Lotus Petals Lessons from the Sunday School

Lotus Petals Whispers.pptx by Manisha Khanna

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.

Sunbeam Moments: Learning, Growing and Glowing!

Sunbeam Moments: Learning, Growing, Glowing.pptx by Manisha Khanna

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.

Special Post: Screening of Episode 17 “Allegory - A Tapestry of Guru Nanak’s Travels”

My Good School (05/18/2025)

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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My Good School, Sunday the 18th May 2025

Sunday School #189

Summary:

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:

1. 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?

2. 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?

3. 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?

4. 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?

5. 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.

My Good School, Sunday the 11th May 2025

Sunday School #188

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: "अपने रुचि और कौशल के अनुसार व्यवसाय चुनो" (Choose a career based on your interests and skills)

भूमिका:

हर व्यक्ति में कोई न कोई खास रुचि (interest) और कौशल (skill) छिपा होता है। जब हम अपने कार्यक्षेत्र का चयन इन्हीं दोनों के आधार पर करते हैं, तो न केवल सफलता मिलती है, बल्कि काम में खुशी और आत्म-संतोष भी मिलता है। इसलिए यह जरूरी है कि हम अपने करियर की दिशा तय करने से पहले अपनी रुचियों और क्षमताओं को पहचानें।

प्रश्न 1: आपकी कौन-सी रुचि है जिसे आप पूरे मन से करते हैं, बिना थके हुए?

प्रश्न 2: आपके अनुसार कौन-सा ऐसा कौशल है जो आपके अंदर प्राकृतिक रूप से मौजूद है?

प्रश्न 3: क्या आपने कभी अपने किसी शौक या रुचि को करियर में बदलने के बारे में सोचा है? क्यों या क्यों नहीं?

प्रश्न 4: अगर आपको मौका मिले कि आप अपनी रुचि के अनुसार कोई व्यवसाय चुन सकें, तो आप क्या चुनेंगे और क्यों?

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.
 

Sapne Dekho - Vidya Singh

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. 

Thank you 

Vidya Singh

Sunbeam School Ballia

Heartprints from Sunday School - Sunbeam School Lahartara

 

Sunday Whispers: Soul Notes

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.