The Seed of Compassion
What’s inside...
For the first time ever, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate His Holiness the Dalai Lama addresses children directly, sharing lessons of peace and compassion, told through stories of his own childhood. One of today's most inspiring world leaders was once an ordinary child named Lhamo Thondup. In a small village in Tibet, his mother was his first great teacher of compassion. In everyday moments from his childhood, young readers begin to see that important lessons are all around us, and that they, too, can grow to truly understand them. With simple, powerful text, the Dalai Lama shares the universalist teachings of treating one another with compassion, which Bao Luu illustrates beautifully in vibrant color. In an increasingly confusing world, The Seed of Compassion offers guidance and encouragement on how we all might bring more kindness to it.
Age
4-8
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Tenzin Gyatso (The 14th Dalai Lama)
Dalai Lama’S Mother
Discussion points
What does compassion mean to you after reading this book?
Can you think of a time when someone showed you compassion? How did it make you feel?
Why do you think it's important to help others?
How can we show compassion to people we don't know?
What are some ways you can practice being more compassionate every day?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start the conversation by sharing a personal story where someone showed you compassion, setting a real-world example for your child.
Encourage your child to describe how the characters' actions made them feel, connecting emotions to the theme of compassion.
Ask your child to draw a picture of a compassionate act they can perform, or have recently witnessed, to reinforce the message through creative expression.
Suggest role-playing a scenario from the book to help your child understand different perspectives and the impact of compassionate behavior.
Praise your child for examples of compassionate behavior they demonstrate daily, reinforcing the positive behavior and connecting it back to the book’s message.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: The book narrates experiences from the Dalai Lama's early childhood, where he learns to understand and share the feelings of others.
Real-World Application: Children can practice empathy by recognizing emotions in others and offering comfort or help, strengthening their emotional intelligence and interpersonal relationships.
Example Lesson: Kindness
Explanation: The Dalai Lama shares stories about being kind to others, emphasizing the joy and positive impact it brings.
Real-World Application: Kids can apply this lesson by performing small acts of kindness, such as sharing toys or helping a friend in need, fostering a more compassionate community.
Example Lesson: Peace
Explanation: Through the teachings of his mother, the Dalai Lama learns the importance of maintaining peace and resolving conflicts calmly.
Real-World Application: Children can use these principles during disagreements by using calm words and seeking mutually agreeable solutions, enhancing their problem-solving skills.
Example Lesson: Mindfulness
Explanation: The book illustrates how mindfulness can be practiced from a young age, influencing one’s actions and attitudes positively.
Real-World Application: Children can practice mindfulness by focusing on their breathing or being fully present during activities, which can improve their attention and reduce anxiety.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: The Dalai Lama discusses overcoming difficulties with a positive outlook, demonstrating resilience.
Real-World Application: Kids can build resilience by facing challenges head-on and learning from their experiences, which will help them adapt and thrive in various situations.