

If you want to bear a child, then your wish to do the Bodhisattva-practise should be especially strong."
Does such a thing as Buddhism for children exist?
There is a tremendous amount of materials on buddhism available for adults. But what about materials that can be given to children? How to answer their questions? How should they behave in kindergarden, elementary school and among their groups of friends and peers? How should their parents behave?
"One time, when my mom wanted to dress him up, he just said: "I don`t like that", sat down in the posture of meditation, folded his hands and continued to say:"I don`t have time for that now, I have to meditate"."
In Tibet the whole culture was influenced by Buddhism. Today, our buddhist children in the West are confronted with many kinds of religions: Christianity in all its different forms, Judaism, Islam,...
What do buddhist parents do so that their children are not perceived as "strange or bizarre" in kindergarden or school? At the same time, what can they do so that their children can understand and relate to them.
We would like to discuss these issues here. We will try to collect information about children's books, interest groups, news and the like. Your help and input are very much welcome and appreciated.

Meditations
Special meditations for children are under development. This first one for children is about the Green Tara (in German). This meditation children can do by themselves or with the help of their parents or friends.


Books
We are trying to present books that deal with Buddhism in a manner that is approprite for children. As with any book, it is useful for parents to discuss the book with their children, even when the children are old enough to read them by themselves. Information about other books, including those in other languages, are very welcome.
In English
- Ernst, Judith: The Golden Goose King
The virtues of loyalty, courage and friendship are set forth in this story of a wise golden goose, king of 94,000 geese dwelling near the city of Benares. The goose was the Buddha in a past life--and his wise teachings serve to guide a king, his wife and the readers of this lovely story. Excellent illustrations. For ages 7-12.
$ 19.95
- Hulskramer, George: The Life of Buddha
This beautiful hardcover comic book tells the life story of the Buddha and is historically accurate and well-illustrated. Ages 7 and up.
$ 14.95
- Landaw & Brooke: Prince Siddharta
A delightful children's book on the life of Gautama Buddha. Ages 4 and up.
$ 15.95 (Wisdom Publ.)
- Leo, Veronica: The Three Silver Coins
"This children's story has all the elements of the best folktales: magic, a kind-hearted and likable hero, and good triumphing over bad...readers also become aware of many subtle aspects of Tibetan life, making this a delightful vehicle for multicultural awareness."
$ 12.95
- Rowe, W.W.: The Buddhaīs Question
Quenn Videha of Rajagaha asks the Buddha to teach 400 children about the way of awareness and love. In reply, the Buddha recounts his previous life experience as a plumeria tree. This tree painfully witnesses the cruel deceptions of a heron upon forty fish and a wise and crafty crab. Though helpless to intervene, the compassionate tree takes vows with far-reaching consequences. Age 5-10.
$ 9.95
- Weber, Andy: Taras Colouring Book
Twelve exquisite line drawings of some of the most famous figures of Tibetan Buddhism. Incl. instructions for painting the drawings with appropriate colors. Buddha, Chenrezig, Tara, Manjushri and others with instructions on how to color the drawings.
$ 9.95 (Wisdom Publ.)
- Witwer, Julia: Hero of the Land of Snow
This tale of Gesar recounts his birth, defiance of tyranny, exile, and the maiden who awakens him to fulfill his destiny and helps him find the wonder-horse Kyan-shay. Wonderful full-page illustrations. Ages 5 and up.
$ 6.95
In German
- Boisselier, Jean: Buddha - Legende eines Auserwählten
Die Grundzüge des Buddhismus für ca. 12- bis 14-jährige als farbig bebildertes Ravenburger-Taschenbuch. Aus der Reihe "Abenteuer Geschichte".
DM 19,80 (Ravensburger Verlag)
- Golzio, Karl-Heinz: Der Kaufmann, der eine bessere Predigt forderte
Lesebuch zum Buddhismus für selbstlesende Kinder.
DM 29,80 (Patmos Verlag)
- Landaw, Johnatan: Prinz Siddharta
Bei diesem Buch handelt es sich um ein Kinderbuch, in dem das Leben des Buddha Shakyamuni erzählt wird. Der leichtverständliche, amüsante Text und die großformatigen Illustrationen machen es auch zum idealen Vorlesebuch.
DM 35,00 (Diamant Verlag)
- Leo, Veronica: Die drei Silbermünzen
Es war einmal ein armer Junge namens Jinpa, der für seine Arbeit eines Tages drei Münzen erhielt. Ein tibetisches Märchen, schön illustriert. Ca. 3 bis 9 Jahre.
DM 26,00 (Boje Verlag)
- Meier, Claudia / Köhler, Stephan: Die Seekönigin
Ein Märchen aus Bhutan.
DM 29,80 (Sauerländer Verlag)
- Reihe Jataka-Geschichten:
Hierbei handelt es sich um Geschichten aus dem früheren Leben des Buddha Shakyamuni, in denen er auf viele verschiedene Weisen zum Besten der Wesen arbeitete. Durchgehend farbig, mit einer Malseite.
- Das kleine Kaninchen und die Angst
DM 18,50 (Dharma Publ. Deutschl.)
- Gute Freunde sind viel wert
DM 18,50 (Dharma Publ. Deutschl.)
- Der Papagei und der Feigenbaum
DM 18,50 (Dharma Publ. Deutschl.)
- Whitney, Stewart: Der Weg zum Löwenthron
Die Kindheit des Dalai Lama. Ein spannendes Buch für ca. 12 jährige.
DM 27,80 (Ch. Falk Verlag)

Wishes and Rules
What kind of wishes do parents have in regards to other Buddhists, attending courses and meditations? Which rules/guidelines for children and adults are easy to follow? Here is a small selection of suggested wishes/rules:
- Parents should not impose on their kids events that they should attend. Kids above a certain age should have their free choice.
- Supervision of children is recommended, preferably according to age groups.
- Parents should be able to get a discount at events, so that they can afford a babysitter.
- During an initiation, space near the exit should be reserved for parents with children. That way, they can leave quickly without any hassle, if their children get impatient.
- Have video transmissions in other rooms (not the meditation room).
- At events of long duration, special children's events should be organized.
- Once in a while, a "children's hour" with a Lama or a Rinpoche should be held.
- .....

Interestgroups and Projects
Information, hints and updates on existing and planned projects and interest groups, as well as personal reports, are welcome.
A Dharma Center, where a people have a special interest in Buddhism and kids:
Buddhist Center Graz
St. Peter-Pfarrweg 17
A-8010 Graz
AUSTRIA
Tel + Fax: 43-316-46 21 17
Picture of Karmapa by a child: Because he is so shining around his head

Feedback from the Kids
At this column of the homepage, a collection of children's comments will be featured. For example, kids' ideas and comments in regards to Buddhism and their close surroundings:
- I think it's strange that we think about the Lama and other people don't.
- I don't have time now, I have to meditate.
- When do we visit Mahakala, when do we go? I would love to see Green Tara too.
- Linda my daughter (14) said last Friday when I came back from the medititation: what did you say? March 22....I will be there as well for the ceremony of refuge and shelter...
- The time we were earthworms, were you my papa then too?
- .... Here the comment of one of YOUR kids could appear! .....
- .....
What does your child say about Buddhism, a.s.o.?

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Most recent update: March 16th, 1997
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