<<樱花橼>>

<<樱花橼>>

时去时来，
世事变幻，
唯有樱花因缘而倍增光辉，
告诉人们友谊万世常在。
年年岁岁化开时，
人民赞颂，
人民的总理和人民的慈母
光辉的一生。
我也赞颂，
心田中友谊的樱花永远盛开。

the ART of questioning

What are the three main types of questions?

1) Factual question - one correct answer
2) Interpretative question - more than one answers but based on evidences.
3) Evaluative question - gives opinion and feelings

Leading a Discussion

Here are some good ground rules for leading a discussion:

Make sure everyone is prepared. This could mean that everyone has received the hand-outs or that you've read aloud the story you want to talk about.

Know your purpose. Is the goal to arrive at a decision or merely to brainstorm possible ideas that you'll follow up on later?

Opinions should always be supported with evidence. If you're discussing a book, for example, ask follow-up questions about why the student believes what she does.

Leaders only ask questions; they do not answer them.

Care about each question you ask. Avoid generic questions and prepare some good questions in advance.

Maintain a high energy level and enthusiasm. It's contagious!

Spontaneous interpretive questions are an important part of all discussions. Preparing questions in advance will actually lead to better spontaneous questions as well.

All good questions always lead to more questions. Be aware of practical and logistical issues, such as time limits, but never squelch enthusiasm when kids are on a roll.

Whenever possible and appropriate, use techniques like mapping to provide a conceptual, visual structure to the ideas you're hearing. Let people see you writing their thoughts and ideas on the map.

source: http://www.youthlearn.org/learning/teaching/questions.asp

The treasures of youth

What is the treasure of youth?

It is struggle; it is handwork. Unless you struggle, you cannot become truly strong. Those who work hard during their youth will have nothing to fear when the time comes to put the finishing touches on their lives. They will possess a great state of life that towers strong and unshakable. In Buddhism, we call this the state of Buddhahood, which nothing can undermine or destroy. It is a state of mind enjoyed by invincible champions of life.

Gosho - the selection of time

" the shallow is easy to embrace, but the profound is diffcult"

‘浅易受持，深则难’

The selection of Time 《撰时抄》

When is your first reaction when you encounter something challenging? Do you challenge it head-on, or do you try way and means to dodge away. The most likely reaction is to complain, feel depress, or seek he easiest way out of the mess. It is always human tendency to to succumb to their negative self then to bravely face their harsh reality and do what they should do - that is challenge their problems with might and courage.

"the shallow is easy to embrace" - it is always easy to walk downhill than uphill. But going downhill means succumbing to our negative tendencies. Such action will only lead to greater sufferings in the end.

"the profound is difficult" - Walking uphill means more sweat and effort, but it also means bringing the courage and strength to face life adversities. It means overcoming one's weaker self and bringing about the stronger and wiser person.

The choice is up to you- would you want to conquer the mountain to enjoy the wonderful scenary or roll downhill.