The Key Endeavour of Jataka Tales - Sanvi Rai

The key endeavour of the Jataka tales is to teach people the value of a good life. Every jataka tale teaches the people the values of mankind and humanity in various aspects. The message conveyed by Buddha in these tales has great significance. 

From the story “The Fowler and the Quail” we can witness the power of unity and oneness the cooperation and the strength unity lies within is remarkably evident. Yes, the story did connect me today and taught a mesmerising lesson about being in a team and we should not split into factions which must destroy that union upon which our existence hangs. 

In essence, oneness is a feeling of interconnectedness and being spiritually related to one’s soul and heart. We gain the supreme power to see tranquillity and beauty around everyone and embedded in each soul. Religion is a complex system of beliefs and practices concerning the universe's existence, nature, and purpose. It typically involves devotion to a higher power. 

Sanvi Rai
Class 9
Sunbeam School, Bhagwanpur

Spirituality- Prapti Rai

Spirituality, to me, embodies the exploration of the deeper dimensions of existence beyond the confines of the physical world. It's about seeking a connection with something greater than ourselves, whether it's through religious practices, meditation, nature, or acts of compassion and kindness.

Modern spirituality centres on the "deepest values and meanings by which people live".It often embraces the idea of an ultimate or an alleged immaterial reality. It envisions an inner path enabling a person to discover the essence of his or her being.

Not all modern notions of spirituality embrace transcendental ideas. Secular spirituality emphasizes humanistic ideas on moral character- qualities such as love, compassion, patience, tolerance, forgiveness, contentment, responsibility, harmony, and concern for others.

These aspects of life and human experience go beyond a purely materialist view of the world without necessarily accepting belief in a supernatural reality or any divine being. However, Guru Nanak's documentaries likely portray spirituality as a universal quest for meaning and transcendence, showcasing diverse perspectives and practices from around the globe.

Through storytelling and insights from various cultures and traditions, these documentaries likely illuminate the common threads that unite us in our search for purpose and understanding in the vast tapestry of existence.

Prapti Rai

Sunbeam Bhagwanpur

The Gurunanak Docuseries - Simar Kaur

The concept of oneness, often symbolized by "Ik Onkar" in Sikhism, is a profound idea that teaches us about the interconnectedness of all things in the universe. It's like recognizing that each piece of a puzzle is important because it contributes to the bigger picture. In Sikhism, this principle promotes harmony, equality, and compassion among people, regardless of their differences in religion, culture, or background. It encourages us to see beyond these surface-level distinctions and recognize the deeper unity that binds us all together.

When we watch the Guru Nanak docuseries, we can see how this principle plays out in real life. It likely shows us stories of people from different walks of life coming together, respecting each other's differences, and working towards common goals. This could be anything from helping those in need to protecting the environment. By embracing diversity and recognizing our shared humanity, we can create a world where everyone feels valued and respected.

Moreover, the practice of yoga is another way to connect with this sense of oneness. Yoga is more than just stretching and breathing exercises; it's a way to tune into our inner selves and feel connected to the world around us. When we practice yoga, we're not just doing physical movements – we're also tapping into a deeper sense of peace and harmony within ourselves. It's like a reminder that we're all part of something bigger than ourselves.

So, by embracing the concept of oneness and practising yoga, we can cultivate a greater sense of compassion, empathy, and unity in our lives. We can learn to see the beauty in our differences and work together to create a more inclusive and harmonious world for everyone.

By -Simrat Kaur

Class-9th

Sunbeam Bhagwanpur

The forge of life - Saikiran Sahu

                                                      Illustrated by Christian Espinosa

In the forge of life, we're tested, tried,

Through every hardship, we abide.

Though storms and thunder may 

rage and winds may blow,

Our strength within begins to show.

With every stumble and every fall,

We rise again; we stand tall.

Each challenge faced, each fear unchained,

Our resilience is surely gained.

From struggles faced and fights won,

Our endeavour's just begun.

With every stride, we grow stronger yet,

In the face of adversity, we'll never forget.

Because our motive is to rise, conquer, endure,

And become stronger evermore. 

                                                                                                      -Saikiran Sahu XC

Reflection of the Week - Sunday 19th May 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 away from the story "The Fowler and the Quail"?

4. Co-operation and teamwork

5. Thinking hastily and thinking wisely 

6. How do the 6 's at My Good School connect with the story? 

  Hint: Critical Thinking, Creativity, Collaboration, Communication, Character and Citizenship

- From The Guru Nanak docuseries- 

1. What is the need for oneness in our life?

2. The true meaning behind religion. Is philosophy religion? 

3. God and symbolism

4. The true sense of Yoga

5. What does spirituality mean to you? 

6. What did you learn from the episode today? 

7. The two perspectives of life

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

Watch the video of Episode 5: 

Episode 5: Tatvagyan (Essence of Knowledge): Insightful dialogues of Guru Nanak with the ‘Kanphata Jogis’, the split-eared ascetics at ‘Gorakhmatta’.

“Allegory—A Tapestry of Guru Nanak’s Travels” is a 24-episode docuseries that sequentially explores Guru Nanak’s life events to unfurl the deep imports of his messages.

https://youtu.be/p5cE1ELzre0