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Buddhist Folktales
  1. Strand PHIL.I Definitions of Philanthropy
    1. Standard DP 01. Define Philanthropy
      1. Benchmark HS.2 Identify and discuss examples of philanthropy and charity in modern culture.
  2. Strand PHIL.II Philanthropy and Civil Society
    1. Standard PCS 01. Self, citizenship, and society
      1. Benchmark HS.2 Discuss and give examples of why some humans will sacrifice for the benefit of unknown others.
  3. Strand PHIL.III Philanthropy and the Individual
    1. Standard PI 01. Reasons for Individual Philanthropy
      1. Benchmark HS.1 Define and give examples of motivations for giving and serving.

Learners analyze Buddhist folktales to determine their relevance to everyday life. There are times when the easiest thing one can do is leave and let others deal with a stressful situation. When one stays and works through the tough times with responsibility and respect, it can be a gift, not only for those who are also there, but for the one who makes the decision to stay. 

Duration: 
PrintTwo or three 45-Minute Sessions
Objectives: 

The learner will:

  • identify the historical and geographic settings of folktales.
    identify the message and connections to philanthropy.
  • explain how steadfastness can be a philanthropic act when times are hard.
  • describe the dangers of pride and the importance of trust in everyday relationships.
Materials: 

Youth access to these folktales (Learning to Give has permission to make these folktales available online to readers):

Home Connection: 

Discuss whether in real life, is it ever possible to overcome a foe by changing them rather than destroying them.

Bibliography: 
  • "The Banyan Deer." Martin, Rafe. The Hungry Tigress: Buddhist Legends and Jataka Tales. Berkeley, California: Parallax Press, © 1990. Used with the permission of Parallax Press. www.parallax.org "Reprinted from The Hungry Tigress (1990) by Rafe Martin with permission of Parallax Press, Berkeley, California."
  • "The Blossom Tree." Hyde-Chambers, Fredrick and Aubrey. Tibetan Folk Tales. Boulder & London: Shambhala, ©1981, pp.7-13. Used with the permission of Shambhala Publications, Inc. "From TIBETAN FOLK TALES by Frederick and Audrey Hyde-Chambers, ©1981. Reprinted by arrangement with Shambhala Publications, Inc., Boston, www.shambhala.com"
  • "Great Joy the Ox." Martin, Rafe. The Hungry Tigress: Buddhist Legends and Jataka Tales. Berkeley, California: Parallax Press, © 1990. Used with the permission of Parallax Press. www.parallax.org "Reprinted from The Hungry Tigress (1990) by Rafe Martin with permission of Parallax Press, Berkeley, California."
  • "The King as Rain-Maker." Living Heritage Trust of Sri Lanka Website. 
  • "Padmasambhava and the Felicity Scarf." Hyde-Chambers, Fredrick and Aubrey. Tibetan Folk Tales. Boulder & London: Shambhala, ©1981, pp.21-23. Used with the permission of Shambhala Publications, Inc. "From TIBETAN FOLK TALES by Frederick and Audrey Hyde-Chambers, ©1981. Reprinted by arrangement with Shambhala Publications, Inc., Boston, www.shambhala.com"
  • "The Steadfast Parrot." Martin, Rafe. The Hungry Tigress: Buddhist Legends and Jataka Tales. Berkeley, California: Parallax Press, © 1990. Used with the permission of Parallax Press. www.parallax.org "Reprinted from The Hungry Tigress (1990) by Rafe Martin with permission of Parallax Press, Berkeley, California."
Instructions: 
Print

  1. Anticipatory Set:

    Brainstorm examples of times when a person is a giver but does not give a tangible item. 

  2. On a map, locate India and Tibet’s absolute location (longitude and latitude) and relative location (general descriptors of where the places are located). Describe recognizable physical characteristics and human characteristics.

  3. Read "The Steadfast Parrot" together and discuss the message and connection to philanthropy.

    • The parrot used the words happy, content, peaceful, free to describe what the fig tree meant to him. Define refuge as a "shelter or protection from danger or distress," Look for clues about the depths of the parrot’s true feelings for the fig tree.
    • What might be a better name for the folktale?
    • Describe the symbolism in the story.
    • What are some real-life situations when steadfastness in the face of difficulties is crucial to those involved?
    • Was the parrot’s act philanthropic? If it was, what was given? What is the importance of such a gift in real life?

  4. Read "The Banyan Deer" together and discuss the message and connection to philanthropy.

    • On a graph or chart, compare the three kings in the folktale.
    • The Banyan Deer says, "What ruler can be free if the people suffer?" What did he mean by saying it was his right and it was his duty to take the place of the pregnant doe? How did he act for the common good? 
    • In the "Compassionate Teacher of Kings," the ruler states that "a king should care for the least of his subjects." The ruler then frees all beings in his realm from the threat of being trapped, hunted or killed. Give examples of how a modern-day ruler would translate this statement into action.

  5. Read "The Blossom Tree" together and discuss the message and connection to philanthropy.

    • Cite examples from the folktale of caring, justice and fairness, respect, responsibility and trustworthiness. 
    • What is the lesson of this folktale? Does it have present-day relevance?

  6. Before reading the folktale "Great Joy the Ox," recall the tale tale story of Paul Bunyan and Babe his Blue Ox. 

    • Compare the stories and discuss the message and connection to philanthropy.
    • Look at the words of Great Joy and the brahmin. What do they reveal about themselves through their words? What do they reveal about themselves through their actions? What examples are there in real life where "actions speak louder than words"?
    • Great Joy the Ox revealed dignity, strength, loyalty, kindness and self-respect. What qualities did the brahmin reveal at various times in the story?

     

  7. Before reading the folktale "Padmasambhava and the Felicity Scarf," talk about the expression, "Pride goeth before a fall." Read the tale together and discuss the message and connection to philanthropy.

    • In Buddhist culture, the kata, or felicity scarf, is given as a sign of deep respect. It may also symbolize a bond between the giver and the receiver, since it is often returned to the giver. In the story, why was it important to the king that Padmasambhava pay homage to him? Was this an example of "pride going before a fall"?
    • As part of his faith, Padmasambhava felt that one should not eliminate negative forces but instead redirect them toward spiritual awakening. In real life, what is an example of changing an adversary rather than destroying them?