English Literature – Articles ☆ Positive Education # 02:  The Science of happiness and well-being ☆ Shri Jagat Singh Bisht ☆

Shri Jagat Singh Bisht

(Master Teacher: Happiness & Well-Being, Laughter Yoga Master Trainer, Author, Blogger, Educator, and Speaker.)

Authored six books on happiness: Cultivating Happiness, Nirvana – The Highest Happiness, Meditate Like the Buddha, Mission Happiness, A Flourishing Life, and The Little Book of HappinessHe served in a bank for thirty-five years and has been propagating happiness and well-being among people for the past twenty years. He is on a mission – Mission Happiness!

Positive Education # 02: The Science of happiness and well-being ☆

Positive Psychology and Positive Education

The Science of happiness and well-being

“Psychological wealth includes life satisfaction, the feeling that life is full of meaning, a sense of engagement in interesting activities, the pursuit of important goals, the experience of positive emotional feelings, and a sense of spirituality that connects people to things larger than themselves.”

Edward Deiner

Schools teach history, geography, science, maths, and grammar. Parents desire their children to do well in life and flourish. Children want to play freely and explore their dreams. Where do all these lines meet?

Positive Psychology, the science of happiness, and Positive Education, the combination of traditional education with the study of well-being, provide us an answer to this question.

Positive Psychology is the modern science of happiness and well-being. It provides a new understanding of happiness and well-being and how to achieve them.

It dispels myths and wrong notions about happiness and suggests evidence-based happiness-enhancing strategies from which one may choose activities suitable for oneself.

The science of positive psychology seeks to understand positive emotion, build strength and virtue, and provide guideposts for finding what Aristotle called the “good life.”

Positive psychology has three pillars:

  • First is the study of positive emotions like gratitude, joy, and hope. 
  • Second is the study of the positive traits, foremost among them the strengths and virtues, but also the ‘abilities’ such as intelligence and athleticism.
  • Third is the study of positive institutions, such as democracy, strong families, and free enquiry, that support the virtues, which in turn support the positive emotions.

Positive Education

“All young people need to learn workplace skills, which has been the subject matter of the education system in place for two hundred years. In addition, we can now teach the skills of well-being – of how to have more positive emotion, more meaning, better relationships, and more positive accomplishment.”

Martin Seligman

Positive Education is the combination of traditional education with the study of happiness and well-being.

It is an approach to education that blends academic learning with character and well-being.

It is preparing students with life skills, such as, grit, optimism, resilience, growth mindset, engagement, and mindfulness, amongst others.

Positive education pairs traditional schooling with positive psychology interventions to improve well-being.

Positive Education focuses on specific skills that assist students to strengthen their relationships, build positive emotions, enhance personal resilience, promote mindfulness and encourage a healthy lifestyle.

It brings together the science of Positive Psychology with best practice teaching to encourage and support individuals, schools and communities to flourish.

We refer to flourishing as a combination of ‘feeling good and doing good’.

Institute of Positive Education

According to Anthony Seldon, “Positive Education is preparing students for the tests of life, not just a life of tests. Well-being should be at the heart of education – not the periphery.”

The concept has support from a range of prominent psychologists and practising teachers. The idea is the wellbeing of students enhances learning and develops them as good citizens.

Intelligence and Character

  • Angela Duckworth says, “Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true education. Character education is made up of three things:
  • strengths of heart (give to, and receive, from others),
  • strengths of mind (think, imagine, create),
  • and strengths of will (self-control, choice, grit).”

“Successful painters, dancers, poets, novelists, physicists, biologists, and psychologists seem to have crafted lives for themselves around a consuming passion. These are admirable lives, desirable lives, the sort that many young people dream of having when they look to these people as role models.”

Jonathan Haidt

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Please click on the following links to read previously published posts “Positive Education” 👉

English Literature – Articles ☆ Positive Education # 01: Fundamentals of happiness and well-being for children and their parents ☆ Shri Jagat Singh Bisht ☆

© Jagat Singh Bisht

Master Teacher: Happiness & Well-Being, Laughter Yoga Master Trainer, Author, Blogger, Educator, and Speaker

FounderLifeSkills

A Pathway to Authentic Happiness, Well-Being & A Fulfilling Life! We teach skills to lead a healthy, happy and meaningful life.

The Science of Happiness (Positive Psychology), Meditation, Yoga, Spirituality and Laughter Yoga. We conduct talks, seminars, workshops, retreats and training.

≈ Editor – Shri Hemant Bawankar/Editor (English) – Captain Pravin Raghuvanshi, NM

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English Literature – Articles ☆ Positive Education # 01: Fundamentals of happiness and well-being for children and their parents ☆ Shri Jagat Singh Bisht ☆

Shri Jagat Singh Bisht

(Master Teacher: Happiness & Well-Being, Laughter Yoga Master Trainer, Author, Blogger, Educator, and Speaker.)

Authored six books on happiness: Cultivating Happiness, Nirvana – The Highest Happiness, Meditate Like the Buddha, Mission Happiness, A Flourishing Life, and The Little Book of HappinessHe served in a bank for thirty-five years and has been propagating happiness and well-being among people for the past twenty years. He is on a mission – Mission Happiness!

Positive Education # 01: Fundamentals of happiness and well-being for children and their parents ☆

Description

Do you wish to prepare your child with life skills, such as, grit, optimism, resilience, growth mindset, engagement, and mindfulness? A combination of traditional education with the study of happiness and well-being can be of great help in this regard.

Children and parents can flourish in life with the help of happiness activities that may be easily practised. The concepts are derived from Positive Psychology, the modern science of happiness and well-being, and Positive Education, an approach to education that blends academic learning with character and well-being.

Positive Education focuses on specific skills that assist students to strengthen their relationships, build positive emotions, enhance personal resilience, promote mindfulness, and encourage a healthy lifestyle. The concept has support from a range of prominent psychologists and practising teachers.

There are books for children and there are books for the grown-ups. This one is for both of them – the children and their parents. The book may also be used for implementing positive education in schools.

Fundamentals of happiness and well-being for children and their parents

“There is no end to education. It is not that you read a book, pass an examination, and finish with education. The whole of life, from the moment you are born to the moment you die, is a process of learning.”

J Krishnamurti

This is a book describing the fundamentals of happiness and well-being for children and their parents. It is to be read individually as well as collectively by them so as to have a true understanding of happiness and how to flourish in life.

Usually, there are books for children, and there are books for the grown-ups. This book is different. It is for both of them – the children and their parents. Each one reads and understands from his/her own perspective and then there is friendly sharing of learning amongst them for better understanding. It creates joy and bonding. The effects on long-term happiness and well-being of the family are deep rooted and robust.

The concepts are derived from Positive Psychology – the modern science of happiness and well-being – and Positive Education – an approach to education that blends academic learning with character and well-being.

All parents want the best for their children, they want their child to be happy and flourish. However, finding the right education for their child can be a challenge.

The Geelong Grammar School in Victoria, Australia, in consultation with world experts in positive psychology, developed a model for positive education to complement traditional learning.

It is essentially an applied framework comprising six domains:

  • positive emotions,
  • positive engagement,
  • positive relationships,
  • positive purpose,
  • positive accomplishment,
  • and positive health.

Each of these six domains are explained and elaborated in the book. The emphasis is on how to cultivate each one of these practically and enhance happiness and well-being.

A good school doesn’t just aim for its students to achieve their academic potential. It also aims to develop them as caring, responsible, and ultimately productive members of society.

Positive education curriculum has been implemented with good results in schools in Australia, USA and Germany. Widespread support is necessary for the success of the positive education movement.

This book may also be used as a well-being primer by teachers and educators for implementing positive education in their schools. It will enable the students to develop an understanding of authentic happiness and flourish in life.

“God gave us the gift of life; it is up to us to give ourselves the gift of living well.”

Voltaire

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

© Jagat Singh Bisht

Master Teacher: Happiness & Well-Being, Laughter Yoga Master Trainer, Author, Blogger, Educator, and Speaker

FounderLifeSkills

A Pathway to Authentic Happiness, Well-Being & A Fulfilling Life! We teach skills to lead a healthy, happy and meaningful life.

The Science of Happiness (Positive Psychology), Meditation, Yoga, Spirituality and Laughter Yoga. We conduct talks, seminars, workshops, retreats and training.

≈ Editor – Shri Hemant Bawankar/Editor (English) – Captain Pravin Raghuvanshi, NM

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English Literature – Weekly Column ☆ Witful Warmth # 37 – The Trials of Truth: A Modern-Day Journalism ☆ Dr. Suresh Kumar Mishra ‘Uratript’ ☆

Dr. Suresh Kumar Mishra ‘Uratript’

Dr. Suresh Kumar Mishra, known for his wit and wisdom, is a prolific writer, renowned satirist, children’s literature author, and poet. He has undertaken the monumental task of writing, editing, and coordinating a total of 55 books for the Telangana government at the primary school, college, and university levels. His editorial endeavors also include online editions of works by Acharya Ramchandra Shukla.

As a celebrated satirist, Dr. Suresh Kumar Mishra has carved a niche for himself, with over eight million viewers, readers, and listeners tuning in to his literary musings on the demise of a teacher on the Sahitya AajTak channel. His contributions have earned him prestigious accolades such as the Telangana Hindi Academy’s Shreshtha Navyuva Rachnakaar Samman in 2021, presented by the honorable Chief Minister of Telangana, Mr. Chandrashekhar Rao. He has also been honored with the Vyangya Yatra Ravindranath Tyagi Stairway Award and the Sahitya Srijan Samman, alongside recognition from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and various other esteemed institutions.

Dr. Suresh Kumar Mishra’s journey is not merely one of literary accomplishments but also a testament to his unwavering dedication, creativity, and profound impact on society. His story inspires us to strive for excellence, to use our talents for the betterment of others, and to leave an indelible mark on the world. Today we present his satire The Trials of Truth: A Modern-Day Journalism.  

☆ Witful Warmth# 37 ☆

☆ Satire ☆ The Trials of Truth: A Modern-Day Journalism… ☆ Dr. Suresh Kumar Mishra ‘Uratript’ ☆

King Vikram hoisted the ever-mischievous Vetala onto his shoulders, bracing himself for another riddle-filled ordeal. No sooner had he begun walking than Vetala cackled, “O King! Let me tell you a tale from the grand halls of modern journalism. But beware! If you fail to answer my question at the end, your head shall shatter into a thousand pieces!”

Vikram, ever the unwavering monarch, sighed and replied, “Speak, Vetala. I shall answer.”

Thus began the tale.

In the capital city, a most esteemed and influential news channel, “The Nation’s Conscience,” declared that it required a fresh news anchor—one worthy of the sacred duty of informing the masses. The selection process was veiled in secrecy, as only the shrewdest, most astute, and cunning minds would prevail. But, as in all great institutions, true merit lay in something far deeper.

Three hopeful candidates presented themselves: Raghav, Suresh, and Mohan. Each was competent, but the question remained—were they the right kind of competent? Their fate rested in the hands of the channel’s supreme editor-in-chief, the venerable Bhaktibhushan Acharya.

With an air of divine authority, Acharya gazed at the three and posed his first question: “What is truth?”

Raghav, a firm believer in the antiquated values of journalism, answered boldly, “Truth is impartial. It is that which serves the people and upholds justice.”

Acharya’s brow furrowed with displeasure. “Nonsense! Impartial journalism? There is no such thing! You, sir, have failed.”

Raghav, his ideals still intact but his career aspirations crumbling, departed in dejection.

Acharya turned to Suresh. “And what do you say?”

Suresh, a man of pragmatic intelligence, replied, “Truth is whatever is repeated often enough to be accepted as truth.”

Acharya’s lips curled into a smile. “A fine thought! But not yet sublime. You must go deeper.”

Now came Mohan’s turn. With a smug confidence, he declared, “Truth is whatever the ruling power decrees it to be.”

Acharya leapt up in sheer delight. “Ah! Now here is a man who understands the nature of reality! You are on the path to becoming a journalist of true distinction.”

The second trial began. Acharya presented them with a challenge—a simulated debate. The topic: Inflation does not exist; it is merely a rumor.

Raghav, ever the fool for facts, cited statistics and government reports, attempting to prove that inflation was indeed a grim reality.

Acharya’s expression darkened. “Why is your voice so feeble? A news anchor must dominate the airwaves! Guests may speak, but their words should be mere interruptions to your thunder! You are unfit for this noble profession. Begone!”

Suresh, taking heed of Raghav’s mistake, spoke louder, cut off his imaginary guests, and filled the space with his own voice. Yet, Acharya was unsatisfied.

Then came Mohan. His strategy was elegant in its simplicity: he bellowed at the top of his lungs, repeating only one phrase—“Do not betray the nation! Speak against the government, and you are an enemy of the people!”

Acharya clapped his hands in glee. “Marvelous! A true newsman in the making!”

Now, the final and gravest test awaited. Acharya turned to them and said, “Imagine you are in possession of a video—one that exposes a powerful minister embroiled in corruption. What would you do?”

Raghav, the hapless idealist, responded, “I would broadcast the truth for the people to see.”

Acharya groaned in agony, clutching his head as if in pain. “Oh, you misguided soul! If you wished to speak truth, you should have become a monk, not a journalist! Leave at once!”

Suresh, having learned the game, answered with careful calculation, “I would edit the video to soften the blow, ensuring that it does not cause unnecessary trouble.”

Acharya nodded approvingly. “A step in the right direction, but still not bold enough.”

Mohan, beaming with triumph, proclaimed, “I would erase the video entirely and, in its place, release a new one that frames the opposition as the true culprits.”

Tears of joy welled in Acharya’s eyes. “Magnificent! You have mastered the art of modern journalism! You are now officially our news anchor.”

Vetala cackled with delight. “So, O King! What lesson does this tale teach us?”

Vikram, ever steadfast, answered solemnly, “This tale reveals that in the world of modern journalism, truth and objectivity have become relics of the past. Success is no longer measured by integrity but by one’s ability to amplify the voice of power, twist reality to suit convenience, and drown out reason with sheer volume.”

No sooner had he spoken than Vetala shrieked with laughter and flew back to his perch on the ancient tree. “Ah, Vikram! You have answered yet again! And so, the game continues.”

Vikram sighed, tightened his grip on his sword, and strode forward once more, determined as ever to capture the cunning spirit.

And thus, the cycle of truth and deception marched on, as eternal as time itself.

****

© Dr. Suresh Kumar Mishra ‘Uratript’

Contact : Mo. +91 73 8657 8657, Email : [email protected]

≈ Blog Editor – Shri Hemant Bawankar/Editor (English) – Captain Pravin Raghuvanshi, NM ≈

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English Literature – Articles ☆ Meditate Like The Buddha # 22: Consolidating Meditation ☆ Mr. Jagat Singh Bisht ☆

Shri Jagat Singh Bisht

(Master Teacher: Happiness & Well-Being, Laughter Yoga Master Trainer, Author, Blogger, Educator, and Speaker.)

Meditate Like The Buddha # 22: Consolidating Meditation

A Lifetime’s Practice

You have successfully completed a structured journey for beginning, establishing, strengthening, and consolidating your meditative practice. This guide has provided a step-by-step approach, ensuring clarity and depth at every stage.

Meditation is not merely something to be learned and set aside—it is a lifetime’s practice. The instructions in this series have been compiled based on years of self-practice and experience in guiding individuals and groups. If followed diligently, they will provide a strong foundation for lifelong mindfulness and inner peace.

How to Progress Through the Series

This series has been carefully designed with small, structured steps to help you build your meditative practice progressively. To ensure maximum benefit, follow these guidelines:

  1. Step-by-Step Mastery
  • Begin with The First Step, focusing on a stable and comfortable sitting posture.
  • Spend 10 to 15 minutes daily in this posture until you feel completely at ease.
  • Some may take a few days, others longer—there is no rush.
  1. Watching the Breath
  • Move to the next step, Watch Your Breath, only when fully confident in your posture.
  • Simply observe your breath:
    • Ever mindful, breathe in. Mindful, breathe out.
  • This is the most fundamental step—take your time with it. Only when fully comfortable should you proceed further.
  1. Advancing Through the Stages
  • Follow the lessons in sequence, ensuring each step is well-practised before moving ahead.
  • Some steps may need to be repeated for several days—this is normal.
  • Do not rush; progress only when you feel ready and confident.
  1. Cumulative Practice
  • As you move forward, always begin with the first steps before introducing new ones.
  • Over time, earlier steps will require less attention, allowing more focus on new techniques.
  1. Developing a Daily Routine
  • Start with 10 to 15 minutes of practice and gradually increase the duration.
  • Aim for at least an hour of daily meditation once all steps have been completed.
  • Meditation is not a one-time learning experience but an ongoing journey of self-discovery.

Deepening Your Practice

  • Once you reach A Summary of the Steps, consider revisiting earlier lessons for further refinement.
  • Repeating the series slowly and steadily will deepen your understanding and experience.
  • Over time, what may have seemed monotonous at first will transform into a joyful and enriching experience.

Meditation, when practiced regularly, becomes an integral part of life—bringing peace, clarity, and happiness.

Go ahead and enjoy your voyage into the realm of calm!

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Please click on the following links to read previously published posts Meditate Like The Buddha: A Step-By-Step Guide” 👉

English Literature – Articles ☆ Meditate Like The Buddha # 8: Midway Recap ☆ Mr. Jagat Singh Bisht ☆

English Literature – Articles ☆ Meditate Like The Buddha # 9: Experience Your Mind ☆ Mr. Jagat Singh Bisht ☆

English Literature – Articles ☆ Meditate Like The Buddha # 10: Liberate the Mind ☆ Mr. Jagat Singh Bisht ☆

English Literature – Articles ☆ Meditate Like The Buddha # 12: The End of suffering ☆ Mr. Jagat Singh Bisht ☆

English Literature – Articles ☆ Meditate Like The Buddha # 13: A Summary of the Steps ☆ Mr. Jagat Singh Bisht ☆

English Literature – Articles ☆ Meditate Like The Buddha # 14: A Lifetime’s Work ☆ Mr. Jagat Singh Bisht ☆

English Literature – Articles ☆ Meditate Like The Buddha # 18: THE FOUR NOBLE TRUTHS ☆ Mr. Jagat Singh Bisht ☆

English Literature – Articles ☆ Meditate Like The Buddha # 19: THE NOBLE EIGHTFOLD PATH ☆ Mr. Jagat Singh Bisht ☆

English Literature – Articles ☆ Meditate Like The Buddha # 20: The Four Jhanas ☆ Mr. Jagat Singh Bisht ☆

English Literature – Articles ☆ Meditate Like The Buddha # 21: Pearls of Wisdom ☆ Mr. Jagat Singh Bisht ☆

© Jagat Singh Bisht

Laughter Yoga Master Trainer

FounderLifeSkills

A Pathway to Authentic Happiness, Well-Being & A Fulfilling Life! We teach skills to lead a healthy, happy and meaningful life.

The Science of Happiness (Positive Psychology), Meditation, Yoga, Spirituality and Laughter Yoga. We conduct talks, seminars, workshops, retreats and training.

≈ Editor – Shri Hemant Bawankar/Editor (English) – Captain Pravin Raghuvanshi, NM

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English Literature – Articles ☆ Meditate Like The Buddha # 21: Pearls of Wisdom ☆ Mr. Jagat Singh Bisht ☆

Shri Jagat Singh Bisht

(Master Teacher: Happiness & Well-Being, Laughter Yoga Master Trainer, Author, Blogger, Educator, and Speaker.)

Meditate Like The Buddha # 21: Pearls of Wisdom 

 As we progress on the path of meditation, we develop valuable insights. We share below some gems shared by experienced meditators:

“Meditation is a practice that makes it possible to cultivate and develop certain basic positive human qualities in the same way as other forms of training make it possible to play a musical instrument or acquire any other skill.”

-Matthieu Ricard

“Meditation has the effect of creating biological calm and reducing stress. Research shows that long-term meditators have a lessened cortisol response (a key stress hormone) under stress.”

-Daniel Goleman

“Breath is the bridge which connects life to consciousness, which unites your body to your thoughts. Whenever your mind becomes scattered, use your breath as the means to take hold of your mind again.”

“Mindfulness is a kind of energy that helps us to be fully present in the here and the now, aware of what is going on in our body, in our feelings, mind, and in the world, so that we can get in touch with the wonders of life that nourish and heal us.”

“With mindfulness, concentration, and insight, you can generate a feeling of joy and happiness, whenever you want. With the energy of mindfulness, you can also handle a painful feeling or emotion.”

“Your breath should be light, even, and flowing, like a thin stream of water running through the sand. Your breath should be quiet, so quiet that a person sitting next to you cannot hear it. Your breathing should flow gracefully, like a river, like a water snake crossing the water, and not like a chain of rugged mountains or the gallop of a horse.”

“If each one can meditate an hour each day that is good, but it’s nowhere near enough. You have got to practice meditation when you walk, stand, lie down, sit, and work, while washing your hands, washing the dishes, sweeping the floor, drinking tea, talking to friends, or whatever you are doing.”

“When you are washing the dishes, washing the dishes must be the most important thing in your life. Just as when you are drinking tea, drinking tea must be the most important thing in your life. When you’re using the toilet, let that be the most important thing in your life.”

“Chopping wood is meditation. Carrying water is meditation. Be mindful 24 hours a day, not just during the one hour you may allot for formal meditation or reading scripture or reciting prayers.”

“Each act must be carried out in mindfulness. Each act is a rite, a ceremony. Raising your cup of tea to your mouth is a rite, a ceremony. Do it mindfully.”

“Do not drink your tea like someone who gulps down a cup of coffee during a work break. Drink your tea slowly and reverently, as if it is the axis on which the whole earth revolves – slowly, evenly, without rushing toward the future.”

“Live the actual moment. Only this actual moment is life.”

-Thich Nhat Hanh

“Beyond the pleasant states meditation can produce, the real payoffs are the lasting traits that can result.”

Daniel Goleman & Richard J Davidson

 “By the practice of meditation, you will find that you are carrying within your heart a portable paradise.”

Paramahansa Yogananda

“All walking can be walking meditation. You can focus on your footsteps, on bodily awareness, or on breathing itself, anything that brings you into the present.”

“I love to walk for exercise, and I find my walks around the city to be wonderful occasions for mindfulness practice.”

-Larry Rosenberg

“The fruition of meditation could be described as an optimal way of being, or again, as genuine happiness. This true and lasting happiness is a profound sense of having realized to the utmost the potential we have within us for wisdom and accomplishment. Working towards this kind of fulfilment is an adventure worth embarking upon.”

“If we consider that the possible benefit of meditation is to have a new experience of the world each moment in our lives, then it does not seem excessive to spend at least twenty minutes a day getting to know our mind better and training it towards this kind of purpose.”

“Mindfulness is a kind of energy that helps us to be fully present in the here and the now, aware of what is going on in our body, in our feelings, mind, and in the world, so that we can get in touch with the wonders of life that nourish and heal us.”

“Experienced meditators have demonstrated qualities of focused attention that are not found among beginners. For example, they are able to maintain more or less perfect concentration on a particular task for forty-five minutes, whereas most people cannot go beyond five or ten minutes before they begin making an increasing number of mistakes.”

“Meditation reduces anxiety, the tendency towards anger and the risk of relapse for people who have previously undergone depression.”

“Eight weeks of meditation for thirty minutes a day significantly strengthens the immune system, reinforces positive emotions, and reduces arterial pressure in those suffering from high blood pressure.”

-Matthieu Ricard

“First, let the mind follow the movement of the breath, in and out, until it becomes calm and tranquil. Then increasingly rest the mind on the breath until one’s whole being seems to be identified with it.”

“When performing the meditation practice, one should develop the feeling of opening oneself completely to the whole universe with absolute simplicity and nakedness of mind, ridding oneself of all protecting barriers.”

“Meditation is always perfect, so there is no need to correct anything. Since everything that arises is simply the play of the mind, there are no “bad” meditation sessions and no need to judge thoughts as good or evil.”

“Simply plunge straight into meditation at this very moment with your whole mind, and be free from hesitation, boredom, or excitement.”

“When meditating it is traditional and best, if possible, to sit cross-legged with the back erect but not rigid. However, it is most important to feel comfortable, so it is better to sit in a chair if sitting cross-legged is painful.”

-Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche

“Sit comfortably. Keep your back straight. Follow your breath. Let go of everything. If you can, maintain a half-smile. As the half smile appears, all the facial muscles begin to relax. The longer the half smile is maintained, the better. It is the same smile you see on the face of the Buddha.”

“Half-smile when you first wake up in the morning. Use these first seconds before you get out of bed to take hold of your breath. Inhale and exhale three breaths gently while maintaining the half smile. Follow your breaths.”

“Half-smile during your free moments – anywhere you find yourself sitting or standing. Look at a child, a leaf, a painting on the wall, anything which is relatively still, and smile. Inhale and exhale quietly three times. Maintain the half smile and consider the spot of your attention as your true nature.”

“Half-smile while listening to music. Pay attention to the words, music, rhythm, and sentiments. Smile while watching your inhalations and exhalations.”

“When you realize you’re irritated, half-smile at once. Inhale and exhale quietly, maintain the half smile for three breaths.”

“Those who are without compassion cannot see what is seen with the eyes of compassion.”

-Thich Nhat Hanh

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Please click on the following links to read previously published posts Meditate Like The Buddha: A Step-By-Step Guide” 👉

English Literature – Articles ☆ Meditate Like The Buddha # 8: Midway Recap ☆ Mr. Jagat Singh Bisht ☆

English Literature – Articles ☆ Meditate Like The Buddha # 9: Experience Your Mind ☆ Mr. Jagat Singh Bisht ☆

English Literature – Articles ☆ Meditate Like The Buddha # 10: Liberate the Mind ☆ Mr. Jagat Singh Bisht ☆

English Literature – Articles ☆ Meditate Like The Buddha # 12: The End of suffering ☆ Mr. Jagat Singh Bisht ☆

English Literature – Articles ☆ Meditate Like The Buddha # 13: A Summary of the Steps ☆ Mr. Jagat Singh Bisht ☆

English Literature – Articles ☆ Meditate Like The Buddha # 14: A Lifetime’s Work ☆ Mr. Jagat Singh Bisht ☆

English Literature – Articles ☆ Meditate Like The Buddha # 18: THE FOUR NOBLE TRUTHS ☆ Mr. Jagat Singh Bisht ☆

English Literature – Articles ☆ Meditate Like The Buddha # 19: THE NOBLE EIGHTFOLD PATH ☆ Mr. Jagat Singh Bisht ☆

English Literature – Articles ☆ Meditate Like The Buddha # 20: The Four Jhanas ☆ Mr. Jagat Singh Bisht ☆

© Jagat Singh Bisht

Laughter Yoga Master Trainer

FounderLifeSkills

A Pathway to Authentic Happiness, Well-Being & A Fulfilling Life! We teach skills to lead a healthy, happy and meaningful life.

The Science of Happiness (Positive Psychology), Meditation, Yoga, Spirituality and Laughter Yoga. We conduct talks, seminars, workshops, retreats and training.

≈ Editor – Shri Hemant Bawankar/Editor (English) – Captain Pravin Raghuvanshi, NM

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English Literature – Articles ☆ Meditate Like The Buddha # 20: The Four Jhanas ☆ Mr. Jagat Singh Bisht ☆

Shri Jagat Singh Bisht

(Master Teacher: Happiness & Well-Being, Laughter Yoga Master Trainer, Author, Blogger, Educator, and Speaker.)

Meditate Like The Buddha # 20: The Four Jhanas

“Quite secluded from sense desires, secluded from unwholesome states of mind, one enters upon and dwells in the first jhana, which is accompanied by applied thought and sustained thought with happiness and bliss born of seclusion.”

The Role of Jhanas in Meditation

The Buddha attained enlightenment meditating beneath the Bodhi tree. He expounded two interrelated systems of meditation:

  • Serenity meditation (Samatha Bhavana): Develops a calm, concentrated, and unified mind.
  • Insight meditation (Vipassana Bhavana): Leads to a direct understanding of the true nature of phenomena.

A set of meditative attainments known as jhanas plays a crucial role in both systems. These heightened mental states provide a pleasant abiding in the present moment and deepen meditative absorption.

To attain the jhanas, a meditator must eliminate the five hindrances:

  • Sensual desire
  • Ill will
  • Sloth and torpor
  • Restlessness and worry
  • Doubt

The mind’s absorption in its object arises through five opposing jhana factors:

  • Applied thought
  • Sustained thought
  • Rapture
  • Happiness
  • One-pointedness

The Four Jhanas

  1. The First Jhana

“Quite secluded from sense desires, secluded from unwholesome states of mind, one enters upon and dwells in the first jhana, which is accompanied by applied thought and sustained thought with happiness and bliss born of seclusion.”

  • The initial stage of meditative absorption.
  • Marked by applied and sustained thought, leading to happiness and bliss.
  1. The Second Jhana

“With the stilling of applied and sustained thought, one enters upon and dwells in the second jhana, which has internal confidence and singleness of mind without applied thought, without sustained thought, with happiness and bliss born of concentration.”

  • A deeper state where thought subsides.
  • Inner confidence arises, and bliss is sustained by concentration.
  1. The Third Jhana

“With the fading away of happiness as well, one dwells in equanimity, and mindful and fully aware, feels bliss with the body; he enters upon and dwells in the third jhana.”

  • Happiness transitions into equanimity and deep mindfulness.
  • Bliss is experienced physically with heightened awareness.
  1. The Fourth Jhana

“With the abandoning of pleasure and pain and with the previous disappearance of joy and grief, he enters upon and dwells in the fourth jhana, which has neither-pain-nor-pleasure and has purity of mindfulness due to equanimity.”

  • A state of profound balance where pleasure and pain, joy and grief fade away.
  • Equanimity and purity of mindfulness become fully established.

Conclusion

The jhanas offer a structured path toward deeper concentration and inner peace. Progressing through these states refines the mind, leading to wisdom and ultimately, liberation from suffering.

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Please click on the following links to read previously published posts Meditate Like The Buddha: A Step-By-Step Guide” 👉

English Literature – Articles ☆ Meditate Like The Buddha # 8: Midway Recap ☆ Mr. Jagat Singh Bisht ☆

English Literature – Articles ☆ Meditate Like The Buddha # 9: Experience Your Mind ☆ Mr. Jagat Singh Bisht ☆

English Literature – Articles ☆ Meditate Like The Buddha # 10: Liberate the Mind ☆ Mr. Jagat Singh Bisht ☆

English Literature – Articles ☆ Meditate Like The Buddha # 12: The End of suffering ☆ Mr. Jagat Singh Bisht ☆

English Literature – Articles ☆ Meditate Like The Buddha # 13: A Summary of the Steps ☆ Mr. Jagat Singh Bisht ☆

English Literature – Articles ☆ Meditate Like The Buddha # 14: A Lifetime’s Work ☆ Mr. Jagat Singh Bisht ☆

English Literature – Articles ☆ Meditate Like The Buddha # 18: THE FOUR NOBLE TRUTHS ☆ Mr. Jagat Singh Bisht ☆

English Literature – Articles ☆ Meditate Like The Buddha # 19: THE NOBLE EIGHTFOLD PATH ☆ Mr. Jagat Singh Bisht ☆

© Jagat Singh Bisht

Laughter Yoga Master Trainer

FounderLifeSkills

A Pathway to Authentic Happiness, Well-Being & A Fulfilling Life! We teach skills to lead a healthy, happy and meaningful life.

The Science of Happiness (Positive Psychology), Meditation, Yoga, Spirituality and Laughter Yoga. We conduct talks, seminars, workshops, retreats and training.

≈ Editor – Shri Hemant Bawankar/Editor (English) – Captain Pravin Raghuvanshi, NM≈

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English Literature – Articles ☆ Meditate Like The Buddha # 19: THE NOBLE EIGHTFOLD PATH ☆ Mr. Jagat Singh Bisht ☆

Shri Jagat Singh Bisht

(Master Teacher: Happiness & Well-Being, Laughter Yoga Master Trainer, Author, Blogger, Educator, and Speaker.)

Meditate Like The Buddha # 19: THE NOBLE EIGHTFOLD PATH

“Now this, bhikkhus, is the noble truth of the way leading to the cessation of suffering: it is the Noble Eightfold Path; that is right view, right intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration.” — Buddha

The Path to Liberation

The Buddha discovered both the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path. While the Four Noble Truths diagnose suffering and its cause, the Noble Eightfold Path provides the discipline to be practiced in order to overcome suffering and attain Nibbana.

The Middle Way, as taught by the Buddha, avoids the extremes of sensual indulgence and self-mortification. It gives rise to vision, knowledge, peace, direct insight, enlightenment, and liberation.

The Eightfold Path Explained

The Noble Eightfold Path consists of eight interconnected factors, grouped into three main categories:

  1. Wisdom (Paññā)
    • Right View
    • Right Intention
  2. Moral Discipline (Sīla)
    • Right Speech
    • Right Action
    • Right Livelihood
  3. Concentration (Samādhi)
    • Right Effort
    • Right Mindfulness
    • Right Concentration
  4. Right View
  • Understanding suffering, its origin, cessation, and the path leading to its cessation.
  • Holding wrong views leads to wrong actions and suffering, while right view steers one towards right action and freedom from suffering.
  • A person of right view acts in ways that lead to happiness and liberation.
  1. Right Intention
  • Intention of renunciation (letting go of craving).
  • Intention of non-ill will (cultivating goodwill and loving-kindness).
  • Intention of harmlessness (developing compassion and non-violence).

Whenever thoughts of desire, ill will, or harmfulness arise, they should be replaced with renunciation, goodwill, and harmlessness.

  1. Right Speech
  • Abstaining from false speech, malicious speech, harsh speech, and idle chatter.
  • Speaking in ways that bring peace, harmony, and safety.
  • Truthful, kind, and meaningful speech fosters spiritual development.
  1. Right Action
  • Abstaining from killing, stealing, and sexual misconduct.
  • Cultivating kindness, honesty, and responsibility.
  • One’s actions should not cause harm to oneself or others.
  1. Right Livelihood
  • Earning a living through righteous means.
  • Avoiding trades that cause harm, such as dealing in weapons, intoxicants, or human exploitation.
  • A livelihood that upholds ethical values supports spiritual growth.
  1. Right Effort
  • Preventing unwholesome mental states from arising.
  • Overcoming unwholesome states that have already arisen.
  • Developing and maintaining wholesome states such as serenity and insight.
  • Right effort ensures progress in meditation and ethical conduct.
  1. Right Mindfulness
  • Contemplation of the body, feelings, mind, and mental objects.
  • Developing a continuous presence of mind.
  • Practicing the Four Foundations of Mindfulness.
  • Mindfulness fosters clarity, awareness, and insight.
  1. Right Concentration
  • Cultivating deep meditative absorption (jhana).
  • Developing one-pointed focus of the mind.
  • Achieving inner tranquility and profound insight.
  • Concentration leads to deep wisdom and liberation.

Conclusion

By developing and practicing the Noble Eightfold Path, one progresses toward liberation from suffering and attains true peace and enlightenment.

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Please click on the following links to read previously published posts Meditate Like The Buddha: A Step-By-Step Guide” 👉

English Literature – Articles ☆ Meditate Like The Buddha # 8: Midway Recap ☆ Mr. Jagat Singh Bisht ☆

English Literature – Articles ☆ Meditate Like The Buddha # 9: Experience Your Mind ☆ Mr. Jagat Singh Bisht ☆

English Literature – Articles ☆ Meditate Like The Buddha # 10: Liberate the Mind ☆ Mr. Jagat Singh Bisht ☆

English Literature – Articles ☆ Meditate Like The Buddha # 12: The End of suffering ☆ Mr. Jagat Singh Bisht ☆

English Literature – Articles ☆ Meditate Like The Buddha # 13: A Summary of the Steps ☆ Mr. Jagat Singh Bisht ☆

English Literature – Articles ☆ Meditate Like The Buddha # 14: A Lifetime’s Work ☆ Mr. Jagat Singh Bisht ☆

English Literature – Articles ☆ Meditate Like The Buddha # 17: The Middle Way ☆ Mr. Jagat Singh Bisht ☆

English Literature – Articles ☆ Meditate Like The Buddha # 18: THE FOUR NOBLE TRUTHS ☆ Mr. Jagat Singh Bisht ☆

 

© Jagat Singh Bisht

Laughter Yoga Master Trainer

FounderLifeSkills

A Pathway to Authentic Happiness, Well-Being & A Fulfilling Life! We teach skills to lead a healthy, happy and meaningful life.

The Science of Happiness (Positive Psychology), Meditation, Yoga, Spirituality and Laughter Yoga. We conduct talks, seminars, workshops, retreats and training.

≈ Editor – Shri Hemant Bawankar/Editor (English) – Captain Pravin Raghuvanshi, NM

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English Literature – Articles ☆ Meditate Like The Buddha # 18: THE FOUR NOBLE TRUTHS ☆ Mr. Jagat Singh Bisht ☆

Shri Jagat Singh Bisht

(Master Teacher: Happiness & Well-Being, Laughter Yoga Master Trainer, Author, Blogger, Educator, and Speaker.)

Meditate Like The Buddha # 18: THE FOUR NOBLE TRUTHS

 “Birth is suffering, aging is suffering, sickness is suffering, death is suffering. Sorrow, lamentation, pain, grief, and despair are suffering. Association with the loathed is suffering, dissociation from the loved is suffering, not getting what one wants is suffering; in brief, the five aggregates subject to clinging are suffering.”

Understanding the Four Noble Truths

The Four Noble Truths constitute the fundamental doctrine of the Buddha’s teachings:

  1. The Noble Truth of Suffering (Dukkha):
    • Suffering exists in various forms: birth, aging, sickness, and death.
    • Sorrow, lamentation, pain, grief, and despair also constitute suffering.
    • The five aggregates subject to clinging are ultimately a source of suffering.
  2. The Noble Truth of the Origin of Suffering (Samudaya):
    • The root of suffering is craving (tanha) for sensual pleasures, existence, and extermination.
    • This craving leads to renewed existence, attachment, and the cycle of suffering.
  3. The Noble Truth of the Cessation of Suffering (Nirodha):
    • The cessation of suffering is achieved by relinquishing and abandoning craving.
    • It is the complete fading away and cessation of desire, leading to non-attachment and liberation.
  4. The Noble Truth of the Path Leading to the Cessation of Suffering (Magga):
    • The path to liberation is the Noble Eightfold Path:
      • Right View
      • Right Intention
      • Right Speech
      • Right Action
      • Right Livelihood
      • Right Effort
      • Right Mindfulness
      • Right Concentration

The Five Aggregates Subject to Clinging

The First Noble Truth identifies the five aggregates as fundamental to suffering:

  • Form (Rupa) – The physical body and material aspects.
  • Feeling (Vedana) – Sensations of pleasure, pain, or neutrality.
  • Perception (Sanna) – Recognition and mental labeling of experiences.
  • Mental Formations (Sankhara) – Volitional activities, thoughts, and habits.
  • Consciousness (Vinnana) – Awareness of sensory and mental experiences.

These aggregates are impermanent, non-self, and subject to change. Understanding this leads to dispassion and liberation from attachment.

Cultivating Insight

To fully comprehend the Four Noble Truths:

  • The truth of suffering must be fully understood.
  • The origin of suffering must be abandoned.
  • The cessation of suffering must be realized.
  • The path leading to the cessation of suffering must be developed.

By walking the Noble Eightfold Path, one progresses toward the cessation of suffering, ultimately attaining Nibbana—the highest liberation.

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Please click on the following links to read previously published posts Meditate Like The Buddha: A Step-By-Step Guide” 👉

English Literature – Articles ☆ Meditate Like The Buddha # 8: Midway Recap ☆ Mr. Jagat Singh Bisht ☆

English Literature – Articles ☆ Meditate Like The Buddha # 9: Experience Your Mind ☆ Mr. Jagat Singh Bisht ☆

English Literature – Articles ☆ Meditate Like The Buddha # 10: Liberate the Mind ☆ Mr. Jagat Singh Bisht ☆

English Literature – Articles ☆ Meditate Like The Buddha # 12: The End of suffering ☆ Mr. Jagat Singh Bisht ☆

English Literature – Articles ☆ Meditate Like The Buddha # 13: A Summary of the Steps ☆ Mr. Jagat Singh Bisht ☆

English Literature – Articles ☆ Meditate Like The Buddha # 14: A Lifetime’s Work ☆ Mr. Jagat Singh Bisht ☆

English Literature – Articles ☆ Meditate Like The Buddha # 17: The Middle Way ☆ Mr. Jagat Singh Bisht ☆

© Jagat Singh Bisht

Laughter Yoga Master Trainer

FounderLifeSkills

A Pathway to Authentic Happiness, Well-Being & A Fulfilling Life! We teach skills to lead a healthy, happy and meaningful life.

The Science of Happiness (Positive Psychology), Meditation, Yoga, Spirituality and Laughter Yoga. We conduct talks, seminars, workshops, retreats and training.

≈ Editor – Shri Hemant Bawankar/Editor (English) – Captain Pravin Raghuvanshi, NM

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English Literature – Article ☆ – Meet the man with 27,500 daughters ☆ Compiled by – Mr Sunil Deshpande ☆

Mr Sunil Deshpande 

☆ Article ☆ Meet the man with 27,500 daughters ☆ Mr Sunil Deshpande

Mr. KP Ramaswamy

(Meet the man with 27,500 daughters. That’s what they call him – Appa)

His real name? KP Ramaswamy. Owner of KPR Mills, Coimbatore. A textile baron by profession. A father figure by choice.

While corporate honchos talk about employee retention, cost-cutting, and bottom lines, this man is busy transforming lives.

How? By turning mill workers into graduates. By making education their steppingstone to a better life.

It all started with a simple request. A young girl at his mill once told him –

“Appa, I want to study. My parents pulled me out of school because of poverty, but I want to study further.”

That one sentence changed everything.

Instead of giving his workers just a paycheck, he decided to give them a future.

He set up a full-fledged education system – right inside the mill.

📌 Four-hour classes after an eight-hour shift.

📌 Classrooms, teachers, a principal, even a yoga course.

📌 All fully funded. No strings attached.

 And the result?

🚀 24,536 women have earned their 10th, 12th, UG, and PG degrees.

🚀 Many are now nurses, teachers, police officers.

🚀 20 gold medallists from Tamil Nadu Open University this year alone.

Now, you’d expect a businessman to worry about attrition. What if these women leave? What about workforce stability?

Here’s what KP Ramaswamy says –

“I don’t want to keep them in the mill and waste their potential. They are here because of poverty, not by choice. My job is to give them a future, not a cage.”

And that’s exactly what he does….

They leave. They build careers. And then? They send more girls from their villages to the mill. The cycle continues.

This isn’t just a CSR initiative. This is Human Resource Development in its truest sense.

 At a recent convocation, 350 women received their degrees. And KP Ramaswamy made an unusual request –

“If you or your friends can hire them, it will give other girls the hope to study further.”

Think about it. A man running a multi-crore empire isn’t asking for business. He’s asking for jobs – for his workers.

How often do we see this?

This story isn’t just about KPR Mills. It’s a lesson in leadership, in corporate ethics, in nation-building.

B-Schools should teach this.

HR professionals should study this.

And the world needs to know this.

A story worth spreading.

****

Compiled by –  Mr Sunil Deshpande 

Nasik Mo – 9657709640 Email : [email protected]

≈ Blog Editor – Shri Hemant Bawankar/Editor (English) – Captain Pravin Raghuvanshi, NM ≈

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English Literature – Articles ☆ Meditate Like The Buddha # 17: The Middle Way ☆ Mr. Jagat Singh Bisht ☆

Shri Jagat Singh Bisht

(Master Teacher: Happiness & Well-Being, Laughter Yoga Master Trainer, Author, Blogger, Educator, and Speaker.)

Meditate Like The Buddha # 17: The Middle Way

The Middle Way discovered by the Perfect One gives vision, brings knowledge, and leads to peace, direct insight, enlightenment, and Nibbana.

The Buddha’s First Teaching

In his first sermon, the Buddha expounded the Four Noble Truths and introduced the Middle Path as the way to liberation.

He said:

“Avoid the two extremes—devotion to the pursuit of sensual pleasures and devotion to self-mortification.

The Middle Way discovered by the Perfect One gives vision, brings knowledge, and leads to peace, direct insight, enlightenment, and Nibbana.

The Middle Way is the Noble Eightfold Path:

  • Right View
  • Right Intention
  • Right Speech
  • Right Action
  • Right Livelihood
  • Right Effort
  • Right Mindfulness
  • Right Concentration”

By following the Middle Way, one avoids indulgence and asceticism, cultivating balance and wisdom.

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

Please click on the following links to read previously published posts Meditate Like The Buddha: A Step-By-Step Guide” 👉

English Literature – Articles ☆ Meditate Like The Buddha # 8: Midway Recap ☆ Mr. Jagat Singh Bisht ☆

English Literature – Articles ☆ Meditate Like The Buddha # 9: Experience Your Mind ☆ Mr. Jagat Singh Bisht ☆

English Literature – Articles ☆ Meditate Like The Buddha # 10: Liberate the Mind ☆ Mr. Jagat Singh Bisht ☆

English Literature – Articles ☆ Meditate Like The Buddha # 12: The End of suffering ☆ Mr. Jagat Singh Bisht ☆

English Literature – Articles ☆ Meditate Like The Buddha # 13: A Summary of the Steps ☆ Mr. Jagat Singh Bisht ☆

English Literature – Articles ☆ Meditate Like The Buddha # 14: A Lifetime’s Work ☆ Mr. Jagat Singh Bisht ☆

English Literature – Articles ☆ Meditate Like The Buddha # 15: MINDFULNESS OF BREATHING ☆ Mr. Jagat Singh Bisht ☆

English Literature – Articles ☆ Meditate Like The Buddha # 16: THE FOUNDATIONS OF MINDFULNESS ☆ Mr. Jagat Singh Bisht ☆

 

© Jagat Singh Bisht

Laughter Yoga Master Trainer

FounderLifeSkills

A Pathway to Authentic Happiness, Well-Being & A Fulfilling Life! We teach skills to lead a healthy, happy and meaningful life.

The Science of Happiness (Positive Psychology), Meditation, Yoga, Spirituality and Laughter Yoga. We conduct talks, seminars, workshops, retreats and training.

≈ Editor – Shri Hemant Bawankar/Editor (English) – Captain Pravin Raghuvanshi, NM

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