Questions about Buddhism?

Question

- what is the MOST IMPORTANT message according to Buddhism I can teach my children (ages 6 and 9)?

- where can I find children stories about Buddhism on the web? Stories with "a positive message" that I can read to my kids?

- How can I help my children find inner-peace and balance?

Thank you...

Answer 1

- The Four Noble Truths (always)
- I don't know, try googling for some. Found some:
+ http://www.buddhanet.net/mag_kids.htm
+ http://www.dharmaforkids.com/
+ http://www.buddhanet.net/ebooks_childrens.htm
- Do what the Samadhi/Bhāvana (Meditative cultivation) says:

+ To refrain from taking life. (i.e. non-violence towards sentient life forms)
+To refrain from taking that which is not given (i.e. not committing theft).
+ To refrain from sensual misconduct (abstinence from immoral sexual behaviour).
+To refrain from lying. (i.e. speaking truth always)
+To refrain from intoxicants which lead to loss of mindfulness

Answer 2

I think for a 6&9 yr old, the best msg from buddhism you can give is about doing good karma. But for me one of the greatest things that buddhism has taught is the 4 real truths. 1. sadness 2. the reason behind the sadness 3. overcoming the sadness 4. the path to overcome sadness
As far as inner peace & balance is concerned, you could most probably teach them some light meditation.

Answer 3

- what is the MOST IMPORTANT message according to Buddhism I can teach my children (ages 6 and 9)?

Respect, kindness and compassion. (Suggested reading to with your children: Kindness : a treasury of Buddhist wisdom for children and parents / collected and translated by Sarah Conover ; illustrations by Valerie Wahl)


- where can I find children stories about Buddhism on the web? Stories with "a positive message" that I can read to my kids?

http://www.mainlesson.com/display.php?author=babbitt&book=jataka&story=_contents
http://newyorkbuddhist.org/jataka_stories/index.htm
http://www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/buddhism/index.htm


- How can I help my children find inner-peace and balance?

"Lead by example" is the best teacher I think. You might point children to "walk in other people's shoes." or take trips to the woods for a hike, learning to appreciate and be responsible for nature/animals are also good teaching tools.



A list of suggested readings for children, please go to:
http://pobox.upenn.edu/~davidtoc/books.html

Answer 4

I think the most important thing to teach your kid's is not to judge. The best thing you can DO is let them see you doing zazen, then show them how when they become interested.

There is a great book Called "Dr. DeSoto", by William Steig.
In the book, a mouse dentist finds it in his heart to help a fox with a toothache. It doesn't mention "Buddhism" but it is 100% Buddhism. Please try it.

There is also a great book (more for your 6 year old) called Rainbow Fish, by Marcus Phister (spelling?). In the book a fish with beautiful scales is asked by the other fish for just one scale. He will not give the scales away, because he's proud. Eventually, he gets lonely and another sea creature instructs him to go see the octopus , in a cave at the bottom of the sea (signifying meditation). The octopus says "I knew you were coming because the waves told me". the octopus also says to give away all bout one scale to his friends. The rainbow fish does, and is happy. Buddhist!

Answer 5

Most important messages of Shri Buddha are:
- Don't get angry.
- If you get angry, do not act with anger. Sit and wait till your anger passes and only act when your anger is over.
- Humble down to the spirit that resides in your heart.
- Getting your self-realization (being a Buddha) is very important.
- Dharma is very important. (Dharma is the correct-ethical behavior). You must surrender to Dharma.
- Sangha is very important. (Shanga is the collectivity of self-realized people). You have to surrender to Sangha.

You may find the stories following the link
http://www.amarchitrakatha.com

To help your children to find inner peace and balance, you should start doing Sahaja Yoga that is the supreme yoga of all times. Sahaja Yoga incorporates the escence of all past religions, all past spritual movements and even more ...

Answer 6

The following website has everything you need too teach your kids about Buddhism! You'll find interactive games, childrens stories as well as links to adult orientated teachings.... Best wishes in 2007 and waybeyond!

http://www.bellaonline.com/subjects/8236.asp

Answer 7

Most improtant message is COMPASSION..there is nothing greater in Buddhism. Letting them know how their words and actions will affect others. You can find children's stories at www.dharmaforkids.com , there are also coloring pages as well as stories and help with practicing meditation.

Answer 8

the most important thing you can teach your kids about budhism is that the world is NOT about suffering. If a philosophy 'should' be about anything it should be about experiencing.

The absurdity is encouraging the experience of nothing

beyond that, get them a copy of a book called The Tao of Pooh

Answer 9

The most important message you can teach your kids about Buddhism is NOT to teach your kids about Buddhism.
Did Buddha create you???? NO. Buddha was a regular guy who was just a deep thinker, like Plato, Aristotle, or Socrates.
Jesus Christ is the message that your kids need to hear. He is the way to REAL inner-peace and balance.

Answer 10

Don't do bad things (sins) with evil intentions,
Do good things(merits) with good intentions in your life.