I am Aayush Kumar Singh of Class 10-A, and this is my reflection on the session organised by My Good School.
So, last Sunday, June 8th, was an excellent session! We kicked things off by chatting about everyone's holiday plans and catching up on personal matters. Then, we dove into a website called The Joy of Learning, which got us thinking about why it's so great to continue learning throughout our lives.
We spent a considerable amount of time going through a chapter about Carl and Sabine Gruber, really delving into their story and relationship. And to wrap things up, Manisha Khanna Ma'am led this fantastic, interactive session with riddles that got our brains really working!
Essentially, the key takeaways centred on personal growth, continuous learning, and finding happiness in viewing things from diverse perspectives. Everyone was encouraged to try out new skills, pick up some books, and just stay curious over their holidays. It was a really inspiring meeting!
The greatest joy comes from making someone else happy ☺️
दूसरों को खुशी देना एक ऐसा कार्य है जो न केवल सामने वाले व्यक्ति को आनंदित करता है, बल्कि देने वाले के दिल में भी एक विशेष प्रकार की संतुष्टि और सुकून उत्पन्न करता है।
यह कार्य किसी बड़े तोहफे या भारी मदद के लिए नहीं, बल्कि एक छोटी मुस्कान या मदद के लिए बढ़ाया गया हाथ है। जब हम किसी और की भलाई के लिए कुछ करते हैं और वह भी बिना किसी स्वार्थ के, तो वह करुणा और इंसानियत की भावना को बढ़ावा देता है। दूसरों को खुशी देना हमारे समाज को अधिक जुड़ा हुआ और दयालु बनाता है।
Kindness is spreading sunshine into other people's lives, regardless of the weather.
जब हमें यह महसूस होता है कि हम किसी की मदद करते हैं या उन्हें हंसते हुए देखते हैं, तो हमारे अंदर भी शांति और संतोष की भावना जगती है। यह प्रक्रिया हमें हमारे जीवन में अर्थ और उद्देश्य का एहसास कराती है। हमारी छोटी-छोटी क्रियाएं भी किसी के जीवन में बड़ा अंतर ला सकती हैं।
Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of someone else's.
"The more you give, the more it grows — life blossoms wherever kindness flows."
जिंदगी में हम अक्सर अपने लिए बहुत कुछ चाहते हैं—प्यार, सफलता, मुस्कान और सुकून। असल सुकून तब मिलता है जब हम किसी और की जिंदगी में थोड़ा उजाला भर पाते हैं। दूसरों को खुशियां देना कोई बड़ा काम नहीं होता; किसी की थकी आंखों में उम्मीद जगा देना—बस यही छोटे-छोटे पल किसी की दुनिया बदल सकते हैं। जब हम किसी की मदद करते हैं, उसके दुख में शामिल होते हैं, तो उस पल हम सिर्फ इंसान नहीं, बल्कि फरिश्ते बन जाते हैं। दूसरों को खुशियां देकर हम खुद भी अच्छा महसूस करते हैं।
खुशी बांटने के लिए बड़ी चीजों की जरूरत नहीं होती, बस एक मुस्कान और छोटा सा प्यार ही काफी है। दूसरों को खुशियां देना इंसान की सबसे खूबसूरत और सच्ची अच्छाई है। जब हम किसी के चेहरे पर मुस्कान लाते हैं, तो असल में हम अपने दिन को भी सुकून देते हैं। हमारे पास भले ही बड़ी चीजें न हों—एक मुस्कान, एक मीठा बोल और थोड़ा सा साथ किसी के दिन को रोशन कर सकता है। दूसरों को खुशियां देना सबसे बड़ा उपहार है।
"Giving happiness to others is the greatest gift, because a hidden blessing behind someone's smile brings endless joy back to us."
जब हम अपनी खुशी दूसरों के साथ बांटते हैं, तो वो खुशी और भी बढ़ जाती है। किसी के चेहरे पर मुस्कान लाना, किसी का मन हल्का करना, उनके दिन को बेहतर बना देना — यही एक सच्ची खुशी है। खुशी बांटने का मतलब सिर्फ देना नहीं होता, बल्कि एक ऐसा रिश्ता बनाना होता है जहां दिलों का जुड़ाव हो और सबके जीवन में रौशनी फैले। असल में, जब हम किसी और को खुश करते हैं, तो अंदर से हम खुद भी खुश हो जाते हैं। इंसानियत की सबसे सुंदर भावनाओं में से एक है यह — जब हम अपनी छोटी-छोटी खुशियों को दूसरों के साथ बांटते हैं, जैसे किसी के काम की तारीफ करना, किसी उदास इंसान के चेहरे पर मुस्कान लाना — तो वो खुशी केवल एक पल की नहीं रहती, वो एक याद बन जाती है।
खुशी बांटना मतलब है किसी को यह अहसास दिलाना कि वो अकेला नहीं है। जब हम किसी को गले लगाते हैं, उसका हालचाल पूछते हैं, या उसकी परेशानी में साथ खड़े होते हैं — तो हमारी छोटी सी कोशिश किसी के जीवन में बड़ा बदलाव ला सकती है। सच तो यह है कि खुशी वो चीज है जो बांटने से घटती नहीं, बल्कि बढ़ती है — जैसे "जब दीया दूसरों को रोशनी देता है, तो अंधकार खुद-ब-खुद दूर हो जाता है।"
जब हम दूसरों को खुशियां देते हैं, तो असल में हम अपने जीवन में भी रोशनी भरते हैं। एक छोटी सी मुस्कान, मदद का हाथ या प्रोत्साहन का एक शब्द किसी के दिन को बेहतर बना सकता है। दूसरों को खुश देखना हमें आंतरिक संतोष और शांति प्रदान करता है। मैंने महसूस किया है कि जब मैं अपने दोस्तों, परिवार या जरूरतमंदों की मदद करती हूँ, तो मेरा मन हल्का और प्रसन्न हो जाता है। खुशियां बांटने से वे कम नहीं होतीं, बल्कि कई गुना बढ़ जाती हैं।
हमेशा यह याद रखना चाहिए कि दुनिया को बेहतर बनाने के लिए हमें खुद पहल करनी होती है। यदि हम सब एक-दूसरे की खुशी का कारण बनें, तो समाज और दुनिया में सच्ची सकारात्मकता फैल सकती है।
"दूसरों को खुशियां देना न केवल एक अच्छा कर्म है, बल्कि यह जीवन को सुंदर और सार्थक बनाता है।"
दूसरों की खुशी में अपनी खुशी देखना एक बहुत बड़ा हुनर है और जो इंसान यह हुनर सीख जाता है, वह कभी भी दुखी नहीं होता। दूसरों की खुशी के लिए हम बहुत कुछ कर सकते हैं। किसी की मदद करके हम दूसरों को खुश कर सकते हैं। जब तक हम उनके साथ होते हैं, उनका हौसला बना रहता है और उन्हें सहारा भी मिलता है, तो वे बहुत खुश होते हैं।
बड़ों को कैसे खुश कर सकते हैं: बड़ों का सम्मान करके, उनकी बातों को सुनकर और उनकी छोटी-छोटी खुशियों का ध्यान रखकर। बड़े जब हमें कुछ बोलते हैं, तो हमें उनकी बातों का बुरा नहीं मानना चाहिए। उनकी बातों को समझना चाहिए। जब बड़े हमें डांटते हैं, तो वह हमारी भलाई के लिए ही डांटते हैं। हमें उन्हें गलत नहीं समझना चाहिए और उल्टा जवाब नहीं देना चाहिए, क्योंकि इससे उनका मान सम्मान ठेस पहुँच सकता है। किसी को खुश करने की कोशिश करना उनके मुश्किल समय में सहानुभूति और समर्थन दिखाने का एक तरीका है।
दूसरों को खुशियाँ देना एक बहुत ही beautiful feeling होती है। जब हम किसी और को smile देते हैं, मदद करते हैं, या उनके दुःख में साथ देते हैं — उन्हें ही खुशी नहीं होती, बल्कि हम खुद भी अंदर से happy महसूस करते हैं।
हमारी छोटी-छोटी बातें, जैसे किसी की तारीफ़ करना, किसी का सहारा बनना, या सिर्फ़ किसी की बातों को ध्यान से सुनना — ऐसा करने से भी दूसरे इंसान को खुशी मिलती है। ऐसा करने से हम किसी का दिन bright बना सकते हैं। ऐसे society में positive energy फैलती है और हम सब का जीवन और बेहतर बनता है। दूसरों को खुश करने के लिए बहुत बड़ी चीज़ों की ज़रूरत नहीं होती। एक thank you, एक प्यारी सी smile या एक helping hand भी मायने रखता है। इस पाठ से सीख मिलती है कि —
सच्ची खुशी बाँटने में है। जो हम दूसरों को देंगे, वही हमें वापस मिलेगा। और इस दुनिया को अच्छा बनाने का सबसे आसान तरीका है — किसी के face पर एक छोटी सी smile ले आना।
जब हम दूसरों को खुश करते हैं, तो असल में हम अपने मन को भी peaceful और joyful बनाते हैं। इसलिए हमें हमेशा कोशिश करनी चाहिए कि हम दूसरों की मदद करें, प्यार दें, और positive सोच फैलाएँ। यही एक अच्छा समाज और अच्छा इंसान बनाता है।
"The biggest service is bringing a smile to someone's face." 😊
"Happiness isn't something you seek, it's something you give. Fix broken dreams with the thread of your smile." 😊
जब मैं अपने स्कूल में जाती थी, तो मेरी एक दोस्त थी, उसका नाम हेमा था। एक दिन हम स्कूल से घर आ रहे थे। रास्ते में हमने देखा कि एक छोटी लड़की रो रही थी। हेमा उसके पास गई और बोली, "तुम क्यों रो रही हो?"
बच्ची बोली, "मेरी गुड़िया खो गई है।" हेमा ने तुरंत अपनी जेब से एक रंगीन रिबन निकाला और बच्ची को देते हुए कहा, "ये लो, अब ये तुम्हारी नई गुड़िया की रिबन है।" बच्ची मुस्कुराई और उसने हेमा को गले लगा लिया।
खुशी बांटने के लिए बड़ी चीजों की जरूरत नहीं होती, बस एक मुस्कान और थोड़ा सा प्यार ही काफी है। दूसरों को खुशियां देना इंसान की सबसे खूबसूरत और सच्ची अच्छाई है। जब हम किसी के चेहरे पर मुस्कान लाते हैं, तो असल में हम अपने दिन को भी सुकून देते हैं। हमारे पास भले ही बड़ी चीजें न हों, एक मुस्कान, एक मीठा बोल और थोड़ा सा साथ किसी का दिन रोशन कर सकता है। दूसरों को खुशियां देना सबसे बड़ा उपहार है।
"Learn to be a part of others' happiness, because true joy grows when you share it."
I’ve seen children go to school each day, with a big bag full of books and wisdom of all sorts. I’ve seen generations grow old and fade away. I’ve seen relationships break and I’ve seen friends unite. I’ve lived through every second every century and never did I ever find someone who truly truly cares. I’ve seen all the broken promises and posters. How people claim they love and protect Mother nature. “Go Green.” What good is going “green” when each one of those plants lives a life worse than death? A life so torturous, a life that isn’t worth living. Every day, I see cars go by, leaving their pollution for us to see. Every day I see people walk by and throw their wastes at parks or at the roadside. And by the end of the day, a storm comes in and sweeps my family away. These posh humans go to havens of knowledge each day-learn about all parts of plants, parts of cell, how plants grow, how they get their food but out of all that load of information, these lousy humans didn’t seem to understand one crucial thing- that we are as living as them. Somehow, everyone seems to know how we make our own food, how we survive the days but they can’t wrap their head around the fact that we too feel. We’re hurt and in pain. We’re broken. And no one seems to know it. So why make big promises when you can’t take the smallest step. We don’t need campaigns or plant drives. We don’t need you to water us each day-the rain does that. We certainly don’t want to hear the usual rants about “going green”. All I ask for, is just care. Just care enough to not ruin each day. Just care enough to see us as who we are- living breathing souls and not entities you can use. That’s what I felt today. I felt so tired, so fed up with everything, I knew I needed to vent. I can only hope that there’s someone listening.
Nature- From the plant community
Thoughts voices by Rishona Chopra, Grade IX, Gyanshree School
I spend my days sitting on an old dusty bookshelf in a bookshop watching readers go past me without even looking in my direction. Sure, my pages are now yellow and crinkly. The stories are now old and forgotten but do people really have to ignore me? I’m just as pretty as the latest edition of a magazine. Don’t those humans always look for something vintage? Everyone has time for the diary of anne-frank, and good old Shakespere, but no one seems to care about me. Yes, Anne was a sweet little girl but I know someone who’s even sweeter-me! Today is officially the 105th day that no one looked at me. That no one picked me up and held me in their arms and skipped past the pages. No one put me by their bedside so I would be the first thing they see in the morning. I haven’t had a new home in forever. I miss being loved. I miss being that one book that people would always show to their friends. Those posh modern novels get it all. They have the same old story yet people go mad after them. No one seems to realise that the real treasure has been sitting here, right here, in aisle four of this bookshop. I’ve put my hopes up for too long. How monotonous life has become! No excitement, no thrill. Just because I’m a little older than the rest doesn’t mean I don’t long for the adventure. I yearn for it more than I ever did. I dream of the day someone would care enough to at least acknowledge my presence, that would suffice. I hope I’d get a home, where I’d be more than just a book on a shelf. I’ll be part of someone’s story, someone’s life and that would be the biggest gift of all. But in the end, life is a journey. We need to face it, even if there are times I feel lonely, even if there are times I feel overwhelmed, it’s okay. Because this too shall pass.
~BookThoughts of a book voiced by Rishona Chopra, Grade IX, Gyanshree School
Learning doesn't end when the lesson is over—it continues when we take a moment
to pause and reflect. At Sunbeam School, reflection has become a powerful tool
in helping us connect with what we've learned, how we've learned, and who we've
become through the process. By reflecting on our past experiences, successes, and
even failures, we gain clarity, insight, and direction for the future.
Reflection allows us to understand not just the what, but the why behind our
learning. It turns information into wisdom and routine into purpose. Whether
it's a class project, a group activity, or a personal challenge, reflecting
helps us recognise our growth and identify where we can improve. In doing so, we
become more mindful learners—more thoughtful, confident, and self-aware.
Screening of Episode 18 सुमेरू (चेतना): Allegory: A Tapestry of Guru Nanak's Travels by Amardeep Singh
The Sunday School began with introductions and technical setup, followed by a presentation of a documentary series focusing on northern Pakistan and Tibet, exploring Guru Nanak's teachings and historical connections in the region. Discussions covered various geographical, cultural, and spiritual aspects of the area, including Mount Kailash, Baltistan, and the India-Pakistan border region. The conversation ended with an overview of Guru Nanak's travels and teachings, emphasizing the spiritual wisdom he documented rather than historical details of his journeys.
Next steps
Amardeep: Continue filming and production of the documentary series on Indic aims as mentioned in the discussion
Kunal: Write and share the impact study report about Guru Nanak allegory's influence on My Good School's growth with Amardeep
Amardeep: Schedule and conduct Episode 19 viewing session after July 15th due to travel commitments
Summary
Meeting Setup and Participant Introduction
Jugjiv opens the meeting and greets participants as they join. He confirms that he has host controls and discusses scheduling with Amardeep for future meetings. Jugjiv then asks participants to rename themselves with their names and schools for easier identification. As more people join, Jugjiv decides to start the meeting, noting that it will be a long session and others can join as they proceed.
Documentary on Pakistan-Tibet Border Regions
Amardeep introduces episode 18 of his documentary series, which focuses on the northern regions of Pakistan and Tibet. He highlights that these areas are less accessible to Indians due to political boundaries. The episode, which is over an hour long, begins with a message about the essence of Guru Nanak's teachings, emphasizing the importance of intent over rituals. Amardeep also touches on themes of religious commercialization, the power of creation, and the historical connections between regions now separated by political borders.
Historical Border Freedom and Diversity
Amardeep presents a video about the historical freedom of movement across borders in the region, particularly focusing on the now-extinct settlement of Boogie Kingdom at Saparag. The video, which is in a language other than English, appears to discuss cultural and religious diversity in the area, mentioning Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, and British. Amardeep plans to end the episode after showing the extinct settlement and then move on to Kailash man server.
Multilingual Meeting With Limited Context
The meeting transcript appears to be a mix of different languages and disjointed phrases, making it difficult to provide a coherent summary. The only clear segment is at the end where Jugjiv speaks in English, mentioning that participants can ask questions in the chat and starts to ask Amardeep a question. Without more context or coherent discussion, it's not possible to provide a meaningful summary of decisions, alignments, or action items from this transcript.
Guru Nanak's Spiritual Journeys
The discussion covers Guru Nanak's travels to Kailash Mansar over and Baltistan. Amardeep explains the spiritual significance of Mount Kailash as a gathering place for ascetics and its importance in feeding the Asian subcontinent's water systems. He highlights Guru Nanak's dialogue with Nath Jogis at Kailash, emphasizing the importance of respectful discussions in spiritual matters. The conversation then moves to Mansar over and Rakshastal lakes, representing wisdom and negativity respectively. Amardeep also discusses the challenges of filming in these high-altitude areas and the profound messages conveyed through Guru Nanak's travels in Ladakh and Baltistan.
Soham Mantra and Mount Kailash
Amardeep explains the meaning of the mantra "Soham," breaking it down to "So" (that) and "Hum" (me), emphasizing that the cosmic energy resides within oneself. He then attempts to play an audio or video clip about Mount Kailash, but encounters technical difficulties. The clip, once playing, describes Mount Kailash's geographical and spiritual significance, mentioning its height, surrounding rivers, and importance in various religious traditions.
Multilingual Meeting Summary
The transcript appears to be a mixture of Korean and Romanian languages without a clear topic or coherent conversation. Due to the lack of meaningful content and the language barrier, it is not possible to provide a summary that meets the given guidelines.
Baltistan: Borderland Cultures and Landscapes
Amardeep discusses various geographical and cultural aspects of the India-Pakistan border region, focusing on Baltistan. He mentions mountain ranges, glaciers, and the Line of Control that passes through the area. The conversation touches on religious diversity in the region, including Hindu and Muslim populations, as well as linguistic elements.
Guru Nanak's Spiritual Journeys Overview
Amardeep presents an overview of Guru Nanak's travels and teachings. He explains that Guru Nanak did not write about his own life or travels, but left 928 verses of spiritual wisdom in scripture. The details of Guru Nanak's journeys come from hagiographies written by followers 60-150 years after his life, based on oral traditions. Amardeep emphasizes that Guru Nanak's focus was on documenting spiritual insights rather than historical details. He notes that Guru Nanak's verses demonstrate deep knowledge of various religious traditions he encountered in his travels, showing how travel broadened his wisdom.
A Recording Of The Session
Reflection questions that will help deepen your understanding of yourself and the world around you.
Thinking about your awareness What does "consciousness" mean to you, and how do you stay aware of your thoughts and actions in daily life?
Recalling a deeper moment Have you ever experienced a time when you felt truly connected to something bigger than yourself—nature, people, or a quiet inner feeling? What was that moment like?
Considering your daily interactions How can you become more mindful and present when you're talking, listening, or spending time with others?
Exploring the idea of unity Guru Nanak spoke of a universal consciousness that exists in everyone. How can understanding this help us become more empathetic and accepting of people from different backgrounds?
Reflecting on your inner world In what ways can taking time to reflect on your thoughts and feelings help you understand your values, goals, and purpose better?
Reflection helps us pause, understand ourselves better, and grow through our experiences. We invite you to share your takeaways or reflections as a post and send it tomk@learningforward.org.in.
At Sunbeam School Lahartara, every reflection is a step toward self-awareness and growth. As our students pause to look back on their experiences, they are not just recounting events—they are learning to understand themselves, their emotions, and their journey. With each thoughtful word, they demonstrate how reflection helps shape responsible, empathetic, and mindful individuals.
It is truly heart-warming to see how wonderfully our students have captured their thoughts, turning everyday moments into meaningful insights. Their reflections speak of curiosity, learning, challenges, and triumphs—woven together with sincerity and depth. This process of thinking, feeling, and expressing is not only helping them grow as learners but also as thoughtful human beings.
Amardeep Singh Screening of Episode 18 सुमेरू (चेतना): Allegory: A Tapestry of Guru Nanak's Travels Book Reading- The Door-To-Door Bookstore
8th June 2025
Book Reading- The Door-To-Door Bookstore Book Reading- क्याआपकाबच्चादुनियाकासामनाकरनेकेलिएतैयारहै?
15th June 2025
Meet and Greet Kartik Bajoria - Writing, Education and Mental Health - TEDx Speaker, Film, Media and Music expert.
Book Reading- The Door-To-Door Bookstore
22nd June 2025
Book Reading- The Door-To-Door Bookstore Book Reading- क्याआपकाबच्चादुनियाकासामनाकरनेकेलिएतैयारहै?
29th June 2025 We aim to inspire young minds, helping them navigate while embracing their dreams and aspirations. The YES workshop with Shikha Agnihotri, founder The Right Side
Story Book Reading- The Door-To-Door Bookstore
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Thoughtful Thursdays: MAP with Music, Art
and Poetry Brinda Ghosh, Subhasish Ghosh, and Jatin Soni at 5.30 PM
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Reflective questions based on Chapter 4: Great Expectations from The Door-to-Door Bookstore by Carsten Henn:
Theme:Interpersonal Skills & Compassion
Reflective Questions:
How does Carl's interaction with the people on his book route reflect his ability to listen, empathise, and respond compassionately?
→ Consider how Carl changes his approach to people and what this says about the importance of listening with understanding rather than judgment.
In this chapter, how do Carl and Schascha begin to build trust and mutual respect? What does this reveal about the importance of patience and open-minded communication in relationships?
→ Consider how interpersonal skills like respect and adaptability influence the growing connection between them.
Reflect on a moment when Carl goes beyond his duty as a book deliverer. How does this act show his growth in compassion and emotional intelligence? How can you apply a similar mindset in your own life?
→ Draw parallels between Carl’s actions and your own experiences with empathy or kindness.
चिंतनशील प्रश्न (Reflective Questions) डॉ. अनुपम सिब्बल की पुस्तक "क्या आपका बच्चा दुनिया का सामना करने के लिए तैयार है?" के अध्याय "संवेदना" पर आधारित, हिंदी में:
अध्याय में वर्णित कहानी में संवेदना का व्यवहार किस प्रकार न केवल प्राप्तकर्ता को बल्कि देने वाले को भी प्रभावित करता है? क्या आपके जीवन में कभी ऐसा अनुभव हुआ है जब आपने करुणा दिखाई हो और उसका असर गहरा महसूस किया हो?
→ विचार करें कि एक सरल दयालुता का कार्य कैसे संबंधों में सकारात्मक परिवर्तन ला सकता है।
यह अध्याय दूसरों की भावनाओं को समझने और प्रतिक्रिया देने से पहले सोचने के महत्व को कैसे दर्शाता है? यह जीवन की कठिनाइयों से निपटने में कैसे सहायक होता है?
→ सोचें कि कैसे भावनात्मक समझदारी संघर्ष को टाल सकती है और विश्वास बना सकती है।
आज की प्रतिस्पर्धी दुनिया में बच्चों में संवेदना जैसे गुण कैसे विकसित किए जा सकते हैं? इसमें परिवार, विद्यालय और समाज की क्या भूमिका होनी चाहिए?
→ अपने आसपास के वातावरण से जोड़कर सोचें — कहाँ और कैसे संवेदना को बढ़ावा दिया जा सकता है।
Reflection holds a vital place in education. It deepens learning, encourages self-awareness, and helps students and educators evaluate their thoughts, emotions, and actions. Through reflection, individuals grow more empathetic, mindful, and responsible. It transforms knowledge into experience and experience into meaningful life learning.
So let us pause, think, and share. Authentic learning begins with reflection.
We invite everyone to reflect on the questions above and share their reflective responses by emailing them to mk@learningforward.org.in.
Check out the wonderful reflections about reading Carsten Henn's The Doon-to-Door Bookstore and our enlightening session with Amardeep Singh at the screening of Allegory—The Tapestry of Guru Nanak’s Travels.
Students from Sunbeam School Lahartara shared thoughtful reflections on the Sunday School stories of Guru Nanak’s travels and Kubja Ji.
Guru Nanak’s journey inspired them to value humility, equality, and compassion. Kubja Ji’s story taught them the power of kindness and inner beauty.
Their reflections showed a growing understanding of empathy, respect, and the strength of moral values in daily life.The story of Kubja, the legendary hunchbacked woman of Mathura. Guru Nanak and Oneness, what we learnt from the session with Amardeep Singh, at the screening of Allegory: A Tapestry of Guru Nanak’s Travels Episode 17. Our understanding of religion, belief and much more.
We commenced with a brief on the upcoming episode of a docuseries about Guru Nanak's life and teachings, covering his spiritual journey, philosophical messages, and visits to significant religious sites. Participants explored key concepts from Guru Nanak's philosophy, including the interconnectedness of all existence, the importance of introspection, and the distinction between spirituality and religion. The discussion also touched on the historical context of languages and scripts in Punjab, as well as the interpretation of spiritual concepts and their relevance to personal growth and understanding.
Next steps
• Students will write reflections on the session, which will be published and shown in the next meeting.
• Manisha will collect and review student reflections before the next meeting.
• Students to research and learn more about the concept of "monism" as mentioned by Amardeep.
• Students should watch previous episodes of the Guru Nanak series on www.thegurnanak.com for better context and understanding.
• Amardeep will continue producing future Guru Nanak series episodes in multiple languages.
Summary
Guru Nanak Docuseries Episode 17
The meeting discussed the upcoming episode of a docuseries on Guru Nanak's life and travels. Amardeep, the executive producer, introduced the series, emphasising its focus on understanding Guru Nanak's philosophical messages and his journey across Asia. He explained that the series aims to convey the concept of the entire creation as one ecosystem, rather than promoting human supremacy. The episode to be discussed is the 17th in the series, and Amardeep highlighted key messages that will be covered, including Guru Nanak's journey from Chittorgarh to his birthplace, Nankana Sahib. The meeting also touched on the availability of the series in multiple languages on the website www.thegurnanak.com.
Journey of Spiritual Growth and Balance
Amardeep discussed the spiritual journey depicted in the episode, focusing on themes such as introspection, prayer, and mindfulness. He explained how the movement of the Earth around the sun compares to personal growth and the importance of reflecting on one's actions. The discussion included visits to significant religious sites in India and explored philosophical concepts from various spiritual texts. Amardeep emphasised the need to understand these stories symbolically rather than literally, highlighting the message of achieving balance and empathy.
Guru Nanak Pilgrimage Sites Discussion
Amardeep explained the significance of various pilgrimage sites associated with Guru Nanak, including Ajmer, Pushkar, Mathura, and other locations in India. She explained these sites' historical and spiritual importance and mentioned the presence of a gurdwara in Pushkar. The conversation included references to religious practices and the cultural significance of these locations. Amardeep and Jugjiv joined the discussion briefly, but the transcript does not provide clear context for their contributions.
Journey of Spirituality and Ego Submission
Amardeep shared the spiritual journey through Delhi and into Pakistan, highlighting key sites and messages from Guru Nanak's teachings. He explained the concept of building mental "dikes" to control negative thoughts and the significance of bowing as an act of ego submission. The discussion covered comparing the body to a farmland and the importance of the thoughts and crops planted within it. The journey concluded at Nankana Sahib, where Guru Nanak was born, with a message about gathering like-minded spiritual individuals and the importance of conquering one's mind to achieve victory in the world.
Guru Nanak's Life and Teachings
The meeting focused on Guru Nanak and his teachings, including his philosophy on charity and the importance of clean actions. The discussion covered Guru Nanak's travels, his companionship with Bhai Mardana, and his interactions with various historical figures and places. The presentation included details about Guru Nanak's visits to Sultanpur Lodhi and his teachings on devotion and service. After the presentation, participants were encouraged to ask questions, and some viewers requested access to the video or documentation of the presentation.
Punjabi and Urdu Script Evolution
The meeting primarily focused on discussing languages and scripts, particularly the evolution of Punjabi and Urdu scripts. Amardeep explained how the Persian script was used for official purposes in Punjab under British rule. In contrast, the Landa script (later known as Gurmukhi) was used to address the spiritual needs of the Sikh community. The discussion also touched on the historical context of how Urdu, developed in the UP and Bihar region, was introduced to Punjab due to British influence, leading to the replacement of Persian script in the school system.
Interpreting Guru Nanak's Spiritual Teachings
The meeting focused on discussing spiritual concepts and their interpretations, particularly through the lens of Guru Nanak's teachings. Amardeep explained key terms like 'ghosty,' 'kalandar,' and 'rohanyat,' emphasising the distinction between spirituality and religion. Khushi and others asked questions about specific words and phrases from a video, which led to detailed explanations about thoughts, actions, and the human spirit. The discussion highlighted the importance of being proactive, observing one's thoughts, and recognising the spiritual aspect within everyone, as Chetan Khosla shared insights from Stephen Covey's "7 Habits of Highly Effective People." The session concluded with reflections on the universal nature of spirituality and the need for respect and learning from diverse ideas.
Guru Nanak's Philosophy of Oneness
The discussion focused on Guru Nanak's teachings and their interpretation, particularly around Ek Onkar (Oneness) rather than monotheism. Amardeep explained that Nanak's philosophy emphasises the interconnectedness of all existence, viewing creation, sustenance, and destruction as different forms of energy rather than separate entities. He clarified that Nanak's message is about understanding the oneness of creation, with "Satnam" representing the reality of this interconnectedness, rather than focusing on religious differences. The session concluded with students being encouraged to write reflections on the episode, which would be shared in the next meeting.
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प्रवास (क़ियाम) एक 24 कड़ियों वाली धारावाहिक डॉक्यूमेंट्री श्रृंखला है, जिसका शीर्षक “रूपक, गुरु नानक के कदमों की रुहानी छाप” है। यह श्रृंखला गुरु नानक के जीवन और उनकी यात्रा की गाथा को क्रमिक रूप से दर्शाती है, जिससे उनके गहरे और सार्वभौमिक संदेशों को समझा जा सके। गुरु नानक, जो एक परोपकारी मुसाफ़िर थे, बारह साल की लंबी दूरी की यात्रा के बाद अपनी पांच नदियों की भूमि (पंजाब) में लौटते हैं, जहां से वे फिर अगली यात्रा शुरू करते हैं। इस श्रृंखला को नौ देशों में 150 से अधिक बहु-विश्वास स्थलों पर फिल्माया गया है, जो उनकी विचारधारा और उनके संवादों की व्यापकता को दर्शाता है। इस प्रयास का उद्देश्य गुरु नानक के आदर्शों को विश्व के सामने उजागर करना और उनके संदेशों के महत्व को समझाना है।
Parvaas (Sojourn): After 12 years, the altruistic traveller Guru Nanak returns to his native land of the five rivers to embark on another odyssey.
“Allegory - A Tapestry of Guru Nanak's Travels”, a 24-episode docuseries, sequentially explores Guru Nanak's life events to unfurl the deep import of his messages. This docuseries is filmed at over 150 multifaith sites in 9 countries. Reflective questions:
What messages from Guru Nanak's twelve-year journey are still relevant and inspiring for today's society?
गुरु नानक की बारह साल लंबी यात्रा के कौन से संदेश आज के समाज के लिए प्रासंगिक और प्रेरणादायक हैं?
What is the significance of showcasing Guru Nanak's travels to multi-faith sites, and how does it promote social harmony today?
गुरु नानक की बहु-विश्वास स्थलों की यात्राओं को दर्शाने का क्या महत्व है, और यह आज सामाजिक सद्भाव को कैसे बढ़ावा देता है?
How can we incorporate Guru Nanak's values of altruism and spirituality into our own lives?
गुरु नानक के परोपकार और आध्यात्मिकता के मूल्य हम अपने जीवन में कैसे उतार सकते हैं?
What lessons can we learn from the series "Rupak, Guru Nanak's Spiritual Footprints" that help us become better individuals?
“रूपक, गुरु नानक के कदमों की रुहानी छाप” श्रृंखला से हम कौन से ऐसे सबक सीख सकते हैं जो हमें बेहतर इंसान बनाएं?
After watching this documentary, how has your perspective changed, and what positive changes would you like to bring to your community?
इस डॉक्यूमेंट्री को देखने के बाद आपका दृष्टिकोण कैसे बदला है, और आप अपने समाज में कौन से सकारात्मक परिवर्तन लाना चाहेंगे?
Reflection helps you understand your learning, grow with purpose, and make better decisions. Please take a moment and reflect on today's experience.
📩 Send your reflections to:mk@learningforward.org.in. Let your thoughts lead you to transformation.
Introduction: In Door-to-Door Bookstore,
Carsten Henn introduces us to Carl Kollhoff, a reclusive bookseller with a
gentle heart, who delivers books by hand to a select group of customers. In Chapter
4: "Great Expectations", Carl reflects on the expectations placed
upon him by others and the ones he has internalized for himself. This chapter
explores the theme of self-worth, transformation, and quiet courage
through Carl’s evolving understanding of his role in the lives of his book
recipients and his growing connection with the spirited young girl, Schascha.
1. Contrast and Connection Between Generations
Question: Schascha is bold, talkative, and full of
curiosity, while Carl is reserved, cautious, and set in his ways. How do their
contrasting personalities help each other grow?
Have you ever had a friendship or relationship with someone very different
from you? What did you learn from them?
2. Growth Through Relationships
Question: Carl begins to open up and take small risks
after spending time with Schascha. What qualities in Schascha help him change?
Think about a person who encouraged you to change in a positive way. What
did they do that made an impact?
3. Empathy and
Understanding
Question: Schascha quickly picks up on Carl’s
emotions and routines, showing empathy despite her young age. What does this
say about her emotional intelligence, and how does it affect their
relationship?
Why is empathy important in building strong relationships, even with people
we don’t fully understand at first?
4. Interpersonal
Skills and Emotional Intelligence
Question: Schascha shows a natural ability to connect with others—she’s
curious, empathetic, and unafraid to speak her mind. How do her interpersonal
skills begin to influence Carl and the way he interacts with others?
Reflect on someone in your life who, like Schascha, uses their interpersonal
skills to bring people together. What have you learned from them?
विषय:
"अपनेरुचिऔरकौशलकेअनुसारव्यवसायचुनो" (Choose a
career based on your interests and skills)
प्रश्न
1: आपकीकौन-सीरुचिहैजिसेआपपूरेमनसेकरतेहैं,
बिनाथकेहुए?
प्रश्न
2: आपकेअनुसारकौन-साऐसाकौशलहैजोआपकेअंदरप्राकृतिकरूपसेमौजूदहै?
प्रश्न
3: क्याआपनेकभीअपनेकिसीशौकयारुचिकोकरियरमेंबदलनेकेबारेमेंसोचाहै?
क्योंयाक्योंनहीं?
प्रश्न
4: अगरआपकोमौकामिलेकिआपअपनीरुचिकेअनुसारकोईव्यवसायचुनसकें, तोआपक्याचुनेंगेऔरक्यों?
Reflection helps you understand your learning, grow with purpose, and make better decisions.
We encourage you to take a moment and reflect on today’s experience. 📩 Send your reflections to:mk@learningforward.org.in Let your thoughts lead you to transformation.
Jai hind everyone... I wanted to share my reflection on the recent session I attended at My Good School. The session focused on believing in yourself and emphasized the importance of discovering our own talents, rather than waiting for others to define them. It taught me that once we recognize our strengths, we must train them with dedication and purpose. Another key takeaway was the power of expressing our emotions freely—learning that vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness. Finally, the session encouraged us to create our own path, rather than follow someone else’s journey, which felt incredibly empowering. This experience reminded me of the book Sapne Dekho, which encourages us to dream big and take bold steps toward our aspirations. Overall, it was a thought-provoking and motivating session, and I’m excited to apply these lessons in my own life.
Our Sunday School class is something we all look forward to each week. It’s a time filled with stories, learning, and quiet reflection. We enjoy being together, sharing thoughts, and discovering new lessons.
Reading has become a special part of our Sunday routine. Through reading, we not only learn about faith and values but also improve our thinking and understanding. Each story teaches us something new—about kindness, honesty, patience, and how to live a meaningful life.
Sunday class helps us grow not just in knowledge, but also in heart.
Today’s session was truly inspiring and thought-provoking. The speaker focused on some very powerful points that struck a chord deep within me. The first and most impactful thing he said was that one should always dream big and never stop chasing those dreams. It reminded me that our ambitions should never be limited by our surroundings or fears—after all, every great achievement starts with a dream.
Another key takeaway was about self-belief. No matter what the world says, believing in yourself is the first step toward success. I felt truly motivated hearing this because in today’s world, where opinions come from all directions, staying rooted and self-confidence is more important than ever.
He also walked us through some practical steps to build self-esteem. From positive self-talk to surrounding ourselves with encouraging people, it felt like a toolkit we all need but often forget to use. Along with that, the insights on building confidence and improving personality were very relevant—especially for us students who are constantly growing and learning.
Towards the end, a teacher began reading a book via screenshare, which added a calm and thoughtful conclusion to an already empowering session.
I genuinely feel more charged up and ready to work on myself after today’s experience.
Good morning and Jai Hind dear readers,
