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

Importance of Indian Mythology - Tejas Kumar

Indian mythology holds immense significance not only within the cultural and religious structure of India but also globally, due to its rich varieties of stories, symbols, and archetypes. These myths, often soaked in symbolism and metaphor, serve as a fund of wisdom, offering deep insights into the human condition and the mysteries of existence. 

From the epic narratives of the Ramayana and the Mahabharata to the countless tales of gods, goddesses, and demons found in the Puranas, Indian mythology reflects the complex interaction between divinity and humanity, the eternal struggle between good and evil, and the cyclical nature of life, death, and rebirth.

Moreover, these myths not only entertain but also educate, transmitting moral values, principles, and philosophical concepts through fascinating storytelling. They provide a cultural identity to millions and encourage a sense of belonging and continuity across generations. 

Furthermore, Indian mythology continues to inspire art, literature, and popular culture, serving as an endless source of creativity and innovation. In essence, the importance of Indian mythology lies in its timeless relevance, offering deep insights into the human experience and serving as an endless source of inspiration, reflection, and spiritual growth.

Tejas Kumar 
Sunbeam School, Lahartara

Guru Nanak - Tejash

First Udasi (1499-1506)

Regions covered by the guru were Northern India and Tibet and Some of the stops he took in his journey were Haridwar, Varanasi, and Mecca. The message conveyed by him to the people was challenging ritualistic practices, emphasizing God's widespread.

Second Udasi (1506-1513)

From 1506 to 1513 he covered the whole of South India and Sri Lanka. Engaged with various religious leaders and the message given by him there advocated a balanced life of worldly engagement and spiritual devotion.

Third Udasi (1514-1518)

After that, he went to Western India, Arabia, and Persia from 1514 to 1518. He also went to Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, and Baghdad and his message outlined Stressed inner devotion over external rituals.

Fourth Udasi (1519-1521)

He also went to North India, Tibet, Himalayan regions and engaged with local spiritual leaders. And also gave a message to promote unity and devotion to one God.

Fifth Udasi (1523-1524)

His fifth udasi was from 1523 to 1524 in  Punjab and surrounding areas. Emphasizing social equality, honest living, and daily devotion to God were his teachings there.

Establishment of Kartarpur and Final Years

At last, he settled in Kartarpur (now in Pakistan). The Community life Regular hymns (kirtan), community meals (langar), and collective worship.

Legacy

Died on September 22, 1539. Teachings enshrined in the Guru Granth Sahib, promote equality, service, and devotion. Guru Nanak's journeys, known as Udasis, were instrumental in spreading his message of love, equality, and devotion, laying the foundation of Sikhism.

Tejash 

Sunbeam School

Unity is Strenghth - Chitranshi Singh

Yes, the story connected with me because there is "Unity is strength.” When there is teamwork and collaboration, wonderful things can be achieved. It has great value in all walks of life. When we are united then we can surmount any challenges and accomplish any goal. 

If we cooperate with each other, no one will be able to break us. But if we quarrel among ourselves, our enemies will take advantage of this and defeat us. 

This chapter, very beautifully, highlights the same fact likewise in this chapter, the leader of the quail told them to put their head through the net and told them to fly together with the net and go to the place which they liked.

Chitranshi Singh 

Sunbeam School, Varanasi Bhagwanpur