Zen for Kids - by Laura Burges (Paperback)

About the Book

"This classic way of sitting zazen in such a formal way can be challenging for children. A guided meditation at home with the family can help them focus. While children might feel self-conscious or a little embarrassed by this at first, I've found, from using these practices as a classroom teacher, that they can come to enjoy silence and stillness. It will be helpful to your children, to your whole family, if you develop a sitting practice of your own. Thich Nhat Hanh, the Vietnamese priest and peace activist, says, 'If we are peaceful, if we are happy, we can smile, and everyone in our family, our entire society, will benefit from our peace.' This is an important reminder. We don't just claim peace and happiness as our birthright; rather, we rest in happiness and peace for the benefit of all beings"--

Book Synopsis

Eleven engaging Zen-inspired stories and fifty activities to help kids (ages 4-8) learn about patience, kindness, honesty, sharing and forgiveness.

Dive into 11 engaging stories drawn from different cultures, each concluding with short reflections, questions, and fun, thought-provoking activities that teach children how to integrate the theme of the story into their lives. There are 53 activities, including:

• Writing haiku
• Sitting zazen
• Observing, making, and appreciating food
• Growing plants
• Spreading kindness and performing secret good deeds
• Learning and writing about family history
• and more!

Review Quotes

"Zen for Kids is comprised of 11 engaging Zen-inspired stories and 50 activities to help kids learn about patience, kindness, honesty, sharing and forgiveness. These stories are drawn from different cultures, each concluding with short reflections, questions, and fun, thought-provoking activities that teach children how to integrate the theme of the story into their lives. Thoroughly 'kid friendly' in organization and presentations, Zen for Kids will prove a welcome and prized addition to family, daycare center, preschool, elementary school, and community library Buddhism, Zen Philosophy, and Inspirational collections."--Midwest Book Review

"Featuring an assortment of uplifting activities and entertaining stories, Zen for Kids is a heartfelt Buddhist self-help guide."--Foreword Reviews

"This is a book of zen-inspired activities and stories to help kids learn about patience, kindness, honesty, sharing and forgiveness. Each chapter has a new story to explore, with themed discussion questions, meditations, journal prompts, and hands-on projects."--International Examiner

About the Author

LAURA BURGES (Ryuko Eitai) is a lay entrusted Buddhist teacher in the Soto Zen tradition. She lectures, offers classes, and leads retreats at the San Francisco Zen Center and at other practice places in Northern California. She is the abiding teacher at Lenox House Meditation Group in Oakland. Laura taught children for 35 years and now mentors other teachers.

MELISSA IWAI has illustrated over 30 books. From the time she was a little kid, she wanted to write and illustrate children's books. She used to staple paper together and make tiny books for her dolls. She lives with her husband and teenage son in a teeny, tiny apartment in Brooklyn, NY.