Purification Leads to Progress: How Maharishi School Reservoir's Alternative Education Nurtures Strength, Vision, and Legacy for Future Generations
As the lighthouse of alternative education in Reservoir, the Maharishi School students learn through the guiding principles of the Science of Creative Intelligence (SCI)—universal truths that help them understand themselves, their learning, and their place in the world. One such principle, Purification Leads to Progress, reminds us that growth often begins with letting go, so that clarity, learning, and transformation can take root.
In its simplest form, purification is the removal of what is not useful—letting go of habits, thoughts, and behaviours that cloud clarity, distract the mind, or block creativity. In nature, we see it when rivers clear after a storm or when a forest regenerates after fire. In learning, it might be the process of refining a rough draft or correcting misunderstandings. And in our personal growth, purification happens as we pause, reflect, and release tension—physically, emotionally, and mentally.
This principle is particularly resonant during NAIDOC Week 2025, as we reflect on this year’s theme: “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision and Legacy.”
This theme honours the wisdom and resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders and leaders, while also shining a light on the role of young people in carrying forward the legacy of culture, Country, and truth. It asks us to support and empower the next generation to walk with strength, grounded in knowledge and vision for a more just, unified future.
At its heart, this theme and the SCI principle intersect powerfully.
Purification, in this context, can mean acknowledging and healing from the truths of the past. It means clearing away misinformation, and division, to make way for understanding, respect, and renewal. Progress becomes possible, both for individuals and society when we have the courage to examine the past and act with integrity toward a better future.
How we honour this at Maharishi School:
Our students learn from the stories, art, and perspectives of First Nations cultures, deepening their appreciation for Australia’s true heritage.
We hold space for reflection, truth-telling, and dialogue that respects Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge and voices.
We empower students to see themselves as part of “the next generation” who carry the responsibility and privilege of building a peaceful, inclusive world.
Through education, cultural recognition, and inner growth, we support students to become clear-minded, compassionate individuals who are ready to carry forward the legacy of unity and wisdom. An example of this is the Art work displayed here, which was created by a talented First Nations student, Brenda Annabella, who is clearly paving her path ahead.
For NAIDOC Week 2025, we celebrate the strength of those who came before, the vision of those leading today, and the promise held in every child because with purification comes progress, and with progress comes a legacy worth passing on.
At Maharishi School, “Purification Leads to Progress” isn’t just a principle it’s a lived experience. We see it every day in our classrooms, friendships, and community culture. When students are given the tools to clear the path ahead, their true potential shines through.
As Maharishi Mahesh Yogi taught:
“Life is found to be blissful only when it is purified… When the dust of ignorance is removed, the light of truth shines.”
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Warm regards,
The Maharishi School Team
