Spirituality & Indian Ethos
“Self-awareness and pursuit of values unleash the creative potential of an individual bringing them closer to themselves"
The goal of education is not to create a generation only capable of understanding the language of machines. A basic premise of holistic education is the belief that our lives have a meaning and purpose greater than the mechanistic laws described by science, and greater than the ‘consensus consciousness’ of any one culture. It is important to create a balance between the external and the internal, the body and the soul. Hence spiritual understanding and material knowledge both go hand in hand. The Taittriya Upanishad explains the concept of Pancha Kosha where it is believed that the individual spirit (Atman) operates through five bodies namely - Annamaya Kosha – The Food Sheath, Pranamaya Kosha – The Vital Sheath, Manomaya Kosha – The Mental Sheath, Vijnanamaya Kosha – The Intellectual Sheath, and Anandamaya Kosha – The Bliss Sheath. The Pancha kosha philosophy helps you to understand who you are. With this knowledge, you can transcend the grosser layers of your being, tuning into the subtle aspects of your personality, refining your behavior, and ultimately gaining knowledge of your true self.
Little attempt has been made by educational institutions to incorporate spirituality into their curriculum. At SOIL, we consider spirituality as symptomatic of a child’s development. The entire teaching curriculum has been designed and curated with Pancha Kosha being the core influence. Our teachers and leaders are committed to understand and permeate the spiritual dimensions of education in their respective teaching methodology.
With great focus on Leadership skills and its impact on student development both inwards and outwards which further result in shaping leaders of consequence, Soil offers unique practices which enable students to find their own “purpose and calling”, “discover their gifts” and learn how to transcend their fears so as to leverage their strengths to overcome their “development areas.” We list down some of the spirituality practices followed at SOIL in pursuit of creating Inspired Leaders:
The first semester at SOIL enables every student to go through a module on Self Leadership wherein they undergo experiential transformation journeys by drawing out Life maps with clearly defined goals. This helps them to learn to be led by their “spiritual selves” so as to lead a life of happiness and wellbeing.
The practice of the morning circle
A daily ritual at Soil, the morning circle is a distinct feature where students spend the first 20 minutes of the day sharing positive stories and invoking one’s higher purpose. Starting with a prayer and further practicing skills such as mutual respect, empathy, self-discipline, problem-solving, effective communication, this unique feature of Soil is one of a kind.
Yoga & Wellness
At Soil, Yoga, Wellness & Spirituality is an integral part of the program and is interwoven into the everyday experience of a Soil student. Susie Roy, a BSc. Hon. Dietetics from the University of Stellenbosch, South Africa and a Diploma in Hospital Dietetics from the University of Iowa Hospitals, Iowa City teaches a curated course on yoga and wellness. Basic postures, breathing and relaxation techniques form the core of her teaching of Yoga practice.
Learning mindfulness through Theatre
A 5-day mandatory theatre program with Lushin Dubey and Amrita Laljee – eminent names of the theatre industry. Powerful stimulations and roleplays enable students to understand the essential skills in drama. This workshop enables to make each student experience a magnified self-awareness through physical, verbal and psychological self-expression.
Social Innovation Project
A team of students work closely with an organization dedicated towards community development. We have partnered with various NGOs and the students spend one day every week working with them.
Soil is a journey that prepares you for a lifetime of learning and leadership excellence with a great emphasis on five core values which are called the ‘pillars of inspired leadership.’ The ABCDE of SOIL culture are: Awareness, Balance, Compassion, Diversity and Ethics.
“We stand as one family, bound to each other with love and respect. We serve as an army, courageous and disciplined, ever ready to fight against all low tendencies and false values, within and without us. We live honestly the noble life of sacrifice and service, producing more than what we consume "
- Chinmaya Mission Pledge
This pledge conveys the very essence of the scriptures and in simple words tells us the goal of life and how to live it. Chinmaya Mission follows the Vedic teacher-student tradition (guru-