November 3, 2021

Notes by Om Shreejay

Story

There was a child named Arjun who lived with his mother and grandfather. They didn’t have that much money, sometimes it was hard to get food sometimes. So, one day his mom decided to send him to business school under his uncle, who lived far away. And the mother took some of her valuables and sold them for enough money to pay for school. But his mom was worried that someone might take his money, so she made a secret pocket in his shirt beneath his sleeve and put all the money in there. She told him to use the money only when he needed it. She told him to be brave and to be truthful. Arjun began his journey on a ship to go to his uncle. Then a boat pulls up to his ship and people from the boat get on the ship and start stealing people’s money and valuables. Then the leader of the robbers noticed Arjun and walked over to him and laughs at him. Then he took Arjuns bag and dumped it on the floor. Then he realized Arjun had no money and so he left Arjun. Then Arjun worked up his courage and told him he did have money and it was in his secret pocket. The robber was confused, and he reached into the pocket, and he found the money. Then he fell to his knees and asked him why he told him about the money when he could have kept it for himself. And Arjun said that his mother taught him to be honest, brave and truthful in every situation. Then the robber said seeing Arjun’s truthfulness and bravery made him ashamed of being a robber. He returning everything to the passengers of the ship and left. 

Lesson from Story

The lesson of the story is to be honest, brave and courageous. This story teaches us the virtue of Satyam or Honesty.

Virtue for the Week: Satyam (Honesty or Truthfulness)

You must be the change that you wish to see in the world. When one is honest, it encourages others around us to also be honest. Honesty begins with us. 

When we lie, we feel more alone or separate from the person we lie to. Honesty unites us and empowers others to be honest.

Who is the first person you say “Good morning” to? Yourself!

Who is the last person you say “Good night” to? Yourself!

What happens when a friend lies to you once? You may forgive them the first time, but if it happens again and again, we lose our trust in them and lose our friend. When you lie to yourself, you lose trust in yourself. Be honest with yourself and live up to your own words. Honesty begins with us. When we are honest with ourselves, we will be honest with others.

How do we practice honesty? Start with little things e.g., wake up once you hear your alarm, brush your teeth, do your homework before it is due, prioritize what is important.

RAW (Reflection Adventure of the Week)

Tell someone you know something true about you.