Nurturing Sahridayatā (Empathy) in Primary Education: A Take on Integral Humanism

Abstract

This paper explores the significance of cultivating empathy in primary education within the context of Integral Humanism by Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay. It proposes a framework that integrates empathy-promoting activities with concepts from Indian psychology. It discusses the benefits of empathy for children’s social and emotional development, aligning with Integral Humanism’s values of fostering positive relationships, promoting healthy social interactions, and cultivating a sense of community. It further explores the Trigunā theory and paṃcakoṣa model, explaining their potential contributions to understanding emotions and promoting well-being. Finally, the paper presents a range of engaging classroom activities categorized by the Trigunā they target, illustrating how these activities can cultivate empathy while potentially influencing different koṣa’s. This approach resonates with Integral Humanism’s ideals, nurturing individuals with well-developed emotional intelligence and empathy, ultimately fostering a more harmonious society. The paper is divided into the following sections: the first section introduces the topic and lays the groundwork for the discussion, the second section emphasizes the importance of empathy development in children, the third section puts forth the integral view of an individual, the fourth section draws on Sri Aurobindo’s philosophy of Integral Education and proposes a framework for fostering empathy and finally, the concluding section summarizes the key points and offers potential future directions.