True education is that which is suffused with truth and love. Without truth, love is ineffective and devoid of value. Secular education is for making a living, whereas spiritual education is for reaching the goal of life.

From the Divine Discourse studied at the Conference

Sri Sathya Sai Ideal Education Conference was held in Prasanthi Nilayam from 6-8 July 2014. The overarching objective of the Conference was to receive input from members of Institutes of Sri Sathya Sai Education and Sri Sathya Sai Schools on challenges to further strengthening the institutions and programs, and develop roadmaps to bridge gaps and meet the challenges. Two hundred and eighty-four teachers from over 55 countries, representing 28 Institutes of Sri Sathya Sai Education and 40 Sri Sathya Sai Schools came together to participate in this landmark conference organized by the Education Committee of the Sri Sathya Sai World Foundation.

The summary report of the conference gives testament to the underlying spirituality of Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s education philosophy. Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s vision of education is based on awakening the latent Divinity within. Only this leads to realising the full human potential with Divine attributes which manifest as harmony of thought, word and deed. Practice of Human Values underlies transformation. Thus, one of the primary purposes of education should be to equip students with a deep understanding of Human Values through the deliberate construction of educational experiences that include an induction into a “mind and heart culture” that will manifest as human excellence and good character.

Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s vision of education is based on awareness that the end of education is character. This vital objective of education is realized through integration of Human Values into all aspects of education. This gives a ‘soft tender heart,’ and good social, communication and thinking skills. It also fosters greater introspection, improves behavior, and leads to higher achievements and transformation. Individual transformation of students is the basis of world transformation.

Conference Documents: