INPUT FROM STORYTELLERS AND TEACHERS AROUND THE WORLD
1) The Monkey King's Bridge - a Buddhist tale
[adapted by Amy Friedman and illustrated by Jillian Gilliland]
Excerpt:
Long ago, in a quiet bamboo forest, hundreds of monkeys lived in peace. They had a king who, like the most virtuous, took great care of his tribe.
The monkeys lived on the mangoes that grew in abundance in their forest, but the Monkey King understood they faced dangers from those who might envy their treasures. "Take care," he warned the monkeys, "not to let our fruit fall into the river."
The monkeys took care to pick every mango that grew on the branches overhanging the river, but one day they happened to miss one piece of fruit hidden behind a bird's nest.
After a while, that hidden mango ripened, its stalk grew heavy, and it dropped into the river and floated downstream.
A group of women bathing in the river suddenly smelled a most enchanting scent, and when they discovered the floating fruit, they longed to taste it. They knew, though, that they must take this new discovery to their king.
When the king saw and smelled the mango, he too was curious. He wanted to taste the fruit, but first he called his physician to examine it. And when the doctor announced the mango fit to eat, the king commanded his servants to taste it first. You see, the human king, unlike the Monkey King, worried first about himself.
When at last the servants had proved the mango to be safe, the king took a bite. "That is the best thing I have ever tasted," the king said. "We must find the source of this delicacy."
And so the king led his army to search for more mangoes.
As the army moved upriver, they entered the forest, where they had never traveled. Here they discovered astonishing beauty; they heard sounds they had never before heard and saw herds of roaming elephants and gentle deer living in peace.
When the expedition suddenly smelled that glorious scent, they knew the mango trees were near.
"Look," they cried, staring up into the fruit-filled trees. That's when they spotted hundreds of monkeys.
And those monkeys were eating mangos.
"They're stealing my fruit," the king cried. "Destroy them!"
For the rest of the story, go to
http://www.uexpress.com/tellmeastory/index.html?uc_full_date=20050227
http://www.uexpress.com/tellmeastory/
2) Tibetan Buddhist myth/folklore.
The home page says: Welcome to a premier site unique in situating Tibetan Buddhism within a wider context. With over 365 pages, it explains topics ranging from Acts of the Buddha to Symbolism of Deities including The Dakini, as well as that of various Animals and Objects. Practitioners will also find Prayers, Practices, Announcements & Teachings.
http://www.khandro.net/Storytime_toc.htm
From same website
http://www.khandro.net/animal_birds.htm
Liz N. 11/7/06
3) Buddhist Travellers
Once there was a Buddhist master and his student walking down a narrow, dusty road. They were praying and meditating as they journeyed. Behind them came a commotion of horses running, running, running, It grew louder and both turned to see a team of equines pulling a cart, coming straight at them. The cart driver was obviously making no attempt to slow down and both Buddhists jumped to the side of the road just as they were about to be run over and killed by the horses.
The young monk leapt up and shook his fist in anger at the disappearing cart driver, but the master Buddhist stood up and shouted, "May all your dreams come true and may your life be filled with blessings." The astonished student protested, "Why would you say that? That man almost killed us!" And the master calmly replied, "Do you think if all his dreams had come true and his life had been filled with blessings that he would behave like that?"
Susi W. 9/23/08
•••••
BOOKS ABOUT BUDDHISM
• Baby Buddhas: A Guide for Teaching Meditation to Children
(2004)
Book Description
Baby Buddhas: A Guide for Teaching Meditation to Children is the first book to show parents and educators how to teach meditation to preschool-age children. Through irresistible photos and easy-to-follow text, Lisa Desmond clearly explains her copyrighted method of teaching meditation to children 18 months to three years old. Baby Buddhas also highlights the benefits of meditation for parents and children and shows how to incorporate meditation into family life.
Part One, "Creating Your Space," explains how to create a simple meditation space in the home or school and explains the importance of sound, posture, and breathing. In Part Two, "Adult Meditations," adults learn three meditations to give them an opportunity to learn and meditate on their own before teaching children. Part Three, "Children's Meditations," includes 10 meditations suitable for children, organized from simplest to most complex. The children's meditations include the "Sunshine Meditation," in which the child learns to breathe in a "sunshine ball of light" full of love. The "Om Meditation" helps children calm themselves and feel love, even when their parents are away. All the children's meditations use repetition and simple words and images that children can easily understand.
Parents who have used Lisa's techniques marvel at how their children have become calmer and more focused since they started meditating. With Baby Buddhas parents and educators can give the children in their care a gift that will last a lifetime.
• Boy Who Had a Dream: A Nomadic Folk Tale from Tibet, The (Nomadic Folktales from Tibet)
(1997 - Ages 9-12)
Book Description
The combination of beautiful pictures and of a magic story told with humour and tenderness makes this work stand out from the current children's stories of our time. Includes a map and brief history of Tibet.
• Buddha in Your Backpack: Everyday Buddhism for Teens
(2002 - Teens)
Book Description
A guide for navigating the teen years, Buddha in Your Backpack is for young people who want to learn more about Buddhism or for those who simply want to understand what’s going on inside themselves and in the world around them. Buddha in Your Backpack tells Buddha’s life story in a fashion teens will relate to, describing Buddha as a young rebel not satisfied with the answers of his elders. It then introduces Buddha’s core teachings with chapters like “All About Me” and “Been There, Why’d I Do That?” The author presents thoughtful and spiritual insights on school, dating, hanging out, jobs, and other issues of special interest to teens — inviting readers to look inside themselves for answers.
• Kingdom of the Golden Dragon
(2005 - Ages 9-12)
Book Description
Not many months have passed since teenager Alexander Cold followed his bold grandmother into the heart of the Amazon to uncover its legendary Beast. This time, reporter Kate Cold escorts her grandson and his closest friend, Nadia, along with the photographers from International Geographic on a journey to another remote niche of the world in the Himalayas. The team's task is to locate its fabled golden dragon, a sacred statue and priceless oracle that can foretell the future of the kingdom.
In their scramble to reach the statue before it is destroyed by the greed of an outsider, Alexander and Nadia must use the transcendent power of their totemic animal spirits -- Jaguar and Eagle. With the aid of a sage Buddhist monk, his young royal disciple, and a fierce tribe of Yeti warriors, Alexander and Nadia fight to protect the holy rule of the golden dragon.
Isabel Allende once again leads readers on a fantastical voyage of suspense, magic, and awe-inspiring adventure in this riveting follow-up to City of the Beasts.
Also available on audio cassette.
• Pebble for Your Pocket, A 
(2002 - Ages 9-12)
Book Description
Through vivid metaphors, original allegories, and colorful stories, young people learn about handling anger, living in the present moment, and "interbeing"—the interconnectedness of all things. Thich Nhat Hanh offers various practices that children can do on their own or with others that will help them to transform anger and unhappiness and reconnect to the wonders of nature, and the joy of living in the present moment. Beautiful illustrations are featured.
• Prince Siddhartha: The Story of Buddha
(2003 - Ages 9-12)
Book Description
The story of Prince Siddharta and how he became Buddha is told here in the lyrical prose that makes for absorbing reading for people of all ages.
• Samsara Dog
(2007 - Ages 4-8)
Book Description
"Even if you don't share a belief in reincarnation, you should be able to appreciate these universal life lessons. So get out the tissues and be prepared for a lovely, enlightening, and touching story to share with your children." --- A Readable Feast
"This is the most beautiful book I've read in a very long time. Beautifully written, gracefully illustrated and filled with such beauty, knowledge, and faith. I would recommend it to everyone. It will change and enlighten each reader." --- Lucy K., Talking Leaves...Books
"The Buddhist concepts of reincarnation--and by extension Samsara and Nirvana--are conveyed with touching clarity..." -- Kirkus Reviews, August 1, 2007
The Buddhist concepts of reincarnation and by extension Samsara and Nirvana are conveyed with touching clarity...definitely deserving of a place on the shelf... --Kirkus Reviews
• Three Boys, The: And Other Buddhist Folktales from Tibet (Latitude 20 Books)
(2006)
Book Description
A virtuous young woman journeys to the Land of the Dead to retrieve the still-beating heart of a king; a wily corpse-monster tricks his young captor into setting him free; a king falls under a curse that turns him into a cannibal; a shepherd who understands the speech of animals saves a princess from certain death. These are just a few of the wondrous tales that await readers of this collection of Tibetan Buddhist folktales. Fifteen stories are told for modern readers in a vivid, accessible style that reflects a centuries-old tradition of storytelling in the monasteries and marketplaces of Tibet. As a child growing up in a Buddhist monastery, Yeshi Dorjee would often coax the elderly lamas into telling him folktales. By turns thrilling, mysterious, clever, and often hilariously funny, the stories he narrates here also teach important lessons about mindfulness, compassion, and other key Buddhist principles. They will delight readers of all ages, scholars and students, Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike.
• Three Questions, The (2002 - Ages 4-8)
Book Description
Nikolai is a boy who believes that if he can find the answers to his three questions, he will always know how to be a good person. His friends--a heron, a monkey, and a dog--try to help, but to no avail, so he asks Leo, the wise old turtle. "When is the best time to do things? Who is the most important one? What is the right thing to do?" Leo doesn't answer directly, but by the end of Nikolai's visit, the boy has discovered the answers himself.
• Tibetan Tales for Little Buddhas
(2004 - Ages 9-12)
Book Description
This 64-page picture book features three beautifully illustrated tales from Tibet. Each story, told in English and Tibetan, offers a fun, enchanting glimpse of Tibetan culture. Children and adults will delight in the adventures with yaks, yetis, monks, wise men and mystical beings. The stories also impart simple wisdom and exemplify living in peace and kindness. Beautiful impressionistic paintings capture the essence of the Tibetan people and landscape. Young and old will enjoy these entertaining and thoughtful tales. Tibetan Tales for Little Buddhas includes a special foreword from His Holiness the Dalai Lama as well as a glossary, map and description of a Tibetan chant. Ms. Rose donates a percentage of her proceeds from the book to benefit Tibetan refugee children through the Art Refuge Program. Bilingual in English and Tibetan.
• Wide Awake: Buddhism for the New Generation
(2003 - Young Adult)
Book Description
Many of today's teenagers are tired of the pressure to compete and consume-and are looking for a different way to live their lives. This book offers an alternative: the 2,500-year old practice of Buddhism.
Written in a style that will have immediate appeal to young "seekers" and those wanting to understand the ancient teachings, this book addresses such relevant topics as peer pressure, emotional difficulties, stress, fostering peace, and even protecting the environment. For everyone looking for self-help, self-esteem, and self-awareness, this book offers advice on:
• Discovering truth in a world of hype
• Finding peace amid the ups and downs of life
• Accepting ourselves
• Working with difficult emotions
• How to meditate
• Dealing with temptations and making the right decisions about sex and drugs
• Advice on volunteering, working for peace, and protecting the environment
• Balagokulam : a Unique Hindu Magazine for Children
Magazine Description
Balagokulam is a unique magazine for second generation Hindu American children. The magazine is published quarterly and aims to become a critical aid in teaching Hindu culture to children through stories, activities, crossword puzzles, columns on Vedic mathematics, and competitions. The magazine is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS).
Balagokulam is the first of its kind, focusing on second-generation Hindu American children between the ages of 5 and 12. The magazine, focused on unleashing creativity in children, has subscribers all over the United States. A few key factors contributing to the magazine's growth include its novel way of reaching out to children through various events, such as Hindu Heritage Camps, the daylong camps dedicated to teaching children Hindu culture through a variety of stories, arts and crafts, and games, and Balagokulam competitions, which are held semiannually.
ONLINE LINKS FOR BUDDHIST STORIES
•
Lots of Buddhist stories here:
http://buddhism.kalachakranet.org/resources/buddhist_stories.html
•
Buddhist stories for children to educate their parents
http://www.serve.com/cmtan/buddhism/Stories/index.html
• Buddhist tales for young and old
http://www.buddhanet.net/bt_conts.htm
• Once Upon A Time - A collection of Buddhist stories
http://www.sinc.sunysb.edu/clubs/buddhism/story/index.html
• A collection of stories from Buddhism and biographies of celebrity Buddhists
http://www.geocities.com/Tokyo/Courtyard/1652/
• Stories with Buddhist themes
http://www.sln.org.uk/storyboard/l1.htm
• JatakKatha.com - a collection of Buddhist tales
http://www.jatakkatha.com/
ARTWORK AND SCULPTURES
• Cast Stone 10" SEATED JIZO BUDDHA Bodhisattva CHILD MONK Sculpture
• Cast Stone 10" STANDING JIZO BUDDHA Bodhisattva CHILD MONK Sculpture
Product Description
These sculptures are cast using a proprietary mix designwhich allows the craftsmen to achieve a very high degree of detail and yet unlike many other competitors out there ours is able to withstand freezing temperatures without any damage. They are hand finished to ensure that each piece has unique traits and characteristics. They are made in the USA of a durable, weather (frost) resistant, solid cast stone so they may be used indoors as well as outdoors. Available in one of five finish colors.
• Children Walk Past an Illuminated Statue of Lord Buddha Religion & Philosophy Photographic Poster Print, 16x12
Product Description
Art.com is the world's largest retailer of art prints, posters, photographs, and framed artwork. With our huge selection of over 400,000 prints, you'll easily find the perfect piece for your home, office, or classroom. Our art is printed on quality paper. When you order framed artwork, the piece is built by our team of in-house professionals. Visit our Amazon store today at www.amazon.com/artdotcom to find Special Offers and search for products based on 'Artist Name' and 'Subject Categories' such as Movie, Music, Vintage, TV, Children, Travel, Kitchen, Museum Art, Animals, Floral, Motivational, and Sports. Art.com is dedicated to providing you with high quality products and service by offering you 100% satisfaction guaranteed. We ship internationally to over 80 countries. Decorate your home today with your favorite pictures that express and celebrate your distinct tastes.
• "The Hand of Buddha" by Hugh Sitton - Framed Artwork
Product Description
ARTinaClick.com offers the finest art in the most exciting range of mediums and styles at prices that are 30% -50% less than traditional gallery prices. Each item at ARTinaClick.com is custom framed using only the highest quality framing materials in the latest designer colors and styles. This framed image would compliment any room in your home or office and comes ready to hang. Buy with confidence as we offer a money back guarantee if you are not satisfied.
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(Updated 3/1/05; 11/24/06; 9/27/08)
