Jataka Tales - Simrat Kaur

Jataka tales are a treasure trove of wisdom, comprising a vast collection of folklore and moral anecdotes originating from the Buddhist tradition. These tales are not only entertaining but also profoundly insightful, offering readers valuable lessons about life, morality, and human nature.

One of the reasons people are drawn to Jataka tales is their timeless relevance. Despite originating over two millennia ago, these stories touch upon universal themes that resonate with people of all cultures and backgrounds. Whether it's tales of kindness, compassion, greed, or folly, the characters and situations depicted in Jataka tales are relatable and offer valuable insights into the human condition.

Another aspect that makes Jataka tales compelling is their use of animal characters. By anthropomorphizing animals, these stories make complex moral concepts accessible to readers of all ages. Animals such as monkeys, elephants, and birds serve as allegorical figures, embodying virtues and vices that mirror human behaviour. Through their adventures and struggles, readers are encouraged to reflect on their own actions and choices, fostering empathy and self-awareness.

Furthermore, Jataka tales provide cultural and historical context for understanding Buddhist teachings and principles. Many of these stories are believed to have been told by the Buddha himself as part of his teachings on morality and compassion. As such, they offer valuable insights into Buddhist philosophy and ethics, illustrating concepts such as karma, rebirth, and the path to enlightenment.

Beyond their moral and philosophical significance, Jataka tales also serve as a form of entertainment. The vivid storytelling, colourful characters, and imaginative plots captivate readers, transporting them to a world filled with adventure, intrigue, and wonder. Whether it's the cunning antics of the Monkey King, the loyalty of the Bodhisattva's animal companions, or the wisdom of the talking parrot, Jataka tales never fail to engage and delight audiences.

In conclusion, people read Jataka tales for their timeless wisdom, universal appeal, cultural significance, and sheer entertainment value. These stories continue to inspire and enlighten readers of all ages, reminding us of the enduring power of storytelling to impart moral lessons and foster understanding across generations and cultures.

Simrat Kaur

Grade- 9

Sunbeam School, Bhagwanpur

Sunbeam bhagwanpur

The Beauty Of Nature- Divyanshu Singh

We often neglect nature because we are so glued to the screens we have on our phones. We always take pictures of beautiful terrain thinking it will always be with us, but we ignore reality and stick to materialistic things. 

In actuality, nature is so beautiful that you may never want to see anything else other than nature. The earth is filled with glorious and magnificent wonders made by humans but there are also wonders of nature like the Great Barrier Reef having up to 2,900 reefs and is the largest coral reef system in the world, We also have the Aurora Borealis which is commonly known as the northern lights have captivated the society with its admirable dancing ribbons, and there are many more glorious wonders of nature hidden within the world but we being so addicted to our materialistic things fail to look after the nature and we just forget there is such a thing called nature.

So please I request to everyone that don't miss out on such beautiful sceneries. We all are living to enjoy nature not to destroy it. Everyone has the right to enjoy it if you don't want to enjoy the beauty of nature then let others enjoy it with peace. Finally, I would like to say "A walk in nature can give you way more than what you desire".

Divyanshu Singh

Grade- IX

Sunbeam Hostel Lahartara

Shinirin Yoku- Shaurya Chaturvedi

Shinirin Yoku

Whether you call it a fitness trend or a mindfulness practice (or a bit of both), what exactly is Forest bathing? The term emerged in Japan in the 1980s as a physiological and psychological exercise called Shinrin-yoku ("forest bathing" or "taking in the forest atmosphere"). The purpose was twofold: to offer an eco-antidote to tech-boom burnout and to inspire residents to reconnect with and protect the country's forests.

The Japanese quickly embraced this form of ecotherapy. In the 1990s, researchers began studying the physiological benefits of forest bathing, providing the science to support what we innately know. While Japan is credited with the term Shinrin-yoku, the concept at the heart of the practice is not new. Many cultures have long recognized the importance of the natural world to human health.

Forest bathing is not just for the wilderness-lover; the practice can be as simple as walking in any natural environment and consciously connecting with what's around you. For a more structured experience, you can join trained guides for a meditative two- to three-hour ecotherapy excursion. 

Shaurya Chaturvedi  

Grade - IX

Sunbeam Hostel Lahartara

What Are Jataka Tales? - Tejas Kumar

Jataka tales are ancient Buddhist stories recounting the previous lives of Gautama Buddha. These tales, numbering over 500, depict moral dilemmas and lessons through various characters, often animals or humans. 

Each story revolves around virtues like compassion, generosity, and wisdom, reflecting Buddhist teachings. Jataka tales serve as both entertainment and moral instruction, conveying ethical principles and spiritual wisdom to audiences across cultures.

Tejas Kumar

Grade- IX

Sunbeam School, Lahartara

Dogs and their emotional connection with humans - Sambhav Kumar

Dogs often form strong emotional bonds with humans due to their social nature and evolutionary history.

Here are several reasons why dogs are emotionally connected to humans:

Domestication History: Dogs have been living alongside humans for thousands of years, and they've evolved to understand human behaviour and communicate with us. This long history of coexistence has fostered emotional connections between humans and dogs.

Social Pack Animals: Dogs are pack animals by nature, and they view their human family as part of their pack. This social structure promotes bonding and emotional connections within the pack, including with humans.

Attachment and Dependency: Dogs often become emotionally attached to their human caregivers, relying on them for food, shelter, affection, and companionship. This dependency fosters a strong emotional bond similar to that of a parent-child relationship.

Sambhav Kumar

Grade- IX

Sunbeam Laharatra Hostel

The power of observation in a student's life- Priyanshu Arya

As students practice observing, they see more and can represent more and connect it to what they already know. Observing becomes habitual, not bound to specific times or locations or experiences (e.g. 'school' or 'science class')

The power of observation is the ability to mindfully observe the things surrounding you. And you can develop it by practising certain traits. The key to critical observation is paying attention to every bit of detail.

Observation isn't solely reserved for students; it's equally valuable for educators. By keenly observing students in various contexts—whether in the classroom, during group activities, or on the playground, their interests, who they are, what puts a smile or frown on their faces, and what they know and can do. Using observation in this way makes teaching more rewarding!

Priyanshu Arya

IX- D

Sunbeam school 

Work Smarter, Not Harder - Prince Raj

"Work smarter, not harder" is a popular adage that emphasizes the importance of efficiency and effectiveness in accomplishing tasks and goals. Instead of relying solely on sheer effort and labour, the phrase encourages individuals to employ strategies, tools, and approaches that maximize productivity and minimize wasted time and resources.

Here are some principles underlying the concept of working smarter:

Prioritize tasks: Focus on tasks that are high-impact and align with your goals, rather than getting bogged down by busy work or less critical activities.

Use technology and tools: Leverage technology, automation, and specialized tools to streamline processes and reduce manual effort. This could include project management software, communication tools, or task automation platforms.

Continuous improvement: Regularly evaluate your workflows and processes to identify areas for optimization and refinement. Embrace a mindset of continuous learning and improvement.

Delegate and collaborate: Delegate tasks when appropriate and collaborate with others to leverage their expertise and resources. Delegation allows you to focus on higher-level responsibilities while empowering others to contribute.

Time management: Practice effective time management techniques, such as setting goals, prioritizing tasks, and minimizing distractions, to make the most of your available time.

Work-life balance: Recognize the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance to avoid burnout and maintain long-term productivity and well-being.

By adopting these principles and strategies, individuals and organizations can achieve better results with less effort, ultimately leading to greater success and fulfilment.

By Prince Raj 

Grade: IX-D

Sunbeam Hostel Lhartara

What Are Jataka Tales? - Harsha Solanki

Jataka Tales

The jataka (meaning "Birth Story," "related to a birth") is a voluminous body of literature native to the Indian subcontinent which mainly concerns the previous births of Gautama Buddha in both human and animal form. Jataka stories were depicted on the railings and torans of the stupas.  According to Peter Skilling, this genre is "one of the oldest classes of Buddhist literature." Some of these texts are also considered great works of literature in their own right.

Jataka tales include an extensive cast of characters who interact and get into various kinds of trouble - whereupon the Buddha character intervenes to resolve all the problems and bring about a happy ending. The Jātaka genre is based on the idea that the Buddha could recollect all his past lives and t
hus could use these memories to tell a story and illustrate his teachings.

For the Buddhist traditions, the jātakas illustrate the many lives, acts and spiritual practices which are required on the long path to Buddhahood. They also illustrate the great qualities or perfection of the Buddha (such as generosity) and teach Buddhist moral lessons, particularly within the framework of karma and rebirth. Jātaka stories have also been illustrated in Buddhist architecture throughout the Buddhist world and they continue to be an important element in popular Buddhist art Some of the earliest such illustrations can be found at Sanchi and Bharhut.

Harsha Solanki

Grade 8

Sunbeam School & Hostel, Lahartara

All's Well That Ends Well - Shambhavi Nautiyal

I feel like I did connect with the story in some way as I could resonate with the goat when it felt happy for itself being freed and sorry for the person next in line for sinning. 

I too have been in a situation like that, where I did something wrong and realised it as soon as I had the asseveration of whoever I had wronged and just wished to be freed from that burden with the same thing happening to me. 

Soon the same scenario was created and I felt better that, at that time, I was on the right side but I felt bad seeing the other person going through the same thing I did years ago I tried convincing them at times and sometimes I did not. 

But regardless of the final story, it was all pre-destined, whether I was left disappointed, I enforced my boundaries and protected my energy or they listened to me and tried mending my ways, one thing holds absolute truth and It's that no one is indeed aggrieved. It is all fair, happening just the way it’s supposed to in line with those people’s past deeds.

IN THE END, ALL’S WELL THAT ENDS WELL.

Shambhavi Nautiyal 

Class- 10

Ahlcon Public School

Water: A Precious Resource - Rishona Chopra

The most precious thing on Earth,

One which has priceless worth.

The very thing because of which everything survives,

Without it, we won't stay alive,

Nature would die,

At the mere sight of it, one could cry.

No life on this precious planet of ours,

No PLAN B to save us from the tough hours.

If that one precious thing was gone,

We wouldn’t live to see the dawn.

The oceans would die,

The birds wouldn’t fly.

No resources in our life,

Because without water, how would we survive?

Rishona Chopra

Grade VIII

Gyanshree School