Educare
Not stuffing in facts — drawing out the divinity already within.
Sri Sathya Sai Spiritual Education
Bal Vikas — the blossoming of human excellence
A free weekly programme for children, offered in Sai Centres worldwide. Outside India it is called Sai Spiritual Education (SSE / SSSE). At home it remains Bal Vikas — helping the five human values already present in every child to unfold.
“The end of education is character.”
Head, Heart, Hands
Unity of thought, word, and deed. Knowing is not enough until the hands serve.
Free, for every child
Children of all creeds are welcome. Character first; book-learning second.
About the programme
What SSSE is
Sri Sathya Sai Spiritual Education is the name used outside India for Bal Vikas — “the blossoming of the child.” Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba began the programme so that children would not only become clever, but good.
In 1995 the name Sai Spiritual Education (SSE) was adopted internationally. In India the original name Bal Vikas remains.
Ordinary education pours information in. Educare draws the values out. A guru’s work is to create the climate in which they can blossom: prayer, example, story, song, silence, and service.
The guru's mission
How to reveal the Sai in their hearts
“The children of the Sathya Sai Bala Vihars must know the Sathya Sai residing in their hearts. The teachers must also take it as the Puja of Sai Ram. How to reveal to these children the Sai, who is in their hearts—that is the problem you should set before yourselves. By leading the children towards Divinity, the teachers are serving their parents and society, for they will cleanse and brighten their homes and surroundings,” Baba said.
Inherent, not imported
Five human values
Sathya
Truth is not only honesty of speech — it is the courage to see things as they are.
Dharma
The right action for this moment, this role, this relationship.
Shanti
Peace is not the absence of noise; it is a quiet mind.
Prema
Selfless love, without bargain.
Ahimsa
Do no harm in thought, word, or deed. Help ever, hurt never.
How a class feels
Five teaching techniques
Silent sitting
Still body and quiet breath.
Prayer
Prayers of many faiths.
Group singing
Bhajans and value songs.
Storytelling
Saints and ordinary heroes.
Group activities
Games, crafts, discussion, and seva.
Ages 6–18
Four groups
Group 1
6–9 yearsWonder, habit, and heart.
- Prayers
- Nature
- Sharing
Group 2
9–12 yearsUnderstanding and example.
- Unity of religions
- Self-discipline
Group 3
12–15 yearsCharacter under pressure.
- Thought, word, deed
- Seva
Group 4
15–18 yearsLeadership as service.
- Mentoring
- Educare
Home is the first classroom
Parents & gurus
SSSE works when parents and gurus walk the same path — simply, steadily, without show.
“You must study to become steady… your education must result in you developing a strong and good character.”