Learning to Live Together Harmoniously: Spiritual Perspectives from Indian Classrooms

This book advocates for a holistic education that emphasizes togetherness and harmony through the discovery of oneself, others, and the larger society. It brings together teachers' voices, experiences, and practices with Southern Knowledge, philosophy, and ideologies from Indian philosophers and spiritual leaders. It reconceptualizes and extends UNESCO's Learning to Live Together to emphasize Learning to Live Together Harmoniously (LTLTH) and develops a novel conceptual framework for it. The book explores how LTLTH can be translated into practice through experiential and project-based pedagogy, autonomy and autonomous behavior regulation, empathetic teacher-student relations, a schoolwide ethos of harmonious living, and teachers' ways of living and being.

Format: Hardback
Length: 269 pages
Publication date: 22 February 2023
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

This book advocates for a holistic education that fosters unity and harmony by promoting self-discovery, understanding of others, and connection with society as a whole. It brings together the insights and experiences of teachers, along with the wisdom and ideologies proposed by renowned Indian philosophers and spiritual leaders such as Aurobindo, the Dalai Lama, Gandhi, Krishnamurti, and Tagore. The book reimagines and expands UNESCO's Learning to Live Together concept to emphasize Learning to Live Together Harmoniously (LTLTH). It also develops a novel conceptual framework for LTLTH, highlighting the importance of creating a continuum of harmonious lived experiences through experiential and project-based pedagogy, fostering autonomy and self-regulation, cultivating empathetic teacher-student relationships, establishing a schoolwide ethos of harmonious living, and promoting teachers' ways of living and being.

The book emphasizes the need for an expanded vision of holistic education that goes beyond traditional classroom settings and promotes the development of individuals who are not only academically successful but also emotionally and socially well-rounded. It advocates for a curriculum that incorporates diverse perspectives, encourages critical thinking, and fosters empathy and compassion toward others.

Furthermore, the book recognizes the importance of teachers in shaping the lives of their students and emphasizes the need for ongoing professional development and training to ensure that they are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to promote holistic education. It suggests that teachers should be role models who demonstrate the values and principles of LTLTH in their daily interactions with students and that they should create a supportive and inclusive learning environment that encourages students to explore their interests, develop their talents, and become responsible citizens of the world.

In conclusion, this book offers a valuable contribution to the field of education by advocating for a holistic education that emphasizes unity, harmony, and personal growth. It provides a comprehensive framework for promoting LTLTH and offers practical strategies for translating this concept into practice. By fostering a continuum of harmonious lived experiences and promoting the values of empathy, self-regulation, and respect for diversity, this book aims to create a more inclusive and equitable educational system that prepares students for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.

Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031235382
Edition number: 1st ed. 2023