Essential Practices
Education Beyond Schooling
Our transformative approach to educating the heart, mind, and body reaches far beyond traditional schooling. Through our essential practices, we cultivate mindful living in everyday life. Explore our 7 Elements of Growth, discover the path of Karmayana, and learn how we make an impact by Feeding the Hungry.
“Our job is not to prepare our children for an unknown future; it is to believe in their potential and act so they can create the future they desire.”
~ Lobsang Phuntsok, Founder
the seven foundationalElements of Growth
The foundation of our transformational model is the seven elements of growth after which each classroom in Jhamtse Gatsal is themed, such as interdependence, which is the focus of the first grade.
These elements are embodied in our daily activities, such as familial care, daily chores, cultural preservation, and sustainability. They create a deep sense of purposeful learning rooted in core aspects of socio-emotional development.
self-reflective practiceKarmayana
An essential aspect of life at Jhamtse Gatsal is the daily practice of Karmayana. The word Karmayana comes from two words: Karma, which means “actions or behaviors,” and Yana, which means “vehicle.”
Karmayana is a self-reflective practice to help us understand the relationship between our actions and their consequences. It allows an opportunity for children to learn, reflect, and engage to transform themselves. As a mindful practice, it teaches responsibility by holding us accountable for our choices and behaviors.
giving a break to Mother EarthFeeding the Hungry
This Jhamtse practice of giving up one meal a week serves to acknowledge the generosity of Mother Earth and to give her a small break from providing for our daily needs. The food saved from this weekly one-meal abstinence by our community of about 150 people is donated to a local school. This simple practice helps us to embody the seven elements of growth at a personal level and meets the needs of others.
