Our Values at Bhaktivedanta Swami Gurukula School
At Bhaktivedanta Swami Gurukula School, our education is rooted in the Vedic spiritual principles and strong moral foundations, as taught by His Divine Grace A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada. We aim to nurture not only the intellect but also the character of each student, guiding them to lead a life of integrity, purpose, and devotion.
Central to these teachings are the Four Dharmic Values, which serve as foundational principles for spiritual and personal development. These values are: Compassion, Truthfulness, Cleanliness, and Self- Control.
These values are not merely moral guidelines – they are divine qualities that help our children live a life centred on Krishna Consciousness, responsibility, and compassion for all living beings. These values are woven through every aspect of school life, inspiring students to live responsibly, serve others, and grow spiritually in a safe and supportive learning environment.
Compassion (Daya / Karuna)
“A Vaishnava is a friend to all living entities.”
– SB 5.10.8, Purport
What it Means:
Compassion is the expression of a soft heart that sees all beings as part of Krishna’s family. It includes kindness, forgiveness, empathy, and a spirit of service.
In Practice:
o Encouraging care for animals, plants, and peers.
o Learning to forgive and show empathy during conflicts.
o Engaging in seva (service) with a humble attitude.
Goal:
To help students develop a loving heart that naturally avoids causing harm and embraces service to others.
Truthfulness (Satya)
“Truthfulness is the basis of all religion.”
– SB 1.17.41, Purport
What it Means:
Truthfulness means being honest in words and actions, living with integrity, and aligning with reality without hypocrisy.
In Practice:
o Encouraging open communication and honesty.
o Learning the importance of keeping one’s word.
o Understanding that even difficult truths can be spoken with respect and compassion.
Goal:
To cultivate trustworthiness and sincerity - qualities that are pleasing to both the Lord and to others.
Cleanliness (Sauca)
“Cleanliness is next to godliness.”
– Srila Prabhupada
What it Means:
Cleanliness involves both external purity (of body, clothing, and surroundings) and internal purity (of heart and consciousness).
In Practice:
o Daily personal hygiene routines.
o Keeping one’s space tidy and organised.
o Chanting Hare Krishna and studying Shastra to purify the mind and heart.
o Maintaining positive attitude and thoughts.
Goal:
To create an environment, inside and out, where devotion to Krishna can flourish.
Self-Control (Damah)
“Only the self-controlled can gradually be attached to the Supreme Personality of Godhead”
– SB 1.18.22, Purport
What it Means:
Self-control means developing self-discipline, patience, and the ability to make conscious, values-based choices instead of reacting to impulses or emotions.
In Practice:
o Practicing mindful behaviour in all areas of our lives.
o Learning to practice tolerance.
o Learning about and practicing self-regulation.
Goal:
To empower students to live with dignity, strength, and spiritual focus, avoiding distractions and harmful habits.
Bringing It All Together
These four dharmic values are woven into all aspects of life at Bhaktivedanta Swami Gurukula School - from classroom lessons and kirtan, to playtime and seva. We encourage our families to partner with us in reinforcing these values at home, creating a consistent, sacred space for your child’s growth as a person of integrity and a compassionate citizen of the world.
Let us together raise children who not only learn well but live well, guided by dharma and illuminated by Bhakti.