resources and supports for children's meditation
"Cultivating an attitude and a habit in a young person that is based upon a good foundation of discriminating wisdom is the biggest contribution that a parent (or as any adult) can give to young children." ~ Jetsun Khandro Rinpoche
Learning TOpics:
4 Immeasurables
Four qualities or virtues that have no measure. Coloring page ↗
6 Paramitas
Paramita means perfection. We strive to practice these six characteristics every day. Illustration ↗
4 Thoughts that Turn the Mind
Four thoughts (“preliminaries”) from Tibetan Buddhism that turn your mind towards the Dharma and enlightenment. Handout ↗
Dharma Themes Review
A summary of topics that the Dharma Kids may learn in a couple months. Handout ↗
Songs
Simple songs that we sign together as a group. Lyrics ↗
Four Noble Truths for Kids
The essence of the Buddha’s teachings, made kid-friendly.
Truth of suffering. This means we all feel sad, mad, or scared sometimes. When we feel these feelings we can try to remember we are not alone, there are many other kids feeling the same thing. And it’s ok to cry if we feel like crying.
Truth of the cause of suffering: there are many reasons why we may feel these feelings, such as not getting what we want, feeling left out, physical pain or seeing others being mistreated or in pain.
Truth of the end of suffering: It is possible to suffer less and be happy and peaceful more often. All emotions come and go, they don’t last forever, like the waves of the ocean, they arise then subside.
Truth of the path that leads to the end of suffering. By following the Buddha’s example of loving kindness and compassion for everyone, including ourselves, we can reduce suffering and be happy and peaceful. And it’s ok to laugh if you’re happy. ☺
Meditations:
Tonglen Meditation
The foundational perspective of Tonglen practice is to consider all beings as our kin, because we and all beings share the wish to be happy and avoid suffering. From that common perspective, we aspire to utilize our natural great heart of compassion to relieve beings of suffering and bring them genuine happiness. This recorded version of the Tonglen practice has been adapted for children, and was generously voiced/recorded by former Dharma Kid parent, Cat Gould.
Metta
Metta is a loving kindness practice. Here is a Metta practice starting with focus on wildlife then expanding out to all beings.
Clench & Let Go Meditation
A hands-on meditation led by one of the Dharma Kids practice leaders for kids to release tension in their bodies and feel more relaxed and at ease.
52 Practices by Lama Lekshe
A beautiful and clear teaching about mindfulness with 52 practices of mindfulness for children.
Calm Abiding Meditation
This meditation is common to many traditions of Buddhism. In this practice, we rest our attention on a simple meditative support, such as the breath. Instead of following thoughts and emotions as we usually do, we release them and maintain our connection to the support. This beautiful video by Julie Bayer Salzman & Josh Salzman, illustrates the benefits of calm abiding from a child's point of view.
Attribution:
This resource page is a collaboration of offerings from teachers and students of the Buddha Dharma which may be shared but not altered or used to sell or make money in any way.