Jan 17, 2024

Notes By Devank Jain

Review: The class started with a review about the RAM from the last class which was to choose a goal and think of the steps to do it, then do those steps to achieve your goal. In the first class, we made an A.R.K (Action, Relation, Knowledge). In fall, we focused on Action, doing things that make us feel happy and avoiding things that will do the opposite. Now, this semester, we will focus on Relation, finding things that will make us calm. 

Story: Once, there was a lady whose husband passed away. She had a valuable gem that had been passed down for many generations. Poor people always asked her for money, so fearing she would lose her gem, she sewed it into an old-looking sleeve that no one would want. Soon enough, with so much stress on her, she also passed away but did not get a chance to tell her son about the gem in the sleeve. With time, the son became poor, and was angry because the only thing he had was an old sleeve. He had to face many hardships, such as harsh winds, and living in the forest. He soon began thinking that this was his destiny, his fate. One day while lumberjacking he cut the sleeve open with his ax. He became very frustrated because he had just lost the only thing he had, his sleeve. But as he was looking at his torn sleeve, he saw the gem. He was thrilled as he suddenly became rich. 

Lesson from the story: Happiness is who you are and you can’t just find it in items because it’s you who is making yourself happy and you can lead your mind anywhere. When you buy a toy you like it at first, but after a while, you start getting bored of it and you stop using it. So when you buy a toy or something else, think if you would still like it, even after a long time. So, happiness is not associated with the toy.

RAW: Do something nice for someone else every day.

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Notes by Savitha Somnath Buono

REVIEW:

Last class’s RAW was to make a goal and try to make it happen. Then we had a discussion where people talked about and shared their goals. We also talked about our first class together in 2023.

STORY:

A lady’s husband dies, and debt collectors are asking for her money, her home, etc. She’s finding that hard. Worried that they will find her family’s most precious treasure, she hides a priceless gem in her jacket and gives the house to the debt collectors. Sadly, she died of sadness and stress, and her son had to grow up with nothing – no family, no home, just a plain old worthless coat…. Or is it worthless?

He gets money by doing jobs for people. And he sleeps in the woods even if there is extreme weather like snow, rain, thunderstorms, etc. One day, when he is cutting down wood to sell, his axe falls and tears his jacket and he gets frustrated. 

“What? Did that axe just cut my jacket? That was the only thing my family gave to me! Seriously, axe?”

Suddenly, the gem falls out and he is joyous.

MESSAGE:

We discussed being patient and not expecting rewards. He thought he had nothing but he had everything he needed. Happiness is inside you.

ACTIVITY:

Meditation and then we all felt nice and calm

RAW:

Do something nice for someone else each day.