Significance of Jataka Tales- Anmol Kashyap

Jataka tales, originating from Buddhist literature, are profound narratives that carry immense significance across cultures. These stories depict the previous lives of the Buddha, known as Bodhisattva, before attaining enlightenment.

Through various characters and scenarios, Jataka tales convey moral teachings and spiritual wisdom. One key aspect of Jataka tales is their emphasis on virtues such as compassion, kindness, and selflessness. Each story showcases the Bodhisattva embodying these qualities, serving as an example for others to follow.

By illustrating the positive outcomes of virtuous actions, Jataka tales inspire readers to cultivate these qualities in their own lives. Furthermore, Jataka tales highlight the concept of karma, the law of cause and effect.

They illustrate how one's actions, both good and bad, shape their future experiences and spiritual progress. This teaching encourages individuals to be mindful of their deeds and strive for virtuous conduct to create positive outcomes in their lives. Moreover, Jataka tales provide valuable insights into human nature and the complexities of life.

 

Anmol Kashyap

Sunbeam School, Lahartara 

Knowledge Vs Learning - Tejas Kumar

Knowledge and Learning are closely related but distinct concepts. Knowledge refers to the information, facts, and understanding a person possesses about a particular subject or the world. It involves knowing specific details, principles, or theories.

Learning, on the other hand, is the process through which knowledge is acquired or absorbed. It encompasses the activities, experiences, and efforts involved in gaining new information, skills, or understanding.

Learning can occur through various means such as formal education, informal experiences, observation, or self-study. While having knowledge is a part of being educated, it is not the sole factor. Education involves more than just accumulating facts or information. 

It also encompasses critical thinking, problem-solving skills, creativity, communication abilities, and a broader understanding of the world. Education is about applying knowledge, adapting to new situations, and continuously seeking to expand one's understanding and skills.

In essence, having knowledge is a component of being educated, but true education involves the ongoing process of learning, growth, and development across various aspects of life.

-Tejas Kumar

-IX 'D'

-SUNBEAM SCHOOL, LAHARTARA

People and their differing aims - Tejash

Happiness: Many people strive to lead a happy and fulfilling life. This might involve pursuing activities, relationships, and experiences that bring joy and satisfaction.

Success: Success can be defined in various ways, such as achieving career goals, financial stability, personal accomplishments, or making a positive impact on others.

Health: Maintaining good physical and mental health is essential for overall well-being. People often aim to lead a healthy lifestyle through exercise, proper nutrition, and stress management.

Meaningful Relationships: Building and nurturing meaningful connections with family, friends, and romantic partners is a fundamental aspect of life for many people.

Personal Growth: Continuously learning and growing as individuals is important for self-improvement and development. This could involve acquiring new skills, gaining knowledge, or working on personal qualities.

Tejash

 Sunbeam School, Lahartara 

Importance of Leadership - Shubhangi Kashyap

Importance of Leadership

Leadership is pivotal in nation-building, providing direction, motivation, and decision-making. A leader's vision inspires citizens, fostering unity and trust. Effective leadership manages change, fosters innovation, and promotes inclusivity, vital for societal progress.

By nurturing international relations, leaders secure peace and cooperation. Transformative leadership enacts reforms, leaving lasting legacies that shape a nation's future.

However, leadership alone cannot determine a nation's destiny; societal, economic, and cultural factors also influence its development. Yet, a strong leader can galvanize collective action, navigate challenges, and steer the nation towards prosperity, leaving an indelible mark on its history.

Shubhangi Kashyap

Sunbeam School, Lahartara

What is Faggot Bearer?- Animesh Kashyap

What is Faggot Bearer?

PC- Pinterest

A "Faggot Bearer" is a critical component in traditional timber framing, specifically in roof structures. This horizontal timber beam runs parallel to the rafters, providing essential support for their ends. 

The term "Faggot" originates from bundles of sticks or small wood pieces historically used in construction. Positioned at regular intervals along the roof's length, these bearers distribute the weight of the roof evenly, ensuring structural integrity and preventing sagging. 

While the term may have historical connotations, it's purely technical in contemporary construction, denoting a vital element in traditional timber-framed buildings, particularly in regions with a heritage of such construction methods.

-By Animesh Kashyap

-Class- IX D

-Sunbeam Hostel Lahartara.

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

What Are Jataka Tales? - Shambhavi Nautiyal

What are Jataka Tales? What do you know about them?

Jataka Tales are a voluminous body of literature which is a compound of stories from the life of Gautam Buddha as well as his previous births.

In these stories, the future Buddha may appear as a king, an outcast, a deva, an animal—but, in whatever form, he exhibits some virtue that the tale thereby inculcates. Often, Jātaka tales include an extensive cast of characters who interact and get into various kinds of trouble - whereupon the Buddha character intervenes to resolve all the problems and bring about a happy ending. The Jātaka genre is based on the idea that the Buddha was able to recollect all his past lives and thus could use these memories to tell a story and illustrate his teachings.

Did the story connect with you today and why?

I think, yes, it did connect with me in some manner. For instance, I like that the king, at least, tried providing for his illegitimate child in the form of a signet ring, because that doesn’t happen often. Most of the time, women get estranged in such cases, by both their parents and the father of the child.

I was also able to relate when the king tried denying the fact that it was his son who had come to the court since although it wasn’t upright, it’s something we all have done in our lives- trying to deny a mistake due to shame and fear of being judged but I was glad when the kind got over it and owned his ‘mistake’ as he had thought.

And I feel like we all can take away something from this, even after thousands of years,i.e., that no child should be denied their parental love despite whatever society might think. This resonates with a thought I came across right after the class, “You need to fully experience the karmic cycle to break free from it” as only after he tried denying it did he realise its ramifications and started operating from a standpoint of love.

So for me, the moral of the story is ‘Own whatever you do, because, after some point, they will get to know about it anyway.'

Shambhavi Nautiyal 

Class- 10

Ahlcon Public School