The secularized pedagogy of the study of the Five Illuminating Wisdoms and its global educational value

The concept of the Five Illuminating Wisdoms is deeply rooted in historical intellectual traditions, yet the Study of the Five Illuminating Wisdoms offers a renewed perspective for educational philosophy when examined through a secular and non-confessional lens. Grounded in ethical-philosophical principles derived from Buddhist thought and the notion of a neutral path, this study proposes a root-based educational approach that emphasizes the cultivation of integrative wisdom and moral reflection. Rather than advancing a prescriptive or doctrinal model, the framework is articulated as a form of transformative educational philosophy that seeks to integrate epistemic development, ethical reasoning, and reflective awareness within contemporary educational discourse. This study positions inner illuminating wisdom as a conceptual resource for rethinking educational aims beyond narrowly instrumental paradigms, while remaining compatible with pluralistic and rights-based educational contexts. Drawing on limited classroom-based observations, the research offers illustrative insights into the pedagogical feasibility of the proposed framework without claiming empirical generalizability. By situating the discussion within broader debates on ethical education and global educational value, the paper contributes a conceptual prototype intended to inform future comparative, empirical, and context-sensitive research on holistic and value-oriented education across diverse cultural settings.