The Institute’s educational philosophy has been crystallized into five universal human values: Truth, Right Action, Peace, Love, and Non-Violence. Quoting Sathya Sai Baba, the program’s originator and namesake:
“Taken together these values encompass a full vision of the human potential. This includes: Fulfillment of the quest of the intellect for Truth; channeling of the will into satisfying expression through Right Action; the resolution of conflicts of human emotions and interactions in the achievement of inner and outer Peace; the expansion of the heart in the flow of Love; and the realization of perfect sympathy for all creation through Nonviolence.” - Sathya Sai Baba
The Five Human Values:
- Truth: The Highest Truth is absolute, changeless in the past, present, and future, true at all times and in all places. Truth is not relative, changing according to our perceptions and circumstances. Truth manifests as being truthful, honest, and sincere, acting with integrity according to the dictates of our conscience.
- Right Action: True Right Action is speaking and acting on the truth that emerges from the heart, the source of human conscience and human values. When we engage in right action, we treat others the way we wish to be treated, with respect, kindness, compassion, with an understanding and appreciation of the unity of all life.
- Peace: Absolute Peace manifests as inner mental calm, and the ability to maintain equanimity in all situations. When we feel peaceful within ourselves we will naturally feel peaceful towards others.
- Non-Violence: Avoiding causing harm to anyone or anything in our thoughts, words, and deeds. Non-Violence allows us to appreciate diversity, cultivate tolerance, and recognize the unity of all beings and respect for all life.
- Love: The highest Love is selfless Love. It is Love that is unconditional, without attachment, not expecting anything in return. All actions emanate from the heart. Love is the force behind the other Human Values, and our actions:
“Love in Speech is Truth;
Love in Action is Right Action;
Love in Thought is Peace;
Love in Understanding is Non-Violence.”
– Sathya Sai Baba