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

The Power of Student Observation- Tejas Kumar

The Power of Student Observation

Student observation is an often overlooked but potent force in education. Beyond textbooks, observation offers real-world relevance, fostering curiosity, inquiry, and empathy. By engaging with their surroundings, students deepen their understanding and develop essential skills for navigating the complexities of the modern world.                                                                 

Strengthening Analytical Skills

Observation sharpens students' analytical abilities as they dissect and interpret the information gleaned from their surroundings. This analytical prowess serves them not only in academic pursuits but also in problem-solving scenarios encountered throughout life.

Encouraging Active Participation

Through observation, students become active participants in their own learning journey. Rather than passively receiving information, they engage with their environment, taking ownership of their education and fostering a sense of empowerment.

Inspiring Creativity

Observation fuels creativity by exposing students to new ideas, perspectives, and possibilities. Whether it's through studying the natural world, analyzing works of art, or observing human behaviour, students draw inspiration from their observations to fuel their own creative endeavours.

Building Communication Skills

Effective observation lays the groundwork for strong communication skills. By articulating their observations and insights, students learn to convey information clearly and persuasively—a skill set invaluable in both academic and professional settings.

Promoting Lifelong Learning

The habit of observation transcends the classroom, instilling in students a lifelong thirst for knowledge. By continuously observing and learning from their surroundings, students cultivate a mindset of curiosity and adaptability, essential traits for success in an ever-evolving world.

Tejas Kumar

Grade-IX

Sunbeam School Lahartara 

The Guilty Dogs -Saksham Agrawal

The Guilty Dogs' story reflects that you should not follow four evil practices-  Partiality, Ignorance, Anger, and Disliking others. You should stand for injustice, not easily pass judgment, and think you are always right. You should listen to everyone.

Dogs were far better than humans in the story we can reflect that dogs were behaving very rationally and did not react very easily and fast. They did not bite the king even after the king behaved very bad.

-Saksham Agrawal IX 

Sunbeam Hostel, Lahartara

The Guilty Dog - The Doon Girls School Reflections

The Guilty Dog (Jataka Tales)- Reflection

"Be humble, don't turn your feelings into emotions". by (Stuti - IX)

"Jataka Tales is about Buddhism and Buddha's life incidence. In this chapter, the dog mainly toured the king's favourite dress. And the rest of the story is the punishment given by the king to the dog and then the Buddha came or taught them the life lesson." (Aadya - VI)

"This lesson taught us that we had to be polite with everyone and we should always smile." (Ibadat - VI)

"In this chapter, the dog acted much better in a much more rational than the king." by (Riddhi -VI)

"In this chapter, the author tries to say that there is a king who doesn't think anything and gives the order to anyone whom he wants. Then the Lord Buddha was born as a dog who gives us a teaching of humanity and love. In the end, we reach the conclusion that- the poor will get blamed and the rich always escape, If you want to give judgment to anyone make sure you have a calm mind, we need to stand up for ourselves first and then stand for others, We need to think first before doing anything." by (Saumya Jha - VIII)

"This story was mainly based on ignorance, fear, truthfulness, kindness and honesty. We also get a lesson about being humble with everyone." by (Tamreen -IX)