Matrix, derived from the Latin word matrix, meaning womb, is etymologically linked to mater which signifies mother. Essentially, it refers to an environment in which something undergoes development. In the truest sense of the term, it is the indispensable condition for the realization of any endeavor in Integral yoga and Integral education. The initial step, preceding the accumulation of resources, provision of building infrastructure, and organization of funds, is to establish the consciousness and environment conducive to the growth and evolution of Integral education.
This consciousness, along with the environment and a community comprising
teachers, parents, and anyone aspiring to be part of such a community, will
collectively constitute 'The Integral Learning Commune.' The definition, criteria, and functioning of this learning commune raise important questions. What would be the
definition of this learning commune? Who would be considered a part of it? How will
this community operate?
What is an integral learning commune?
The integral learning commune is best defined as a collection of individuals who are
guided by an ardent aspiration for an inner change, individuals who are very keenly
and seriously looking for an alternate life as a way of being and becoming. These
alternatives encompass various aspects of life, including dietary choices, eating
habits, health, healing, striving for excellence in one's work (occasionally questioning
if it aligns with personal aspirations), consciously aligning life with Mother Earth, and
living with mindfulness from moment to moment. Within this context, learning unfolds
not as a separate, institutionalized process but intricately woven into the fabric of our
chosen way of life. To facilitate genuine learning, we must refrain from excluding
parents and teachers by categorizing them merely as adults and experts. The roles
traditionally associated with being a teacher or a parent should be relinquished, as
the inflated importance we assigned to these roles has become obsolete. A
conducive environment emerges when a community of individuals, often a smaller
and more closely-knit group, learns collectively, each person evolving within it.
Children absorb and develop through observation and firsthand experiences rather
than solely through verbal instruction. We must embody the changes we wish to see
and bring them into reality, recognizing that we must 'be the change' we aspire to witness.
Who all can be a part of this learning commune?
We currently inhabit a world that is more interconnected and interdependent than at
any point in recorded human history. Throughout the ages, we've established an
aura of exclusivity around schools and educational institutions. In retrospect, this
exclusivity has not proven beneficial for the broader society. Schools have often
operated in isolation, resulting in a significant real-life experience deficit for our
children. Excessive emphasis has been placed on curricula, the minimal level of
learning, and textbooks. An examination of NCERT textbooks reveals not only the
undue and biased, focus on history but also the detachment of children from the
secret life they live and the consequences they must face within the structured
framework of mainstream schooling Now, envision replacing all of this with a reliance on ;real-life experiences' (while acknowledging the importance of books, textbooks, and modern teaching techniques when necessary). This shift would require embracing people and spaces within and around the school campus, thereby creating a process for learning osmosis. This transformation would give rise to a learning community comprising parents, couples, education researchers, artists, teachers (both current and prospective), educational leaders, and anyone intrigued by exploring life deeper and broader dimensions.
This community would consist of individuals prepared to embrace the new,
recognizing inherent limitations in current life practices. They would be people with
questions about life, learning, and personal growth, forming a dynamic matrix for
collective exploration.