Tag: Education for Life

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Finding ways to help: EFL in action

My dear friends, Jaya and Joy, are co-directors of the Living Wisdom School here at Ananda Village. I received their school newsletter this morning and it was so inspiring that I just had to share it in today’s blog.

Schools and students like these give me hope for the world. 😇

Yesterday, as I was working in the office, two of our students walked in with bright smiles. “Jaya, do you know what we’re doing this recess?” they asked, their delight lighting up the room. I looked up, intrigued. “No,” I replied, “tell me all about it.”

Their answer went straight to my heart: “We’re walking around and finding ways to help. Do you need any help?”

In that moment, I saw a powerful example of the Education for Life principle of Cooperation and Service in action. These kids chose to spend their free time actively looking for ways to be of service, purely from the kindness within. Their desire to help wasn’t assigned or required; it was a natural expression of empathy and care—a reflection of their inner growth and values.

It’s moments like these that remind us how these principles are more than just words; they are practices that shape who our students are becoming. When young people learn to see themselves as part of something greater and feel the joy of serving others, they grow into the kind of individuals who truly make a difference.

Thank you parents for sharing your incredible young ones with us! They truly light up our school and give hope for a brighter future.

With love, 
Jaya & Joy

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Serenaded by high schoolers

Tonight students from Living Wisdom High School of Palo Alto blessed us with a rousing performance of a large portion of the Oratorio.

It was heartening to see and hear young people who really get Swamiji’s music. They sang with great energy, devotion, and some really beautiful voices.

There’s a part of me that feels a wee bit envious as I try to imagine what it would have been like to know about Education for Life and be singing Ananda’s music in high school!

It’s fun to think about but I know better than to really go down that rabbit hole. 😊

P.S. You might notice a few familiar — and distinctly older than high school — faces in the choir. A few key students couldn’t make the trip, so Keshava recruited a few “ringers” from the Village.