The beacons of light illuminate our path. Guru Purnima offers us a chance to express our gratitude and reflect on the significant impact our Guru's guidance has had on our lives.
A guru is more than just a teacher; they are a wellspring of inspiration and wisdom. They expand our horizons, shape our thoughts, and encourage us to chase our dreams. Their influence extends far beyond the classroom, enriching our lives in profound ways.
As we celebrate Guru Purnima, let us take a moment to appreciate their dedication and commitment. Let us also renew our commitment to applying the knowledge they’ve imparted to us and continue our journey of learning and growth.
My experience at My Good School was wonderful this Sunday. In our session, we had the opportunity to read and discuss two stories.
Kabir and Guru Nanak
The first story we read was about Kabir and Guru Nanak, written by Sanvi Rai. The story provided us with insightful lessons and a deeper understanding of their teachings and journey.
The Brahmin's Spell
The second story was "The Brahmin's Spell." Through this story, I learnt several new and interesting words. Here are some of the words I came across:
Gautama Buddha's journey from prince to spiritual teacher is a profound tale of enlightenment and compassion. Born as Siddhartha Gautama around 563 BCE in Lumbini (present-day Nepal), he was destined for greatness. Despite his privileged upbringing, Siddhartha became aware of human suffering and sought a path to alleviate it.
At the age of 29, he renounced his royal comforts, leaving behind his palace and family, including his wife and newborn son. He embarked on a quest for truth, guided by a deep inner calling to understand the nature of existence, suffering, and the way to liberation.
For six years, Siddhartha wandered through forests and engaged in rigorous ascetic practices with various teachers. Despite his severe discipline, he did not find the answers he sought. Realizing the futility of extreme austerity, he decided to meditate under a bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya, Bihar.
On the full moon night of Vesakha, at the age of 35, Siddhartha attained enlightenment. Sitting in deep meditation, he achieved profound insights into the nature of suffering (dukkha), its causes (craving and ignorance), and the path to its cessation (the Eightfold Path). Thus, he became the Buddha, the "Awakened One."
For the next 45 years, Buddha travelled across northern India, teaching the Dharma (the path to liberation) to all who would listen—kings, nobles, merchants, and the marginalized. He founded the Sangha, a community of monks and nuns who dedicated themselves to the practice and dissemination of his teachings.
Buddha's teachings emphasized the Four Noble Truths—suffering exists, suffering arises from attachment to desires, suffering ceases when attachment to desires ceases, and the Eightfold Path leads to the cessation of suffering.
Gautama Buddha's journey from prince to enlightened teacher continues to inspire millions worldwide, transcending time and culture with its message of compassion, mindfulness, and the pursuit of inner peace.
Mr. Paul - Director QCR&D, had an interactive session with the bright minds of the My Good School reading club at Sunbeam Lahartara Hostel. He delved into the significance of 'reflection' and had a truly enlightening discussion. Boarders also shared their views and learnings. Additionally, Sir had a stimulating chat with the Interns, guiding them through the many volunteer roles they can take on during the internship.
- Report filed by Varsha Banerjee from Sunbeam School Lahartara: She has signed up for the Fellowship Program with the GSA (Learning Forward India Foundation).
Mr P.V. Paul, Director of QCR&D, met the My Good School Sunday students and interns of Bhagwanpur. The session's objective was to understand the difference between note-making and reflection. For instance, what makes us happy and what doesn't reflect happiness. Pondering one's own ideas and feelings helps one grow personally and professionally.
Reflection helps us find answers to questions in our minds and hearts. It also changes our perception of the world around us.
The Sunday School aims to propagate this habit of writing reflection in the Sunday school attendees post the reading session.
- Apeksha Malviya from Sunbeam English School Bhagwanpur is part of the Good Schools Alliance's Impact Team and is pursuing the Fellowship Program.
We played the 2 Girls 1 Mic Podcast - The conversation revolved around classic literature, reflection, and societal norms. Participants shared their perspectives on the significance and enduring appeal of classic novels like Pride and Prejudice and Little Women. We discussed the importance of reflection in understanding oneself and others.
Reading Jatakas, which explored the challenges of societal norms, offered fresh perspectives on the role of women in historical contexts.
Additionally, the speakers discussed the behaviour and adaptation of trees in response to climate change and brainstormed ideas for a newsletter and podcast for their school's JOL Diaries.
Kabir and Guru Nanak, two great spiritual leaders and poets, have left behind a legacy of profound wisdom and teachings.
One of Kabir's dohas that is close to my heart is-
"ज्ञानी सों जानै जो अपनी ही बुद्धि।
पारस परस समुंद में हो गहरी फूल छाई॥",
which translates to "The wise one is one who knows his own mind; just like a flower that shines deep in the water of the ocean."
From the teachings of Guru Nanak, a verse that resonates with me is-
"ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਕੀ ਬਾਣੀ, ਸਤਿਗੁਰ ਤੇ ਜਾਤਿਜਾਤਿ ",
which means "The Guru's Bani (teachings) transcends all social and cultural boundaries." These dohas are not only close to my heart but also reflect timeless wisdom and insights that are relevant to all aspects of life.
Righteousness, in its deepest meaning, refers to a moral and ethical principle where an individual or entity acts in accordance with what is morally right and just. It involves upholding virtues such as honesty, integrity, fairness, and adherence to principles of justice and equity.
This concept often extends beyond mere legal compliance to encompass a sense of moral duty and responsibility towards others. Righteousness is rooted in a commitment to doing what is right, even in the face of adversity or temptation, and seeking justice and goodness for oneself and others.
"Righteousness in a deep sense refers to a strong moral or ethical quality that influences one's actions, decisions, and relationships with others. It involves a profound commitment to justice, honesty, integrity, and fairness, often rooted in personal values and beliefs."
Agochar (Seeing the Unseen): At the confluence of the seen and unseen waters, Guru Nanak, the discerning motivator, inspires to connect with the invisible flow within. "Allegory - A Tapestry of Guru Nanak's Travels", a 24-episode docuseries, sequentially explores Guru Nanak's life events to unfurl the deep imports of his messages. This docuseries is filmed at over 150 multifaith sites in 9 countries. Notes courtesy Otter AI: The conversation delved into Guru Nanak's life, teachings, and impact, exploring his philosophy and how it has been interpreted and accepted by different faith groups. Speakers also discussed Guru Nanak's spiritual journey, including his visit to Nizamabad and Allahabad and the significance of the Gagra River. Additionally, they shared insights on the path to spiritual growth and self-discovery, emphasizing the importance of being a learner at every moment.
Bhagat Kabir's philosophy of questioning societal norms can be applied to modern issues in several ways:
1. Challenge rigid thinking: Like Kabir challenged superstitions, we can question outdated beliefs and practices that no longer serve society.
2. Promote inclusivity: Kabir's message transcended caste and religious boundaries. We can apply this to fight discrimination and promote equality.
3. Simplify life: Kabir advocated for simple living. In modern society, we can question consumerism and materialism.
4. Seek inner wisdom: Kabir emphasized looking within for truth. We can encourage critical thinking and self-reflection instead of blindly following societal expectations.
5. Use creative expression: Kabir's poetic style made complex ideas accessible. We can creatively use art, music, and literature to address social issues.
6. Embrace diversity: Kabir's teachings were adopted by various communities. We can celebrate diversity and promote cultural understanding.
7. Question authority: Kabir challenged religious orthodoxy. We can encourage questioning of power structures and promote accountability.
8. Focus on essence over form: Kabir emphasized spirituality over rituals. We can prioritize core values and principles over superficial practices in various aspects of life.
By applying these principles, we can address modern issues like social inequality, environmental concerns, and political polarization with a fresh, critical perspective.
Some key takeaways from Guru Nanak's teachings about achieving spiritual growth include:
Focus on inner transformation: Guru Nanak emphasised orienting oneself internally rather than relying on external rituals or formalities.
Practice equipoise: Tranquility can be achieved by maintaining a balanced mind in all situations.
Overcome inner obstacles: Guru Nanak taught that shackles of lust, anger, greed, attachment and ego are barriers to attaining peace of mind and experiencing bliss.
Live simply: Guru Nanak emphasized the importance of simple living and evolving through proper actions.
Cultivate noble intentions: Our intentions shape our destiny, with noble intentions leading to peace and lowly intentions to distress.
Seek experiential wisdom: Guru Nanak valued direct spiritual experience over blind adherence to religious customs or self-affliction.
Recognize the divine within: He taught that God is within us, and we should look inward to connect with the divine.
Embrace oneness: Guru Nanak promoted the unity and oneness of all creation, transcending religious and social boundaries.
Be a lifelong learner: He encouraged maintaining a mindset of continuous learning and growth throughout life.
Practice remembrance: Regular meditation and remembrance of the divine facilitates the union of the mind with consciousness.
In the second part of the session, we touched upon trees' remarkable intelligence and adaptability, highlighting their unique sensory perception and ability to respond to changing seasons.
- From Guru Nanak Docuseries-
1. What was your takeaway from the session today?
2. What did you learn from the episode, and does it relate to you in any way?
3. Rules and norms
4. Kabir and Guru Nanak. Are there any dohas that are close to your heart?
5. Rationality and common sense in the society
6. Where is this oneness lost today?
-From Hidden Life Of Trees-
1. Why do we read about trees in the first place?
2. Did the story connect with you today, and why?
3. What learnings can we take away from the story today?
4. Which part is known as the brain of the tree?
5. How do forests grow and connect with external factors?
These are some suggestions you can choose from. Looking forward to seeing your wonderful and thoughtful reflections! You can email your reflections to - nk@learningforward.org.in. For any assistance, please feel to WhatsApp or Telegram us at +919811133900 (no phone calls)
Action Item
Schedule the next screening date in August. Rishona will follow up with Amardeep.
Participants should research Kabir's teachings, especially his Dohas.
Read the assigned chapter from "The Hidden Life of Trees" and discuss.
Publish a blog post reflecting on the discussion points from the episode.
Share the reflection blog post on various online platforms once published.
My Guide Inside is like a little voice, an inner wisdom that tells us what is good and wrong and how we feel. It is always in us; we must calm our brains and thoughts to know precisely what we want.
We don’t have to feel guilty for having a comfortable life—we should be happy to have the opportunity to help others with that! I felt the same guilt for quite a while. I thought that there were so many people dying and starving, and I was not able to help.
Many people want to be like us, but we don’t reflect on it. But now I realise that maybe I will not be able to help everyone, and that’s okay because I can start from my community; that counts as help, too!
Our inner sunshine still exists, even if we have a terrible thought. Just because the sun has been covered by clouds doesn’t mean it has disappeared! The clouds will eventually leave, and it will be all sunny again. If we have a terrible thought, we should label it as just a thought and not pay heed to it. We are in control of our thoughts, and we can redirect them when we want.
Arfa Khan
Ahlcon Public School
My Guide Inside (MGI) Author Note: MGI Online is for Indian school classrooms. MGI has 3 levels for: young kids, kids, and teens. Story-based MGI focuses on 3 Principles, Language Development, and 21 Century Competencies. MGI includes Hindi vocabulary and is ideal for Life Skills courses. See: myguideinside.com
Taxila (also called Takshashila or Takshasila) is an ancient city near Islamabad in present-day Pakistan. It holds significant historical and cultural importance:
Educational Center: Taxila was a renowned learning centre in ancient times, attracting students and scholars from various parts of the world, particularly during India's Maurya and Gupta periods (around the 6th century BCE to the 5th century CE).
Buddhist Center: It was an important Buddhist centre and played a pivotal role in spreading Buddhism across Asia. Many stupas, monasteries, and relics have been excavated from the site.
Crossroads of Civilizations: Taxila was strategically located on the trade routes that connected Central Asia with the Indian subcontinent. This geographical position facilitated cultural exchanges between different civilizations, including Persian, Greek, Central Asian, and Indian.
Archaeological Significance: The archaeological remains at Taxila provide valuable insights into the urban development, art, architecture, and daily life of ancient Indian civilization.
4. Share your thoughts and feelings. Show insight and connections to this quote from My Guide Inside (Book II) Chapter One:
My guide inside of wisdom is "powerful knowledge." Wisdom will "grow with you and guide you."
- From Jataka Tales -
1. Why do we read about the Jataka Tales?
2. Did the story connect with you today, and why?
3. What learnings can we take away from the story today?
4. How do parents name their children?
5. Where is Takksila located? What is its significance?
6. What is righteousness?
7. Moral Integrity
8. How would you tackle the problem if you were in the Bodhisattva's place?
These are some suggestions you can choose from. Looking forward to seeing your wonderful and thoughtful reflections!
You can email your reflections to - nk@learningforward.org.in
SUMMARY
The speakers emphasised the significance of education and self-discovery, sharing personal experiences and insights on inner wisdom, thought labelling, and the connection between thoughts and feelings. They discussed the intersection of Yoga and AI, the importance of personal experience and self-denial in storytelling and the path to enlightenment. The speakers highlighted the importance of embracing simplicity, compassion, and wisdom in making good choices and guiding us through life.
12.00 PM We decided not to read the chapter from The Hidden Life of Trees and instead hosted an Open House to meet Ms Manish Khanna and discuss how we could better engage with Fellows and Interns. Kunal shared an update about the Impact Study, and we discussed how we could improve our program on Sunday and engage with a wider audience.
These are some suggestions you may choose from; you are most welcome to share and post whatever comes to your mind as your thoughts. We are looking forward to seeing your wonderful and thoughtful reflections!
You can email your reflections to Neetu at <nk@learningforward.org.in> or call her at +91 135 2710958 for assistance Monday through Friday, 10 am to 7 pm.
SUMMARY by Otter AI The conversation revolved around various topics, including improving school management through effective communication, fostering a collaborative learning environment, and discussing religious and cultural stories. Participants discussed the adaptations of trees during winter, highlighting their unique strategies for survival. The conversation covered a wide range of subjects, showcasing the speakers' diverse perspectives and ideas.
Beavers have incisors as strong and sharp as a chisel. They gnaw the bark of a tree (most of it) while the wind helps in taking down the rest. They use the bark and stones as the base of the dam and then pile up mud and sticks to finish it off. These dams play a vital role in cooling the forest down.
It is human nature to think wisely and act in an absurd fashion.
― Anatole France
There is a big difference between thinking hastily and thinking wisely. Everyone in the world has a different way of thinking. Thinking depends upon experience, state of mind, situation, education, etc.
Firstly, let's talk about thinking hastily. Thinking hastily means thinking in a hurry without being very careful. Hasty thinking is not prevalent in our daily lives. We do not tend to think in a hurry while doing our daily work. We take time to think and make desirable decisions. Hasty thinking may ruin our decisions which will hamper our daily work and routine.
However, if we are stuck in a situation where we have to make split-second decisions, hasty thinking helps a lot.
Secondly, talking about thinking wisely. Thinking wisely means taking time to think carefully and make desirable decisions. Thinking wisely is prevalent in our daily lives, business environment, family, career, etc. This type of thinking helps us a lot throughout our lives to make sound decisions, tackle challenges and head to success. It is a very essential and necessary part of our lives.
We have to think wisely to choose our career, future and family member's welfare. Entrepreneurs also have to think wisely and make sound decisions relating to their work and business. Wise thinking also helps them to compete with other businessmen.
On comparing these two, we come to the conclusion that thinking wisely is more important than thinking hastily. Thinking wisely is prevalent in our lives but thinking hastily occurs just at some point in our lives. Thinking wisely gives us a proper result or outcome. Thinking hastily leads to unsound decisions, errors and unintended consequences.
"Books" are that one constant companion throughout the whole life and "Reading" is that one habit which brings joyous colours to your life.
People who understand the art of reading will always find peace in it because books aren't only for reading but can also act as a safe place for many people.
The enhancement of vocabulary and good communication skills are some of the important skills that one can have which is actually a necessity in the real world, they can also make your point of view even larger and you get to understand people and your surroundings more properly and in an adequate manner.
With clarity in mind and diverging eyes to the sites,
there you are with a gift of seeking out the beauty in the darkest of times
with all the prowess in your hands,
embrace the shower of familiarity that has been long forgotten.
Here I am, resting my words by resonating that reading is essential for those who seek to rise above the ordinary
The author explains that trees create leafy humus that can store moisture, and their branches can slow winds and create calmer air within the forest. Over time, these conditions reduce evaporation and create moist soil with better water storage, allowing more trees to thrive.
by (Sanskriti- VI)
In "The Peacock Wings," what I gather is that our life choices should prioritize goodness, embracing both the flaws and beauty of others.
by (Aadya- VI)
Woody Climate Control
When the annual leaffall of beech trees occurs, it creates an alkaline humus that has the capacity to store a significant amount of water.
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