Stories 2011 - 2014
Story no | Story Name | Writer(s) of this story / Topic and date | Ready to use in SSSSB classes | We did or planned this story in the class of: |
---|---|---|---|---|
2011 | Story 2011: A Mother Leads, Words Turn to Actions, the Family Transforms | Sunil Marapin (Ssssb-Guru) 2023-11 | ||
2012 | Lila's Experience, Truth Brings Peace and Wisdom | Sunil Marapin (Ssssb-Guru) 2023-11 | ||
2013 | The Inspiring Influence of Sara's Family Lifestyle | Sunil Marapin (Ssssb-Guru) 2023-11 | ||
2014 | Prem forgot to return the pencil | Meena Rijal (Ssssb-Guru) 2023-12 | ||
2015 | Rajesh surprises everyone in the new school year. | Sunil Marapin (Ssssb-Guru) 2024-04 |
Story 2011: A Mother Leads, Words Turn to Actions, the Family Transforms
Story 2011: A Mother Leads, Words Turn to Actions, the Family Transforms
Once upon a time, there was a family consisting of a father, a mother, Aarav, and Aaron. The father worked in a vegetable wholesale business, while the mother divided her time between her role as a part-time fruit wholesaler and caring for their sons. The boys were diligent in their studies, and together they lived in harmony and peace, sharing the household chores.
Initially, the mother had a significant influence on her family. She regularly warned her husband and sons when their lifestyle became unbalanced due to, for example, excessive use of mobile devices, watching series without spiritual values, excessive playing of computer games, unhealthy eating, and neglecting bhajans, prayer, meditation, and seva activities.
But gradually, the father and sons began to listen less to the mother. She couldn't understand why her inspiring influence was waning. As a result, she decided to seek help from Guru Practice. Guru Practice listened to her story and soon understood the cause. "You also do the things you advise your family against," he said. The mother was momentarily taken aback and confessed that, although her family didn't know, she had gradually fallen into these habits as well. "Start practicing to let go of these habits by connecting everything you do with values, and come back in a week," the guru advised.
The mother felt hopeful that there was a prospect of restoring the old harmony and peace in the family. After a week of practice, she returned to the guru hoping that he would perform a miracle or give a mantra to solve her problems, but Guru Practice asked her the exact same question again. The mother admitted that she had not yet managed to let go of all the bad habits. Guru Practice continually encouraged her to keep up her efforts and to come back every week. At the fourth visit, Guru Practice said, "You can now kindly ask your family to let go of bad habits."
Now, Mother's message was truly inspiring. Her family gradually began to leave their unhealthy lifestyle behind. Mother learned that true healing begins with setting the right example yourself. Only then will your words inspire others.
Today's question: Why is it that our advice, which we do not practice ourselves, does not have a lasting effect?
Five questions of Story 2011: A Mother Leads, Words Turn to Actions, the Family Transforms
1) What did the mother warn her family against?
- a) Excessive sports
- b) Excessive use of mobile devices and unhealthy habits
2) What did Guru Practice notice about the mother’s advice?
- a) It was perfect.
- b) She was not following her own advice.
3) What did the guru advise the mother to do?
- a) To punish her family
- b) To practice letting go of bad habits herself
4) How did the family react when the mother started setting the right example?
- a) They ignored her.
- b) They began changing their habits.
5) What is the moral of the story?
- a) True healing begins with setting the right example.
- b) It's okay to not follow your own advice.
Story 2012: Lila's Experience, Truth Brings Peace and Wisdom
Story 2012: Lila's Experience, Truth Brings Peace and Wisdom
In Panauti, Bhaktapur, Nepal, Lila lived with her parents near the future main ashram of Bhagwan Baba. Lila adored sweets, and her parents often indulged her cravings. However, when they discovered that the abundance of sweets negatively affected Lila's health and teeth, they decided to drastically reduce her sweet intake.
One day, Lila noticed her mother hiding money under the fruit basket. Overcome by her craving for sweets, she secretly took five rupees and bought chocolate with it. Later, when her mother needed money for groceries and noticed the shortage, she confronted Lila. Fearing the consequences, Lila lied and denied taking the money.
As days passed, Lila's guilt over her lie grew. She wanted to confess the truth but feared her parents' reaction. During a lesson from the Soul Blossom Class, the Ssssb-guru spoke about the importance of honesty, even when it's difficult. This message deeply resonated with Lila.
Determined to be honest, Lila returned home after the lesson and confessed to taking the five rupees. To her surprise, her mother was not angry. Instead, she praised Lila for her honesty and embraced her lovingly.
When her father came home, they discussed the incident. Her parents were surprised but also proud that Lila had ultimately told the truth. Lila explained that the Ssssb-guru's lesson had prompted her confession. Her father noted that it would be desirable for all children to follow Ssssb lessons in addition to their regular subjects. Lila mentioned that there were also weekly online Ssssb family classes via Zoom, intended for children, parents, and others.
During the next Ssssb lesson, Lila shared her experience. Her teachers were delighted and proud that she had immediately applied the values she had learned. Lila eventually grew up to become a Shri Sanjay Sai Soul Blossom Guru and led a peaceful, happy, and successful life that inspired many.
This story is based on a true situation.
Today's question: Have you also experienced a situation in which you may or may not have told the truth?
Five questions of story 2012, Lila's Experience, Truth Brings Peace and Wisdom
1) Why did Lila's parents decide to buy less sweets?
a) Because sweets were expensive
b) Because it was affecting Lila's health and teeth
2) How did Lila feel after lying to her mother about the money?
a) Happy
B) Guilty
3) How did Lila's mother react when Lila confessed to taking the money?
A) She was angry
B) She was understanding and hugged Lila
4) What did Lila's father wish for after hearing about the incident?
A) For Lila to be punished
B) For all children to receive Ssssb lessons along with their regular subjects
5) Who can attend the online Ssssb family classes via Zoom?
A) Only children
B) Everyone including parents and children
Story 2013: The Inspiring Influence of Sara's Family Lifestyle
Story 2013: The Inspiring Influence of Sara's Family Lifestyle
Sara and Olivia were friends, in the same class, and lived about a twenty-minute walk from their school. Sara lived with her parents and younger sister, while Olivia lived with her parents and younger brother.
There were many similarities between the two families:
Both families consisted of four members.
They had roughly the same studies, opportunities, and possibilities.
The income of both families was comparable.
However, there were also differences:
Sara and her sister walked to school, while Olivia and her sister were taken by scooter.
Sara's family lived simply and chose healthy food, while Olivia's family spent unnecessarily, often cooked too much, and got takeout.
Sara was proactive, friendly, helpful, well-prepared, and got high grades. Olivia procrastinated, was often unprepared, and sometimes didn't even finish her homework. When the results of the first term exams were announced, the difference was clear: Sara scored high on both academic subjects and behavior. On the contrary, Olivia had mediocre grades for both.
During the parent afternoon of the exam discussion, the parents met each other. Sara's parents were grateful and proud, while Olivia's parents were disappointed and frustrated. Sara's parents noticed the disappointment of Olivia's parents and offered them encouragement and an invitation to visit them at home.
One day, Olivia's family visited Sara's house. On the way back, Olivia's parents discussed what they had noticed. Olivia's mother: "Their decor is simple, but their house seems much larger than ours." Olivia's father replied: "No, the houses are the same size, but we have a lot of unnecessary stuff. Sara's house contains only the essentials, that's why our house seems smaller." He continued: "They live simply, they had prepared delicious and healthy meals." Olivia's mother nodded and added: "That's true. They don't waste money on unnecessary things and can even save. And so kind and caring that they want to help our children with their studies." Olivia's parents agreed that they needed to change their lifestyle to become happier, more successful, and more exemplary.
Today's question: What do you think of the lifestyles of the two families?
Five questions of story 2013: The Inspiring Influence of Sara's Family Lifestyle
1) How did Sara and her sister get to school?
A: By scooter
B: Walking
2) What did Olivia’s parents notice about Sara’s house when they visited?
A: It was smaller but full of unnecessary items
B: It seemed larger due to its simplicity
3) What did Sara's parents do when they noticed Olivia's parents were disappointed?
A: They offered encouragement and an invitation to their home
B: They ignored them
4) What did Olivia’s mother comment about their visit to Sara’s house?
A: Their house was overly decorated
B: They didn’t waste money on unnecessary things and even saved money
5) Why did Olivia's parents decide to change their lifestyle?
A: Because they wanted to spend more money
B: To become happier, more successful, and set a good example
Story 2014: PREM FORGOT TO RETURN THE PENCIL
Story 2014: PREM FORGOT TO RETURN THE PENCIL
A Humble Family
In a remote village in Nepal, there lived a humble family consisting of Grandparents, Parents, and two children, Prem and Sumi. Despite financial struggles, the family found happiness in their daily lives. Prem, the elder brother at 12, and Sumi, at 8, belonged to a poor family. Both parents worked tirelessly, with the mother in a Tailor and the father in a Biscuit factory. Despite their challenges, the family maintained a positive outlook on life, emphasizing prayer, respect, discipline, and hard work.
After Using It, Please Give It Back
Prem's school life brought unexpected challenges. One day, he forgot to bring a pencil, and Arun, a friend from a well-off family, lent him one. Arun's condition was simple: "After using it, please give it back so I can pass it on to someone else." However, Prem, unintentionally, forgot to return the pencil. Realizing his mistake at home, he confessed to his mother, who reassured him that he could return it the next day.
Determined to fulfill his promise, Prem insisted on going that evening. However, Arun had left school abruptly because his mother, a doctor, was urgently needed in another city. Prem felt guilty, but life continued. Prem completed his studies, joined a company, and, after 15 years, crossed paths with Arun in the same workplace.
A Lesson Learned, A Debt Repaid
Prem, now successful in his career, remembered the long-overdue pencil. The next day, he returned it to Arun, surprising him with the forgotten loan. Arun, in turn, realized he owed others as well and promptly returned borrowed items. From that day forward, Arun never forgot to return things, and both friends learned the importance of keeping promises and taking responsibility for borrowed items.
Today's question: Have you also experienced a situation as by Prem and Arun?
Five questions of story 2014: prem forgot to return the pencil
1) What was Prem's reaction when he realized he forgot to return the pencil?
a) Ignored it and pretended it didn't happen
b) Confessed to his mother and decided to return it the next day
2) Question: What did the humble family in the remote village emphasize in their daily lives?
a) Luxury and wealth
b) Prayer, respect, discipline, and hard work
3) What did Arun do when Prem returned the long-overdue pencil after 15 years?
a) Ignored it, considering it unimportant
b) Realized he owed others as well and promptly returned borrowed items
4) How did the humble family find happiness despite financial struggles?
a) By ignoring their challenges
b) By maintaining a positive outlook on life, emphasizing prayer, respect, discipline, and hard work
5) What lesson did Prem learn from forgetting to return the pencil?
a) Always borrow things and never return them
b) The importance of keeping promises and taking responsibility for borrowed items
Story 2015: Rajesh surprises everyone in the new school year.
Rajesh from Bhaktapur, Nepal, was always naughty at school. He was not friendly, not helpful, and only thought of himself. Everyone was worried about Rajesh's behavior and future.
During a holiday, Rajesh went to his hometown in Biratnagar, to his aunt and uncle, who were also shocked by Rajesh's character. His aunt and uncle took him to Guru-Practice in the nearby village. Guru-Practice, a former SSSSB student, practiced values daily in everything that came his way. People who knew him often came to him for solutions to their problems. Rajesh was initially hesitant to go along, but the love, kindness, simplicity, and wisdom of Guru-Practice impressed him. For the first time in his ten-year-old life, Rajesh felt understood and appreciated for who he was.
During the holiday, Rajesh visited Guru-Practice several times. One day, during his last visit, Rajesh felt deep emotions. He didn't want to leave; he wanted to stay and learn from the wise teachings of Guru-Practice. Guru-Practice told Rajesh that he would always be connected to him, even if they were far apart, if he practiced the simple but very necessary lessons of love, honesty, and helpfulness.
Back at school, Rajesh surprised everyone with his changed ways. He was loving and kind to everyone and took every opportunity to lend a helping hand. His friends, family, and teachers were amazed by his transformation. Rajesh, who was not liked in previous school years, became a role model in this school year. He wasn't the best student in terms of grades, but he improved his manners a lot.
The topic question and the heart-work for today are: What will we practice from this school year onwards to become an even better person than in previous school years?
-
What was Rajesh like before the new school year?
a) Friendly and helpful
b) Naughty and self-centered -
What impressed Rajesh about Guru-Practice?
a) His strict discipline
b) His love, kindness, and wisdom -
What lessons did Guru-Practice teach Rajesh?
a) To be selfish and dishonest
b) To practice love, honesty, and helpfulness -
How did Rajesh behave when he returned to school?
a) He was still naughty and unfriendly
b) He was loving, kind, and helpful to everyone -
What changed about Rajesh in the new school year?
a) He became the best student in terms of grades
b) He became a role model by improving his manners and behavior
2016
Kiki and Elise, both 13 years old, were close friends who attended the same school. They shared a long history of playing together and had known each other since they were little. Despite their strong bond, recent changes had begun to affect their relationship. Kiki's personality had shifted, becoming increasingly jealous and angry. While they used to excel academically, Kiki now struggled with envy when others outperformed her or received compliments. Even small things, like classmates having new possessions, stirred feelings of jealousy in Kiki.
This change didn't go unnoticed by Elise, who observed Kiki's unusual behavior and sensed her friend's unhappiness. On their way home from school, Elise gently inquired about Kiki's feelings, prompting her to express her frustrations about not achieving top marks in math and longing for material possessions like new shoes and a mobile phone. Elise was taken aback by Kiki's jealousy, as she herself found joy in others' successes and possessions.
Reflecting on Kiki's behavior, Elise realized the negative impact of jealousy and its effects on their friendship. She pondered how to address the issue with her friend and help her overcome these feelings.
2017
In Story 2016, Kiki arrives home in an uncharacteristically sour mood, venting her frustrations to her mother about not having certain possessions like a mobile phone, new shoes, and a nice bag. Her mother observes her daughter's discontent and retreat to her room with concern. Meanwhile, Elisa, Kiki's close friend, is also at home contemplating Kiki's peculiar behavior. Recognizing the need to address the issue, Elisa formulates a plan to help her friend.
Drawing on their shared love for chess, Elisa decides to engage Kiki in a game. Despite consistently besting Kiki in their matches, Elisa intentionally makes mistakes during their game to allow Kiki the opportunity to win. Surprised by her victory, Kiki experiences a surge of joy and rushes to share her triumph with her mother. As Kiki basks in her newfound sense of accomplishment, Elisa gently probes her friend's emotions, prompting Kiki to reflect on her recent bouts of jealousy and dissatisfaction.
Through their conversation, Kiki realizes the impact of her envy towards her peers who achieve success or possess coveted items. She expresses remorse for her behavior, acknowledging the importance of humility and gratitude. Grateful for Elisa's patience and guidance, Kiki vows to be more mindful of her actions and attitudes in the future. Their exchange serves as a poignant reminder of the value of empathy, humility, and the enduring power of true friendship.