The Adyar Theosophical Academy (ATA) is affiliated with the Theosophical Society, Adyar. The Theosophical Society is a non-sectarian worldwide organization that promotes unity among people, cultures and religions; and promotes the study of the perennial philosophy of life. It has branches in about 60 countries throughout the world and has affiliate organizations devoted to the uplifting of humanity in various ways.
The school is but a part of a large arena of work of the Theosophical Society to help bring about a peaceful and harmonious world.
Theosophy Teaches About the Outer Personality and the Inner Individuality
The Outer Personality is conditioned by instincts, habits and behavioural patterns. The Inner Individuality is characterized by values. Character building involves a well-nurtured personality that has habits and behavioural patterns that enable the individual to adhere to core universal values.
Character building will be an essential element in ATA, resulting in awakening of core values in an individual. Life is not just about having material and social competencies. It is primarily about being a good person, being happy, being of service to others and having inner peace.
Avoiding Unwholesome Conditionings
ATA will endeavor to provide an environment and relationships that allow the inner child to flourish without fear, insecurity, resentment or low self-esteem. Teachers will not use subtle threats, put-downs, punishment in any form, comparison or competition to deal with students. Teachers will be trained in approaches to effective classroom management without the use of anger or other control mechanisms such as fear of teacher’s disapproval.
Comparison and Competition cause insecurity in students resulting in the feeling of guardedness or inner hostility towards other students. it smothers their natural readiness to help and cooperate. It creates undue pressure and lowers self-confidence.
Students should be inspired to be the best that they can be. The teachers must seek to arouse the interest and enthusiasm of students and inspire them to achieve excellence in whatever they do, in a supportive and non-competitive environment.
Wholesome Character Traits
ATA attempts to awaken wholesome qualities in its students such as respect, kindness, self-confidence, fairness, sensitivity to others, non-violence and rationality by creating a safe space for the development of their moral, emotional and spiritual dimensions. The nurturing process is demonstrated in the daily life of the school so that these values become part of the culture of the entire school. ATA endeavours to use every opportunity to demonstrate and apply these values within the school day.
