'Roots of Moral Sensitivity and The Emerging Tree of Life' is a vision for worthy citizenship in our wondrous universe. It seeks to lay out a holistic educational perspective for self-direction and inculcation of knowledge through absorption and assimilation over 'patient time'. It is intended to reach out to those who wish to understand, appreciate, and take pride in the wonder of learning - a natural phenomenon that awaits cultivation - from its very inception to its culmination. Here, the author, Nelunika Gunawardena Rajapakse shares her unique perspective on life and accomplishment that focuses its attention on the actualization of unconditional love - as profound respect - which, she believes, must be brought to bear through every atom of existence. This, being the foundation for personal success and contentment untainted by convention, is also shown to be pivotal towards the attainment of ultimate truth and self- realization. Accordingly, knowledge is neither to be prescribed nor stereotyped, but to be inspired as well as propagated, in light of its binding principle of universal interdependence at work. It is none other than to recognize the nature of existence as 'conditioned being and becoming' perpetuated by human volitional conduct. Therefore, in fulfillment of our human purpose within the dynamic web of knowledge - called interdependence - our mission must be to transcend instinctual tendencies that stem from self-absorption. In sum, an underlying ethical and moral cosmic principle seemingly regulates and sustains the universe. Consciousness and Universe co-exist in mutual creation steered by the quality of mental stock in the human condition. This realization is Learning, or 'Knowledge and Awareness' at its best.
About the Author: Nelunika Gunawardena Rajapakse is a proud citizen of her world having been long in residence-nearly five decades-in the United States. She is the only daughter, besides two precious sons, of the late Dionicious and Mildred Gunawardena, who arrived in the USA, in the mid-1960s. The latter was trained directly under Dr. Maria Montessori in 1943, and it was her pride and joy to share the original vision of Montessori, amidst a growing interest, then, in the United States-to assimilate and put into practice its innovative educational principles. Nelunika, needless to say, has been a product of this unmatched authentic vision from the very inception of her life, to this day- naturally equipped to nurture, inspire, and educate children of humanity (from birth through adolescence, and beyond), grounded in moral-sensitive awareness. Mentored all along by her resolutely dedicated Montessori pedagogue mother-and, together, having worked in partnership for three decades-Nelunika is a proud beneficiary of an experientially founded, intellectual legacy. She boasts a rich, cumulative history of exemplary Montessori in practice for over forty years, having been the head directress, administrator, and chief operating officer of the much admired Bainbridge Solon Montessori School (1970-2012) that served scores of children and parents in Ohio, USA. The author, above and beyond all things, cherishes her morally grounded 'lived and learned' upbringing under the nurturing guidance of her parents. Nelunika, in turn, reflects on living a spiritually rich life through every breath of her own existence. She realizes that improvement and enrichment in sustaining values 'as a help to life'-to all that compose life-requires patience and mindful effort, hand in hand. Hence, maintaining a selfless cultivated awareness is crucial to life's overall success. The aspiration to guide others in the direction of true peace and eternal joy, thus, is Nelunika's heartfelt wish. Presently, the author lives her renewed and pioneering vision along her steadfast mission to 'Raise the Position of Today's Child and the World' while sharing her 'Vision for Intellectual Wellness for all Ages'. As such, she disseminates her wisdom and expertise through the creation of invaluable time-stamps of her life-experience. Additionally, Nelunika Gunawardena Rajapakse is a devoted professional trainer, and a mentor for parents-engaged in sharing her expertise to suit the needs of diverse audiences.