Value: Peace
Sub-value: Tolerance
Spiritual Principle: to show brotherliness despite differences by understanding that everyone is an aspect of the same God who is also in you.
Quote:
“Man is inherently divine; he ought therefore demonstrate in thought, word and deed the divine attributes of Love, Tolerance, Compassion and Humanity. God is Truth; man too must live in Truth. God is Love; man too must live on Love, eschewing Anger. Master hatred through Love; master anger through sweet Tolerance.”
– SSS 8:34; 187
Christian Prayer:
Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. Blessed be the Peacemakers, for they shall be called the Children of God.
Silent sitting: 3 Aums and followed by
All students are requested to sit in a comfortable position. Keep your hands on the table or your lap. Do deep breathing. Breath in……breathe out…..Breathe in …… breathe out…….
Song:
Everyone is my brother when I say Sairam, Sairam Sairam
No more difference between us when I say Sairam, Sairam Sairam
Sairam, Sairam, Baba, help me always say Sai Ram
Sai Ram, Sai Ram, Every day please help me say Sai Ram
Only lightness surrounds me when I say Sai Ram, Sai Ram, Sai Ram
No more darkness around me when I say Sai Ram, Sai Ram, Sai Ram
Sairam, Sairam, Baba, help me always say Sai Ram
Sai Ram, Sai Ram, Every day please help me say Sai Ram
THE GIFT OF INSULTS
There once lived a great warrior. Though quite old, he still was able to defeat any challenger. His reputation extended far and wide throughout the land and many students gathered to study under him.
One day an infamous young warrior arrived at the village. He was determined to be the first man to defeat the great master. Along with his strength, he had an uncanny ability to spot and exploit any weakness in an opponent. He would wait for his opponent to make the first move, thus revealing a weakness, and then would strike with merciless force and lightning speed. No one had ever lasted with him in a match beyond the first move.
Much against the advice of his concerned students, the old master gladly accepted the young warrior’s challenge. As the two squared off for battle, the young warrior began to hurl insults at the old master. He threw dirt and spit in his face. For hours he verbally assaulted him with every curse and insult known to mankind. But the old warrior merely stood there motionless and calm. Finally, the young warrior exhausted himself. Knowing he was defeated, he left feeling shamed.
Somewhat disappointed that he did not fight the insolent youth, the students gathered around the old master and questioned him. “How could you endure such an indignity? How did you drive him away?”
“If someone comes to give you a gift and you do not receive it,” the master replied, “to whom does the gift belong?”
Questions
- What do you understand from the story?
- Have you experienced similar situations at school or anywhere else?
- What will be your reaction if someone is bothering you continuously?
- What do you think is the right thing to do?
- Name some people who are very good in exhibiting this quality. Please share the related incident.
Group Activity:
Make up a rhyme/ song on Peace.
Life application/ Homework:
Do a small write-up(printouts/ links are fine too) on any one person whose tolerance led to peace in the society.
Closing Affirmation:
Form a circle and say, “”I will accept the differences in others and treat them all equal”.