Our Vision

Students

Children are born joyful, vibrant, and innocent. Their natural inquisitiveness, inner wisdom, creativity, and spontaneity guide them in the learning process. Nurturing these qualities in an environment that inspires intellectual development makes the International Sahaj School a school like no other.

Ultimately, each student is encouraged to explore his or her innate freedom as much as possible, while discovering and respecting the boundaries that allow that freedom to be expressed constructively.

Meditation

By integrating meditation into the daily routine, the school seeks to help the children establish their inner balance – a sense of being at peace with themselves and their world. Meditation gives the students a chance to start the day with a fresh, peaceful feeling and end the day on a quiet, soothing note. Introspection is tempered with a day of work and play, experiencing the joy of togetherness. The juxtaposition of looking both within and without to a larger whole fosters a strong sense of self-esteem and an understanding of right and wrong.

Mission

Founded in 2004, this unique school, located on 196 acres of rural land, is based on the principles of Sahaja Yoga founder, and Nobel Peace Prize nominee, Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi. The school’s focus is on early childhood, currently teaching 14 children (pre-k to 1st grade) in two three-month terms: Fall Term (September – December) and Spring Term (March – June).

The mission of the International Sahaj School is to support students in their development as 'whole' personalities, encouraging them to work towards the fulfillment of their physical, emotional, intellectual and above all spiritual potential. Through daily meditation, children develop depth and wisdom, which gives them the tools to interact with the world around them in a balanced and harmonious way.

Curriculum

The International Sahaj School (ISS) offers a balanced curriculum, including phonics-based reading and writing, the use of math manipulatives, and the development of cursive writing from a young age. In the natural and social sciences, the school follows an emergent curriculum: units of study follow the children’s interests, engaging them fully in the learning process. Crafts, international dance, and music round out the students’ experience. Each child’s aptitudes are allowed to flourish due to our low teacher-student ratio. Our rural location fosters a love for the natural environment – children are involved in activities such as gardening and observing the animal life which surrounds them. They are taught about ecological issues and are encouraged to develop a sense of personal responsibility.

*Curriculum: ISS utilizes the framework of New York State and Common Core standards.

Family atmosphere

Canajoharie School is a place where children should feel secure, loved, and respected. As an international residential school, ISS encourages children to create strong bonds with friends from many countries and cultural backgrounds in a loving, balanced family atmosphere. At the International Sahaj School, cultural boundaries are not barriers that divide, but colorful ingredients to harmony in a diverse world. This environment supports the blossoming of qualities such as compassion, diplomacy in communication, and understanding of self.

A day in Canajoharie

A day in Canajoharie

“Schools should teach us to love, nurture, and be honest to ourselves and those around us. They should teach us to look at our world and integrate all cultures and traditions, to see each other as equals and as one.”

- Mahatma Gandhi

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Celebrating 20 years

A Tribute to 20 Years of Dedication to Our International Sahaj Family.

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Yogis’ Experiences

Here are some letters from the parents and students of the International Sahaj School at Canajoharie...

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Surrender is not that you should give up your family, give up your children, or give up your houses and homes and your properties. Surrendering is here: give up your ego to begin with and then give up your conditionings.

- H.H. Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi, India, March 14th, 1994