For "The World's Religions Storybook Project"

Preview audio:

storyj.mp/acmcq5i479s7

Jack was 7 years old when he started playing basketball in a club. He was able to win many games surrounded by his friends and teammates. His parents, Noah and Sarah, always showed up to his games and supported him.

One day when Jack got to school he noticed a poster for a friendly basketball game. The game would take place during lunchtime in the schoolyard. Jack was excited and wanted to play because he loved basketball.

I want to play!

During the game Jack played much better than the other kids. When Jack won the game he decided to brag about it to the other kids, which hurt their feelings. Because of this, his teacher, Ms. Kelly, sent him to the principal's office.

That was wrong! I'm sending you to the principal's office.

You're terrible!

When he got to the principal's office they called his mom for a parent meeting. The principal said that he was concerned for Jack because of his actions. "What Jack did was wrong," he said. The principal explained the concepts of Confucianism and told Jack, "Do not do unto others what you would not want others to do unto you" (Confucianism). Because of his actions he would be sent to detention until he learned his lesson. Jack needs to think before he speaks.

Do not do unto others what you would not want others to do unto you.

Jack, you have to treat others the way you want to be treated.

In detention, Jack would have a lot of time to think about what he did. While he spent time in detention the teacher taught him Right Action from the Eightfold Path, which is to work for the good of others and that we must live through our actions (The Eightfold Path). She told Jack that it is also important to truly understand. Right Intent must come from the heart and involves recognizing the equality of all life and compassion for all (The History, Philosophy and Practice of Buddhism). Jack needs to be kinder to others.

You can learn from the teachings of the Buddha.

When Jack got home after school his dad, Noah, would have a talk with him. His dad told him about what it means to be kind. He taught him about the premise of Christianity which is love, redemption, and kindness. He told Jack that love is a virtue that allows forgiveness and redemption (Forgiveness: A Path Towards Redemption and Love). Jack needs to do the right thing and apologize and live with kindness in his heart.

Kindness is the solution. Talking down on others is a sin. Christ teaches kindness and selflessness.

When Jack got to school the next day he was angry because he had to go to detention. Instead of seeing a change in Jack's heart, the principal noticed that he was getting worse. The principal decided that Jack should not be allowed to go to anymore special events. This made Jack even angrier and made him not want to be kind.