1. Fill in the blanks:

a. God can do anything. He has all _______ in the palm of His Hand.

b. _______ is idealism in action.

c. With _______ and prayer, destiny can be attained. Start the _______ (both blanks to be filled with same word)

d. _______ trains you to put up with disappointments.

e. The path of life has both ups and downs, and every rose has its _______.

2. The story mentions about the crucifixion and the resurrection of Jesus Christ. What is the name of the festival that celebrates this event?

a. Christmas

b. New Year

c. Thanksgiving

d. Easter

3. The cross is a symbol of Christianity. What is the symbol of Buddhism?

a. Wheel

b. Crescent and Star

c. Om

d. Fire

The two questions below are open ended for discussion.  You could encourage the older students of group 2 to write out the answers in about 100 – 150 words.  Do upload the best of the entries from your class on the comments section below the quiz.

4. How do you think the desire of the third tree was different from those of the other two?

(Hint to guru: Good time to encourage children to understand that while all the desires were worthy in that they wanted to be of service to others, the third tree had the loftiest goal: in that it sought not to become made into something else, but just be a better version of itself and show the way to God – the aim of a true messenger)

5. The third tree is shown to be sobbing after it is cut down. What do you think deforestation has done to our world?

(Hint to guru: Good time to make the children think and discuss about environment concerns)

Group 3 and above

 

The following questions are open ended and intended to provoke meaningful class discussions. Gurus are welcome to encourage their students to write out the answers in about 300 to 500 words each, select the best answers for each question and to upload them on the comments section below the quiz:

 

1. Swami says: The body is like an iron safe which encases the precious jewel of the Atma and values like Sathya, Dharma, Santhi and Prema.

The Bhagavad Geetha slokam says

‘Idam sareeram Kaunteya Kshetramityabhidheeyate Etadyo vetti tam prahuhu Kshetragnya iti tadvidaha’

What is the benefit of knowing about the body (kshetra) that is just like an iron safe? What is the benefit of knowing about the knower of the kshetra (kshetragna)?

(Hint: refer Gita Vahini)

2. Recall the Bhagawad Geetha sloka:

Adveshta sarva bhootanam maitra karuna evacha nirmamo nirahankaraha sama dukha sukha kshami.

Some characteristics described there also depict the meaning of the symbol of the cross. Identify them. How difficult is that as a goal to be achieved? Why?

3. Swami often points out that Jesus Christ first said that He was the messenger of God, next the son of God and finally that He and His Father were one.

Reflect on and explain these statements as various milestones on the spiritual path of every seeker.