1. Alexander and Diogenes
Time: At least two periods or till the teacher is satisfied.
Learning objective: To make the students realise that the basic purpose of our lives is to find long lasting and continuous happiness. Even though some people may look for happiness by indulging in wrong practices, others may be looking for happiness by doing the right thing.
Start the class by mindfulness – ask the students to focus on their breath for 2-3 minutes.
Direction of discussions (For Teachers): The purpose of this story and the discussion at the end is to make students reflect on their behaviour in two different scenarios as:
a.when you do something to be happy
b.when you do something happily
When we end up doing something to be happy, we are constantly thinking of the next thing to ‘do’ to be happy. For example, I bought a new pair of clothes to feel happy. After buying the clothes, I again feel an emptiness and want to do something (such as, go out for a movie) or buy something else to feel happy again. This is not a steady (happy) state to be in. In fact, this state can make us restless. Our restlessness further reflects as impatience onto others.
Whereas, if I am happy and doing things - my inner state remains the same (steady), irrespective of the outcome. If my inner state is steady and reflects happiness, then my work and behaviour will also reflect happiness (and patience) onto others.
If the children are able to view their actions (work and behaviour) with regard to point b, they will be in control of their own happiness. They will not be disappointed, irritated or jealous; rather they will be filled with positivity and happiness.
Story
In ancient Greece, there lived a wise man, Diogenes. He was very famous, people came from far and wide to meet him. He always used to give people one and the same advice,"if you do something to be happy, you will be disappointed when you don’t get what you want. However, if you do something when you are already happy, you will always be happy whether or not you get what you desire". Around this time, an emperor named Alexander, was waging wars around the world to fulfil his desire to conquer the world. Wherever he went, he started a war and enslaved people. Millions of people were killed in these wars. Once Alexander met Diogenes. Alexander told Diogenes with great arrogance, “I am Alexander the Great, and I want to conquer the whole world. I have heard that you are a great man. I can fulfil any wish you may have.” Diogenes asked, “Why are you fighting so many wars?” Alexander replied, “I want to conquer the whole world. Now only a few countries are left. Once I defeat them, I will sit and relax.” To this, Diogenes said, “You will not be happy even if you win the whole world, because the day you win the whole world, you will be sad thinking that there is nothing left to win now. Secondly, true happiness lies in uplifting humanity and not in bringing it down. So think about it, do you want to do something to be happy or you want to do something while you are happy?”
Day 1
Proposed questions for discussion
1. In what ways was Alexander looking for happiness?
2. When Alexander went to another country,After enslaving or killing the people of that country, he felt that he would be very happy if he defeated that country in war. The teacher asks the students if they thought Alexander was right. (Do not tell the children what is right or wrong, but let them express their opinion. Just ask them to give reasons for assuming it to be right or wrong.) 3. Can someone who is happy perform an inappropriate act, such as exploiting or hurting others?
At home – Observe, Enquire, Understand (for students)
- Students discuss the story at home and understand the thoughts and views of their family members.
- Students find out - what are the things and actions that people are seeking happiness in.
Day 2
Start the class by mindfulness – ask the students to focus on their breath for 2-3 minutes.
- Ask some students to recall the story.
- Some other students can share their storytelling experiences at home.
- The first day’s discussion questions can be used again for the remaining students who have not participated in anything.
1. Diogenes told Alexander that even if he won the whole world, he wouldn’t be happy. Why did he say that?
2. Discuss with children about the two possibilities -
- doing something with a happy state of mind
- doing something to achieve a happy state of mind
Ask them to give examples of both the states. The examples should be relatable to children, such as eating an ice cream to be happy or eating an ice cream because you are happy, wearing good clothes with a happy mind or trying to be happy by wearing good clothes, to help someone with a happy mind or to find happiness by helping someone. What is the difference between the two states?
3. Discuss with children if a person can be happy by being the richest man in the world. For this discussion, give examples of celebrities like Ratan Tata or Bill Gates who have donated their wealth for various social causes.
Ask the students to sit quietly for 1-2 minutes and reflect on the essence drawn from the day’s discussion.
Dos and Don’ts
- Give everyone an opportunity to express themselves
- and listen to them patiently.
- Make sure that all the students participate in the discussion.
- Encourage and support the students who are hesitant to participate in the discussion.
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- Alexander and Diogenes
- The Mind Palace
- Rabia’s Needle
- What is real and what is fake?
- How much land?
- Ego’s room
- Turban
- My Identity
- Arunima Sinha
- Socrates’ three questions
- Three labourers, three perspectives
- Serene water
- Who is speaking?
- The kite string
- A big man
- Brother, not a burden
- All together
- Sugar in milk
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