Educational Wing
Bal Vikas (Blossoming of Human Excellence) was launched in India in 1969 by Sri Sathya Sai Baba, as the “primary basis of the great movement to restore the practice of Dharma (Righteousness) in the world”. “The ideal of the Bal Vikas is raising generations of children who have a clean and clear conscience.” Sathya Sai Speaks, Vol 14. Disc. 3 - 6 June 1978
The programme was re-named as Sai Spiritual Education in countries outside of India. It is a spiritual and moral Education Programme run by the Education Wing of the Sri Sathya Sai International Organisation in its Sri Sathya Sai Centres worldwide. The programme was adapted to suit the cultures and laws of the various countries.
In the United Kingdom Bal Vikas was started in 1974 on Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s instructions at the Sri Sathya Sai Centre Pinner. Dedicated teachers undergo training programmes such as the Foundation, and advanced topics such as ‘Know Thy Self’.
It is a programme for children (4 to 17 years) of all faiths to enable them to manifest their own Inner Divinity.
The programme is designed to develop and promote the Human Values of Sathya (Truth), Dharma (Right Conduct), Shanthi (Peace), Prema (Love) and Ahimsa (Non-violence).
“The love that arises from the heart when expressed in words is Sathya (Truth). The same love when expressed in action is called Dharma (Right Conduct). When this love is contemplated upon, the mind attains Shanthi (Peace). When we enquire and understand this process, we have Ahimsa (Non-violence).”
Sathya Sai Speaks, Vol 1, Disc. 16 - 9 September 1958
The programme includes the following five Teaching Techniques:
| Technique | Sai Sathya Sai says: |
|---|---|
| Prayers |
Prayer is the means of awakening an awareness of the eternal Divine within one. — Sathya Sai Speaks, Vol 29, Disc. 34 (17 August 1996) |
| Meditation |
Meditation on Light - the progression is from restlessness to tranquillity and from tranquillity to Divine Effulgence. — Sri Sathya Sai Baba: Summer Showers 1979, Disc. 15 (May 1979) |
| Group Devotional Singing |
“Singing this intense yearning for God purifies the mind and the atmosphere.” — Sri Sathya Sai Baba |
| Story Telling |
“Fine moral stories will impress on the children, silently and spontaneously the values of restraint and of love in dealing with nature and life.” — Sathya Sai Speaks, Vol 11, Disc. 2 (January 1971) |
| Group Activities |
“Let the children pursue positive tasks and the negative attitudes will disappear.” — Sathya Sai Speaks, Vol 11, Disc. 2 (January 1971) |
“Pupils must know the secret of a happy life and of happy cooperation with other members of the community. There are duties to oneself, one’s family, and one’s society, which must be carried out intelligently and joyfully. Then only can life be harmonious and fruitful.”
“Spiritual education must start early in life. The lessons learnt during those early years stay in the memory and act subtly and silently on the growing mind to modify and purify the conduct of later years.”
Sathya Sai Speaks, Vol 12, Disc. 22 - 3 January 1974
“Character is the most important life principle to be imbibed.”
Examples of topics covered:
“Select stories from the scriptures of all faiths to interest the children
in the values of good life. Speak to them of the moral heroes of all
lands, the Saints of all faiths.”
Sathya Sai Speaks, Vol 12, Disc. 22 - 4 January 1974
For 6/7 years
Everything has its value
Honesty
For 9/10 years
Self-effort
Forgiveness
For 13/14 years
How to develop and promote Human Values.
Wisdom
For 15/16 years
Balance in human life maintains balance in Nature,
Karma - Activity and Action