Reflection of the week – Sunday, 28th July 2024

- From Jataka Tales - 

1. Significance of Guru Purnima

2. Why do you believe having relationships gives you security in life?

3. Research on Silk cotton Trees.

4. What learnings can we take away from the story today?   

5. What does it feel like to be covered and protected?

6. What is the value of a brother in one's life?

- From Hidden Life Of Trees -     

1. What do you understand by "The Sick Tree"?

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

3. What learnings can we take away from the story today?   

4. Find out about- Phytoncides

5. Where is Leningrad? 

6. How can Lametta be useful during Christmas?

7. Who are comrades in the chapter, and how do comrades help you? 

These are some suggestions. We look forward to your excellent and thoughtful reflections, which you can email to mk@learningforward.org.in.

Think it over
Based on the discussion, we must answer the question, " Why do children disrupt classes?"

Smart Summary

The conversation revolved around various themes, including the importance of brotherhood, navigating the digital age, inner strength, and three defence mechanisms. 

Speakers emphasized the need for respect, order, and education in society and the importance of utilizing digital power responsibly and ethically. 

We discussed trees' resilience and vulnerability to environmental changes and injuries, highlighting their adaptability and potential to heal sicknesses.

The conversation covered various topics and perspectives, focusing on the importance of inner strength, education, and responsible technology use.

12.00 pm
Interns Meeting: Form groups to work on four projects - Blogs, Podcasts, newsletters and Fundraising.

From the Jatakas discussed, we can take the following key lessons:

• The value of brotherhood and relationships, as seen in the woman's choice to save her brother over her husband or son

• The importance of compassion and treating all beings, even animals, with respect, as demonstrated by the Bodhisattva who saved the prince, snake, rat, and parrot

• The dangers of ingratitude and selfishness, as shown by the ungrateful prince who plotted against his benefactor

• The need to balance growth and defence, as trees must do to maintain their health and longevity

We can cultivate a more harmonious and just society by applying these lessons of brotherhood, compassion, and respect for all life.

Food For Thought

To continue encouraging thoughtful reflection and knowledge sharing in future sessions, we can:

• Provide more opportunities for participants to share their personal reflections and insights on the stories and lessons discussed

• Encourage participants to make connections between the stories and their own lives or experiences

• Facilitate discussions that allow participants to explore different perspectives and deepen their understanding

• Incorporate more interactive activities like group discussions or creative projects to engage participants and foster collaborative learning

• Invite participants to bring their books, poems, or other materials to share with the group.

• Emphasize the importance of active listening and respectful dialogue to create a safe and inclusive knowledge-sharing environment

By focusing on these strategies, we can continue cultivating a culture of thoughtful reflection and meaningful knowledge exchange in future sessions. YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/@mygoodschool

Reflections Vs Note-taking - Podcast by Ayush and Ahad

Ayush and Ahad thought they needed to explain the power of reflection and how making notes or sharing content is not reflection. You can listen to them on your preferred podcast app or on My Good School's YouTube channel (@MyGoodSchool).

Guru - Shubhangi Kashyap

 GURU

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.

Shubhangi Kashyap

Sunbeam Lahartara

My Good School - Pragyan Prashast

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:

• Confederates
• Identical
• Dwelling
• Marvellous
• Peerless
• Ignorant 
• Asseveration

Pragyan Prashast

Sunbeam School, Lahartara 

Gautam Buddha’s Journey - Aradhy Mohan Jalan

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.

Aradhya Mohan Jalan 

Sunbeam School, Lahartara