I include this story because of the lighter side and because we cannot hide from our boys and girls that craft does enter into the question of success as the world understands it. It is, however, in my mind where the Buddha is not at his highest level. Perhaps the less this story is explained the better.
THE SPIRIT THAT LIVED IN A TREE
This story I consider to be one of the most beautiful in the collection. We cannot baldly appeal to the children to think “of the next generation,” but this wonderful picture must fire their imagination where the ordinary didactic appeal might fail.
THE HARE THAT WAS NOT AFRAID TO DIE
In this story it may be necessary to make a few words of comment on the point of view of the Buddha which might not be quite intelligible to the child. The fact, that though he was ready to sacrifice his own body he had a care for the tiny insects which might perish with him, has much significance in the story scheme. It shows not only the letter of the law but the spirit of the love which prompted him to act, and represents one of the principal tenets of the Buddhist Faith. The whole story is somewhat remote from modern life, but I have found it of great interest to children of different ages, most especially at the time when Fast Days were called for.
THE PARROT THAT FED HIS PARENTS
The dramatic interest of this story appeals to all ages. I have found quite young children enthralled by the adventures of the parrot. I take exception to the lack of poetic justice in the kinsfolk sharing the parrot’s reward—but it was necessary to the Buddha’s happiness, and if children should raise the question, I should explain it on that ground.
THE MAN WHO WORKED TO GIVE ALMS
The method of alms-giving may not appeal to modern feeling, but the spirit in which the gifts were made rises to wonderful heights, and the deeds are sanctified by the self-sacrifice which brings them about. In telling this story to groups of boys and girls accustomed to the warnings of charity organizations, the different conditions in the East might be mentioned.
We have here the same idea as in the story of the King who gave his eyes. This story seems to lead up to the other, in which the sacrifice is so much greater.