By Ac. Shambhúshivánanda Avadhuta, Kulapati Sweden/Anandanagar
Milton Friedman once remarked, “Only a crisis – actual or perceived – produces real change. When that crisis occurs, the actions that are taken depend on the ideas that are lying around. That I believe, is our basic function: to develop alternatives to existing policies, to keep them alive and available until the politically impossible becomes politically inevitable.” Thomas Hartmann believes that change happens gradually through the free exchange of ideas amongst an educated middle class.
Any meaningful global transformation requires a clear vision, a group of committed people, a strategic plan of action, and skills necessary to actualize grand or utopian dreams. At its core lies a group of idealists with nerves of steel and soft hearts, full of compassion. Change does not happen without a struggle against forces that want to hold on to the status quo or who exist to merely serve their vested interests. Those who are the well-wishers of humanity are, therefore, faced with a great responsibility to nurture and cultivate the seeds of change for brighter alternative futures.
Gurukula is an emerging global community of educators who uphold the Neohumanist ideals, engage in a free exchange of ideas, and take action for the betterment of the world.
- Gurukula fosters inclusiveness; a liberal and open mindset; magnanimity of mind, and a commitment to keep us united despite pulls from divisive tendencies.
- Gurukula values and honors competence and skill sets that are needed to build alternative futures based on Neohumanist values and a mystical orientation.
- Gurukula believes in the importance of strength of character matured through years of experience and a developed aesthetic sensitivity.
This global network has been expanding with the participation of likeminded persons. In addition, Gurukula is striving to have a presence on every master-unit (eco-service community). We are also envisioning a “Gurukula Trust Fund” and welcome endowments for sustenance and implementation of Gurukula initiatives. We further invite our academic associates to help produce more Neohumanist research monographs, publications and display materials. A regular program of education is now underway around the world to improve the competence of Gurukula interns, volunteers and Gurukula staff persons.
The Neohumanist vision is to create a world where there would be freedom without fear and harmony among all species; where the purchasing power of one and all would be constantly increasing; where morality would be the foundation of personal and social life; where science and technology would be subservient to greater universal welfare; where religion and spirituality would affirm cosmic kinship and rationality; where creativity, imagination, innovation, aesthetics and fine arts would blossom; and where universal love and divinity would reign and prevail.
Even though we have made tremendous advancements since the beginning of human civilization, we have yet to establish a world free from disparities where there is peace, happiness, abundance, justice, accountability, and progress for all. There is no balance between the material and the spiritual among the physical, mental and spiritual dimensions.
The purpose of Neohumanist Education is to provide a learning environment where youth can grow to be healthy and physically fit, intellectually smart, imbued with the spirit of service to others, nurturing greater awareness, and manifesting universal love.
Gurukula Network stands behind all idealists to hasten the advent of a Neohumanist society on this earth. We encourage all our supporters to come forward and strengthen the Neohumanist movement by sharing their skills, resources and initiatives. Anyone interested in doing so can simply write to us c/o or contact us otherwise at your convenience.