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Click the chapters to read: Ghanshyam Charitra Chapters 15 - 16 (pg 24-26)]
Discussion Points:
Chapter 15: Monkey in a Trance
Group 1: (6-9yrs)
- What do you think Ghanshyam was thinking when the monkey stole the chapattis? How would you feel if someone took your food?
- The monkey entered into samadhi after Ghanshyam looked at him. What do you think samadhi means?
- Why do you think the monkey returned to Ghanshyam after waking up from samadhi?
- Ghanshyam blessed the monkey and gave him food. What does this tell us about Ghanshyam's character? How do you think being kind affects others?
- If you were in Ghanshyam's place, how would you have reacted when the monkey stole the chapattis? Why do you think Ghanshyam stayed calm?
- How do you think Dharmadev, Bhaktimata, and the rest of the family felt when they saw what happened with the monkey? What would you say if you saw something like that?
- If you were able to ask Ghanshyam a question about why he helped the monkey, what would you ask him? Why do you think his answer would be important?
Group 2: (10-13yrs)
- Ghanshyam remained calm when the monkey took the chapattis. Why do you think staying calm in stressful situations can be helpful? Can you think of a situation where staying calm made a difference?
- The monkey returned to Ghanshyam with folded hands after his experience. What do you think the monkey learned through this process, and what can this teach us about personal growth after making mistakes?
- Ghanshyam gave the monkey something to eat after he returned. Why is it important to respond with kindness and generosity, even to those who have wronged us? How do you think this can affect relationships?
- Ghanshyam’s calmness influenced the monkey to change. How do you think our behavior can influence others around us? Can you think of a time when someone's actions changed how you felt or acted?
- If you were in Ghanshyam’s place, how would you have responded to the monkey? Do you think showing compassion to others can change their behavior? Why or why not?
- Ghanshyam blessed the monkey after his experience. What do you think is the role of forgiveness in healing relationships, and why is it important in both big and small situations?
- What do you think the overall lesson of this story is, and how can you apply it to your own life when dealing with people who may not treat you well?
Chapter 16: Monkeys Get a Sound Thrashing
Group 1: (6-9yrs)
- How do you think Ghanshyam felt when the monkeys surrounded him? What do you think you would feel in a similar situation?
- Why do you think Dharmadev ran to get a stick when he saw the monkeys? What would you do to protect someone you love?
- Ghanshyam made many forms of himself to scare the monkeys away. What do you think this miracle tells us about Ghanshyam’s special powers? Why do you think he didn’t get angry or scared? How can we stay calm when faced with challenges?
- How do you think the monkeys felt when they saw many versions of Ghanshyam? What do you think they learned from this experience?
- After the monkeys ran away, Dharmadev was happy that Ghanshyam was safe. How do you think parents feel when their children are in danger? How can we show we care for others?
Group 2: (10-13yrs)
- Ghanshyam used a miraculous power to create multiple forms of himself. What does this teach you about Ghanshyam?
- Why do you think Dharmadev was so concerned about Ghanshyam's safety when he saw the monkeys? How does this reflect the role of parents or guardians in protecting their children?
- After seeing Ghanshyam scare away the monkeys with his many forms, Dharmadev believed Ghanshyam was more than just an ordinary person. What does this moment tell us about faith and recognising someone’s special abilities?
- Ghanshyam stayed calm and dealt with the monkeys without getting hurt. What can we learn from his calmness, and how might staying calm help us in difficult situations?
- Ghanshyam used his power to solve the problem, but he didn’t harm the monkeys. What do you think this teaches us about the balance between standing up for ourselves and showing kindness?
Activity - Monkey Business (& Miracles):
- Act it Out (5-7 minutes):
Have the children pretend to be the monkey who steals the food.- One child can pretend to eat (no real food needed) and another will "snatch" an imaginary chapatti.
- Ask the child(ren) how Ghanshyam would calmly come up with a creative way to handle the situation.
- Reflection (3-5 minutes):
After the role-play, gather the children and ask:- How did you feel when you played the monkey?
- Why is it important to stay calm when faced with problems?
- How do you think the monkey felt when Ghanshyam didn’t hurt him but still solved the problem?
- Optional Art Extension (5 minutes):
If time permits, have the children draw or write about their favorite part of the story. They could draw Ghanshyam with the monkeys or how they would stay calm in a tricky situation.
Key Takeaways:
- Calmness: Staying calm can help you make better decisions.
- Kindness: Even when someone does something wrong, it’s important to respond with kindness.
- Creative Problem-Solving: There are many ways to solve a problem without causing harm to others.