Reflection of the week - Sunday 14th July 2024

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 Challenge rigid thinking: Like Kabir challenged superstitions, we can question outdated beliefs and practices that no longer serve society.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

1. Schedule the next screening date in August. Rishona will follow up with Amardeep.
2. Participants should research Kabir's teachings, especially his Dohas.
3. Read the assigned chapter from "The Hidden Life of Trees" and discuss.
4. Publish a blog post reflecting on the discussion points from the episode.
5. Share the reflection blog post on various online platforms once published.

Reflection for the week - Sunday 30th June 2024

-From Jataka Tales-   

1. What insights do the Jataka Tales offer?

2. How does today's story resonate with your current life experiences?

3. What lessons can be learned from "Great King Goodness"?

4. What are commandments, and what are the 10 of them?

5. Learn more about the 10 commandments and their meaning to you.

6. find about 10 precepts and whom it is connected to?

7. Find out about Kosala and what comes to your mind when you hear it?

8. Why did the King of Benaras keep not fighting against the Kosala Kingdom?

9. Was the decision not to fight right by the king of Benaras?

10. Is doing good never wasted?

11. What moral lessons can we derive from "Great King Goodness"?

12. What are Goblins? Draw a Goblin by imagination.

-  From The Hidden Life Of Trees-   

1. What insights did you gain from today's chapter, Hibernation?

2. How has this book influenced your thoughts or perspective about trees and their life?

3. How a tree is a giving, living Being?

4. How do humans rely on trees and forests for their well-being?

5. Observe a tree nearby and describe its characteristics.

6. How is a forest different in summer from other seasons?

7. Find Out about carotene?

8. How do summers bring change in the forest trees?

9. Why are Celcius and Fahrenheit different?

10. Why do you think Trees Hibernate and slow down?

Check the July calendar, find your interests, and join us. https://www.joyoflearningdiaries.com/2024/06/mgs-calendar-july-2024.html

Link to the My Good School Telegram Workgroup: https://t.me/+mgyMC5zqTfo4MGU1

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.

Reflection of the week - Sunday 22nd June 2024

 

-From Jataka Tales-   

1. What insights do the Jataka Tales offer?

2. How does today's story resonate with your current life experiences?

3. What lessons can be learned from "The Foolish Friend"?

4. What led to the son's drastic action towards his father?

5. Have you ever played darts, or are you familiar with the game?

6. Do you agree that a sensible enemy is preferable to a foolish friend? Why or why not?

7. Do you typically think before you act? Why is this important?

8. In what ways were the GNATs effective, and what roles did they play in wars?

9. What are some of the critical aircraft used by the Indian Air Force?

10. Can you draw an aircraft and describe its features?

11. What moral lessons can we derive from "The Stupid Monkey"?

12. Who is responsible for the destruction in the garden?

13. What key points should be considered when delegating tasks?

14. What are some interesting facts about gardening, and how would you manage a garden to prevent damage by animals like monkeys?

15. What insights can be gained from the story "The Robbers and Treasures"?

16. What is the reason the Despatchers create such a pattern to get money

  

- From The Hidden Life Of Trees-   

1. What insights did you gain from today's chapter?

2. How has this book influenced your thoughts or perspective?

3. What is a bumblebee and its role in the ecosystem?

4. How do humans rely on trees and forests for their well-being?

5. Observe a tree nearby and describe its characteristics.

6. What is an armada, and how does it contribute to the health of forests?

7. In what ways can a dead tree benefit the ecosystem?

8. Listen to a song by Peter Maffay and reflect on how its themes connect with the chapter. https://youtu.be/LtQTSWpxmjo?si=PDQnjLCKxIpg63lh (Peter Maffay - So bist du 1979 - song in German) And when I go, only a part of me is gone.

Do visit Our Youtube Channel https://youtube.com/@MyGoodSchool 

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

Reflection of the week - Sunday 9th June 2024

   

-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 from the story "The Haughty Slave"? 

4. Why is the chapter's name "Haughty Slave"? 

5. Have you ever called anyone "haughty " and why? 

6. No one is superior or inferior 

7. What does "insolence" mean? 

 - From The Hidden Life Of Trees-    

1. What did you learn from the chapter today?    

2. What impact does this book have on you?    

3. Importance of Fungi and their significance 

4. The role birds play in Nature 

5. Why is a woodpecker called a "subletter"?  

6. Experiments with Nature 

7. The language of trees 

8. Interdependence in Nature 

9. What does the poem "Laburnum Top" express? 

10. What role do beetles play in Nature?  

11. Why is the chapter named "Community Housing Projects"? 

The Laburnum Top
https://www.ssgopalganj.in/online/Class%20XI/Eng/Hornbill/ch9.pdf 

The Good Schools India Journal: https://www.gsi.in/ 

These are some suggestions you can choose from. Looking forward to seeing your wonderful and thoughtful reflections!    

You can email your reflections to -    

Rishona at 19392@gyanshree.in 

Saikiran at saikiran17112008@gmail.com

Trees as Best Friends - Anmol Kashyap

Trees as Best Friends

We cannot survive in this world without our friends. Similarly, it is impossible to survive on this land without trees.

Trees give us everything for the survival of living beings. Still, we humans, who are considered the most intelligent beings on this earth, give several threats (such as deforestation) to the base of our life (trees) only.

So, we humans should be grateful for being the friends of the trees, and practice things (such as afforestation and reforestation) to increase their population and equally respect and consider them also as citizens of our country.

Anmol

Grade IX

Sunbeam School, Lahartara

The Hidden Life of Trees - The Doon Girls School Reflections

Carbon Dioxide Vacuums

"This chapter is taken from The Hidden Life of Trees. It's based on the pollution of the area because of the trees being deforested. And this chapter also teaches us how carbon dioxide  is valuable for trees and plants." (Tamreen - IX)

Plant Based Facts

• Most trees grow in swamps.
• The coal is hardly being formed because forests are constantly being cleared.
• Carbon dioxide is the favourite food of plants.
• There are 700,000 trees on every continent in the world. (Sumya Jha - VIII)

Reflection of the week - Sunday 21st April 2024

- From Jataka Tales - 

1. Which language were Jataka Tales written in? When were they written?

2. Did the story connect with you today, and why? 

3. What learnings can we take away from the story "King Makhadevas Grey Hairs "?

4. What are the things one aims for in life?

5. What learnings can we take away from the story "The Cold Half Of The Month "?

- From The Hidden Life Of Trees - 

1. What is Gulliver in Lilliput about?

2. What can we learn from the "Tree or Not Tree" chapter?

3. What is coppicing?

4. How is Trees' age measured?

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. Feel free to call Neetu, Monday to Friday, 10 am to 7 pm, +91 135 2710958

Trees - Pranvi Chandra

 TREES

Trees are there every day,
And under them, you can play.
Their leaves can be green, 
And trees are never mean.  
Please let them stay,
So just don't fray. 
Keep them clean,
Don't let them lean. 
Let them thrive,
And they will keep you alive.

                                                                         Pranvi Chandra - IX/D

                                                                       Sunbeam Hostel Lahartara.

Trees - Samriddhi Banerjee

                                                                      Picture from treehugger.com
The oak is called the king of trees,

The aspen quivers in the breeze.

The poplar grows up straight and tall, 

The peach trees spread along the walls,

The sycamore gives pleasant shade.

Samriddhi Banerjee
Class 4
Sunbeam School Lahartara

My pen's view on nature - Yashraj Sharma

                                                     

A big part of who we are or how we are recognised is the company we stay in, which means the type of people we are surrounded by.  

Mother nature is also filled with examples like this, like this picture I took today at the Pradhan Mantri Sanghralaya. Let me tell you the 2 ideas I came up with when I first saw this picture.

First, I thought that the part of the tree with the concrete wall in its background is the stage in a person's life when they have a fixed, enclosed and rigid mindset. But the part of the tree with the other trees in its background is part of a person's life when they are mixed with people with positive vibes and a "growth" mindset open to new thoughts and suggestions. This thought about the different perspectives of people depicted in this picture came to me from the 'My Guide Inside' session on Friday.

The second utterly different idea I came up with was that when the tree had the concrete wall in its background, it is the stage in a person's life when they sometimes get mixed in "negative" company. But the part of the photo where the tree has other lush green trees in its background. That is the stage when a person slowly progresses to be surrounded by people with positive feelings, thoughts, discussions and ideas.

These precious teachings and skills to live life to the fullest, provided by nature, are everywhere, just sitting in the landscape waiting to be discovered….

Yashraj Sharma

Grade: IX

Gyanshree School, Noida

Friendship - Anika Mishra

Hello everyone, today I am going to tell you about my friends. My friends are Advita Priyadarshini and Udaytam. We all are best friends, and we talk to each other. Advita helped me understand a topic taught in class, Priyadarshini taught me how to cook, and Udaytam helped me learn how to ride a bicycle.

Apart from them, my friends are trees, as they give us lots of things like vegetables, fruits, oilseeds and wood. We make oil from oilseeds, eat fruits and vegetables, and from wood, make furniture like beds, tables, and chairs.

My friends are also animals. They are adorable. I always wanted a pet. There are lots of pet animals like cats and dogs. They also help us like a cat eats rats so there are no rats in our house and dogs help us when we are out and a thief or stranger comes, it scares them away.

I like my friends as they help me a lot, especially in tough times, and if they need me, I will help them too.  

Anika Mishra

Grade III Gyanshree School

Friendship - Aarohi Bumtariya

Hmmm, what does friendship mean? Let me tell you what it does. Friendship means making close friends. For example, I have a friend named Amayra. She had been only in pre-nursery with me. I am in grade 3 now. Still, she is my friend. That is called true friendship.

I have lots of other friends too. There are trees, plants, birds and animals. All help us in one or the other way. We also help them. This tells us that in friendship, one must help the other.

That’s yet not done. I also have Aryama and Janya. They have helped me many times. Friendship does not only mean helping each other but also having fun. Janya, Aryama, Amayra and I went to a resort to stay together as well!!! Not only that but we went cycling together in Biodiversity Park too! It was fun.

May it be the sun, the moon, the clouds, nature or children. They are all my friends. I love and care for all of them.

Aarohi Bumtariya

Grade III

Gyanshree School

Caring - Arav Agarwal

Caring and planting more trees will make our Earth bountiful.

Oh! Nature is so wonderful.

The trees are so beautiful.

To make our Earth bountiful.

If we plant more trees 

We will get fresh oxygen and a cool breeze

So let us keep our environment clean and green

By caring and planting more and more trees

And make our planet beautiful and serene

Name - Arav Agarwal

Grade: 5C

Billabong High International School, Thane

 

Caring - Anushri Palnitkar

Listen to my story

When I Started Caring For Trees

Anushri Palnitkar

Grade - 5A

Billabong High International School Thane