Practising Buddhist and master storyteller Dharmachari Nagaraja weaves a thrilling narrative spell while at the same time conveying basic life lessons that will help children to develop their personality, deal with their anxieties, and find peace and confidence as they grow up. The stories explore themes from the Eightfold Path, which is Buddhism's practical route to a happy life. Topics covered, with the lightest of touches, include speaking in a kind and truthful manner, behaving with compassion, thinking selflessly and avoiding the pitfalls of egotism. Although providing gentle guidance on the art of living well, which is the basis of true happiness, each story is also compelling in its own right, featuring characters, settings and events that every child will find absorbing. Each narrative concludes with an affirmation that helps to draw out its positive message, while the superb, specially commissioned illustrations will delight your child and provide a starting-point for discussion and further enjoyment. The helpful introduction provides insights into the value of Buddhist principles for children and shows how visualisation, imaginative thinking and even first steps in meditation can help to nurture young minds and hearts.

Building on the age-old art of storytelling, this beautiful book retells 20 ancient Buddhist tales in a way that will aid relaxation and prepare your child for sleep.

A beautifully illustrated collection of classic Buddhist tales that will calm your child’s mind before bedtime—complete with a series of mindfulness meditations for kids and their parents Growing up in the modern world, our children have to cope with an ever-increasing amount of stress, which can feel worrying to both them and us. The ancient wisdom of Buddhism, with its emphasis on peace, mindfulness and compassion, is the ideal basis for helping any child face these challenges with inner confidence and calm. Building on the age-old art of storytelling, this beautiful book retells eighteen ancient Buddhist tales in a way that is thoroughly fun and accessible to children. Featuring original, full-page illustrations, the stories will transport children into imaginary worlds of enlightenment and discovery. Here, they will meet all sorts of delightful characters and discover easy-to-understand Buddhist messages that will empower them to think about how they can apply values such as patience, honesty, authenticity and generosity in their own lives. Designed either to be read aloud by parents to their 4–8-year-olds, or to be read by the older age range on their own, these compelling narratives help to focus and calm the mind, providing a soothing transition into sleep. The selection of gentle mindfulness meditations at the end provides an extra practical dimension that can be used at any time to help enhance a sense of a calm and contentment.

Includes "issues index."

"Were it not for the Buddhadharma, says Charles Johnson in his preface to Turning the Wheel, "I'm convinced that, as a black American and an artist, I would not have been able to successfully negotiate my last half century of life in this country. Or at least not with a high level of creative productivity." In this collection of provocative and intimate essays, Johnson writes of the profound connection between Buddhism and creativity, and of the role of Eastern philosophy in the quest for a free and thoughtful life. In 1926, W. E. B. Du Bois asked African-Americans what they would most want were the color line miraculously forgotten. In Turning the Wheel, Johnson sets out to explore this question by examining his experiences both as a writer and as a practitioner of Buddhism. He looks at basic Buddhist principles and practices, demonstrating how Buddhism is both the most revolutionary and most civilized of possible human choices. He discusses fundamental Buddhist practices such as the Eightfold Path, Taming the Mind, and Sangha and illuminates their place in the American Civil Rights movement. Johnson moves from spiritual guides to spiritual nourishment: writing. In essays touching on the role of the black intellectual, Uncle Tom's Cabin, and Ralph Ellison, Johnson uses tools of Buddhist thinking to clarify difficult ideas. Powerful and revelatory, these essays confirm that writing and reading, along with Buddhism, are the basic components that make up a thoughtful life.

Combining humor, honesty, and plainspoken advice, Momma Zen distills the doubts and frustrations of parenting into vignettes of Zen wisdom. Drawing on her experience as a first-time mother, and on her years of Zen meditation and study, Miller explores how the daily challenges of parenthood can become the most profound spiritual journey of our lives. This compelling and wise memoir follows the timeline of early motherhood from pregnancy through toddlerhood. Momma Zen takes readers on a transformative journey, charting a mother’s growth beyond naive expectations and disorientation to finding fulfillment in ordinary tasks, developing greater self-awareness and acceptance—to the gradual discovery of "maternal bliss," a state of abiding happiness and ease that is available to us all. In her gentle and reassuring voice, Karen Miller convinces us that ancient and authentic spiritual lessons can be as familiar as a lullaby, as ordinary as pureed peas, and as frequent as a sleepless night. She offers encouragement for the hard days, consolation for the long haul, and the lightheartedness every new mom needs to face the crooked path of motherhood straight on.

A gift edition treasury of over 50 stories from the Buddha at Bedtime books, ancient Buddhist tales retold for children alongside summaries and meditations. Discover over 50 magical retellings of ancient Buddhist stories Building on the age-old art of storytelling, this beautifully illustrated treasury brings together tales from three classic collections: Buddha at Bedtime, The Buddha's Apprentice at Bedtime and Calm Buddha at Bedtime. Transport your child into a world of enchantment and uncover easy-to-understand Buddhist messages through the adventures of delightful characters like the Brave Little Parrot, the Gentle Dragon or the Grateful Bull. In addition to these stories, you will find lessons on the art of meditation, advice on how to become more mindful and a selection of soothing, guided visualizations. Make this book a part of your regular bedtime routine and give your child the tools they need to be calm and relaxed before sleep and as they go about their day.