Once, long ago, the Buddha was born as a little parrot. One day a storm fell upon his forest home. Lightning flashed, thunder crashed, and a dead tree, struck by lightning, burst into flames. Sparks leapt on the wind and soon the forest was ablaze. Terrified animals...
Once there lived a very poor woman who lived alone with her only child. One day the son, who was only ten, decided to seek work. “Mother,” he said, “let me go out and look for work.”
His mother would not permit him to go because he was too young....
There was a monastery in a certain place. The monks residing there went out daily to beg their food. One day a monk, while out for his alms, saw a landlord beating a man mercilessly. The compassionate monk stepped in and asked the landlord to stop. But the landlord...
Native American (Ojibwa) Tale: Although physically deformed, Bokwewa is gifted in supernatural ways and has a very generous and loving spirit. When his brother goes after his wife’s kidnapper, Bokwewa warns him to resist temptations that will divert him. He doesn’t obey and Bokwewa attempts to rescue him. Good for discussion on benevolence and self-sacrifice versus temptation and vanity.
At the time of the Buddha, Benares had been the holy city of India for many centuries, and Hinduism was its ancient religion. The city was famous for fine temples, many built in beautiful leafy parks with pools of clear, undisturbed water, while the streets of...
Prince Llewelyn had a favourite greyhound named Gellert that had been given to him by his father-in-law, King John. He was as gentle as a lamb at home, but a lion in the chase.
One day Llewelyn went to the chase and blew his horn in front of his castle....
Once, the Buddha was born as a Banyan Deer. When he was grown he became leader of the herd. He guided his herd wisely and led them to the heart of a secluded forest where, sheltered by the giant trees, they lived free from danger.
Then a new king came into...
Central Asian Tale: A poor woodcutter is swindled by a wealthy man, but his daughter outwits the man by telling a greater lie. Wit and intelligence are more useful than wealth.
In collaboration with the Fetzer Institute's Generosity of Spirit project team, Learning to Give brings you access to stories from all over the world that speak of the gifts and challenges of leading a generous life.
This collection of world myths and folktales (linked below) is accompanied by lesson plans at the high school level and a reflection guide for teachers, parents, and youth leaders.
When a crisis upends life or disaster strikes, whether caused by nature or humans, the humanitarian spirit of individuals and communities swells. The lesson plans, project ideas, and links to nonprofit resources here provide opportunities to discuss our response to a crisis and explore actions that young people can take before and after disaster strikes.
