What is Buddhism?

Felipe loved asking questions.

"Mom what is Buddhism? she asked one sunny morning.

Mom smiled. "Buddhism is a way of learning how to be kind, peaceful, and makes good choices.

Felipes' eyes grew big and wide. "Kind and peaceful? I want to learn".

                           The Dalai Lama

"Today, many Buddhists look up to a special leader called the Dalai Lama", Mom said.

The Dalai Lama teaches people how to be kind, peaceful and caring.

"He smiles a lot", Felipe noticed.

"Yes", mom said. "He reminds everyone that kindness is the most important thing".

"Can I be kind like that too", Felipe asked.

"Of course," Mom said. "Anyone can practice kindness everyday".

                     Being Kind

"Buddhism teaches us to be kind to all living things," Mom said. 

"That means people and animals?" Felipe asked.

"Yes! even tiny ants".

Felipe gently moved an ant off the sidewalk so no one would step on it.

             The Four Noble Truths

"The Buddha taught something called the Four Noble Truths," Mom explained.

"That sounds big!" Felipe giggled.

"It means:

1. Everyone feels sad sometimes.

2. Wanting too much can make us unhappy.

3. We can learn to feel better.

4. There is a path to help us".

"Oh!" Felipe said. "So, sadness does not last forever?".

"That is right".

                          Meditation

"Buddhist practice something called meditation", Mom said.

"What is that?" Felipe asked.

"It means sitting quietly and paying attention to your breathing". 

Felipe sat listening to his mom.

"In... and out..." She whispered.

"I feel calm!" 

                         Temples

"Some Buddhist go to temples", Mom said.

Temples are quiet places where people pray, meditate, and learn.

"Do you have to whisper?" Felipe asked.

"Yes", Mom smiled. "Temples are peaceful places".

                The Obon Festival

"Some Buddhists celebrate a special time called Obon". Mom explained.

Obon is a festival when families remember loved ones who have become angels.

"They celebrate with dances, lanterns, and yummy food", Mom explains.

"Why lanterns?" Felipe asked.

"Lanterns show love and remembering. They help guide spirits and show we care."

Felipe smiled. "That's a beautiful way to remember people.

"It is!" Mom said.

                            Kharma

"Buddhism teaches about Karma", Mom said.

"Karma means our actions matter".

"If I shared my toys, that's good karma?" Felipe asked.

"Yes. Kind actions bring happy results". 

"So, I should use kindness!" Felipe said.