation for beauty should be aroused.

By taking them to various historical and interesting places, help them to understand, relate and respect the feelings of those people.Help them expand their relationship beyond family to community, to society and finally to humanity at large.

In essence, manomayakosha helps in character building.

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Indications for development of good manomayakosha:
Temperance (sayyam), Focus, concentration, Friendship, respect, devotion, striving for higher values and principles in life. Desiring for succeeding in one interested field, respecting the weak, disabled, old and poor.

Having concern for family, society and nature.

Freely expressing feelings and decisions.

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Vignanamayakosha

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--शुश्रूषाश्रवणं चैवग्रहणंधारणंतथा I   ऊहापोहोर्थविज्ञानंतत्वज्ञानंचधीगुणाः II 

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shushrooshaashravanam chaivagrahanamdhaaranamtathaa oohaapohorthavijnaanamt atvajnaanam cha dheegunaah

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Desire to listen and learn, patience, understanding, memorizing, raising doubts, clarifying doubts, getting the principle (marm), and seeing divinity in it. These are the eight facets of intelligence. The first three are accomplished by external effort, the later five are accomplished by reflection, contemplation and realization (nidhidyas).

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Vignanamayakosha helps in understanding the difference between temporary and permanent. The discriminating power and endeavoring for the permanence is the work of Vignanamayakosha. This brings one out of illusion.

Now through stories from Puranas and History the students understands the virtues and vices, discriminating between correct and incorrect and enhance their wisdom.

Motivate the children to use their own intelligence, imagination, meet people, collect information, research in library and make their own conclusions.

Indications for development of good Vignanamayakosha:
Observing interconnectedness and interdependence of the things around, contemplation, analysis, determining, conclusion, understanding doership, connecting old and new thoughts.

Capability to analyze and synthesize scientific, economics, philosophic principles and foster an integrated vision.

Understanding the meaning of same words in different contexts, understanding others writings or different scriptures from different point of view. Having good team spirit and Participating in Debates (Prakalp).

Ability to read between lines, see others intentions in their words and behavior.

Excellent decision making and discrimination skills to choose correct against convenient.

Increased powers of logic and reasoning which include:

   1. Analysis- dividing the subject matter into sub-components and distinguishing the various aspects of it.

   2. Synthesis - the opposite of analysis, putting together the various parts.

   3. Classification & organization - of the material in suitable group.

   4. Comparison - b/w various subjects or objects of thought and their qualities

   5. Appreciation - of the relationship of cause and effect.

   6. Recognition - of the scope of sense-knowledge and also sense-illusions.

   7. Power of judgment - the weighing of uncertainties, reaching conclusions and wisdom.

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Anandamayakosha

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--अथातोब्रह्मजिज्ञासा

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Now one should inquire about Brahman - The absolute truth, the transcendental, spiritual nature - Vedanta-sutra (1.1.1)

The Spiritual impulse, who am I and who is God.Reflection of self and divinity.Absorption in such thoughts.

Deriving bliss from within. Realizing that real happiness comes  through conscious things.

Creativity, vision, revelation, agony & ecstasy and bliss are different aspects of anandamayakosha.

Seeking the higher truth and having firm faith in self and divine.

Having a goal and purpose for one’s existence.Enduring for life, not just for making a living.

By constant practice of chanting and meditation this kosha can be developed.

 

Indications for development of good Anandamayakosha:

Developing deep respect, reverence and love for great personalities and trying to emulate them.

Respectful, un-expecting and humble dealings with everyone, even there are differences in opinions.

Feelings of sensitivity and gratitude towards mother nature, humanity around, ancestors and finally towards God.

Dedication towards the welfare of family, society and nature.Selflessly serving in social activities and temples.