Tales of a Good Heart eBook

By FPMT

This title contains ancient fables recounting some of the Buddha's former lives as an animal, show children the importance of thinking and acting out of altruism. It featured eight tales with 50 color illustrations.

2002 edition.

• Language: English
• Publisher: FPMT
• Release date: Aug 22, 2020
• ISBN: 9781005009373

FPMT

The FPMT is an organization devoted to preserving and spreading Mahayana Buddhism worldwide by creating opportunities to listen, reflect, meditate, practice and actualize the unmistaken teachings of the Buddha and based on that experience spreading the Dharma to sentient beings. We provide integrated education through which people’s minds and hearts can be transformed into their highest potential for the benefit of others, inspired by an attitude of universal responsibility and service. We are committed to creating harmonious environments and helping all beings develop their full potential of infinite wisdom and compassion. Our organization is based on the Buddhist tradition of Lama Tsongkhapa of Tibet as taught to us by our founder, Lama Thubten Yeshe and our spiritual director, Lama Thubten Zopa Rinpoche.

Book preview

© FPMT, Inc, 2002

All rights reserved.

Front view

Booklet cover design

by Karena Domenico, Taos, New Mexico.

Contents

Front view

When the Monsoon Didn't Come

The Sky Is Falling

Buffo, the Patient Buffalo

Hathi, the Great-Hearted Elephant

Tootaa, the Parrot Prince

In the Forest of Benares

Little Quail

The Two Kings

Front view

When the Monsoon Didn't Come

Front viewFront view

When the Monsoon Didn't Come

Front view

Long ago and far away, there lived a congregation of many goldfish in a large, beautiful lake. These fish lived happily together, ruled by their fish king who was so brightly golden that he shone like a lamp in the water. Not only was the king beautiful, he was also very kind, caring for each fish as his own child.

Each year, after the hot summer season had made the water in the lake grow shallow, dark, and smelly, the wonderful rains of the monsoon season would come to fill the lake to its brim with fresh, cool water. But one year the monsoon did not come. The burning sun and hot winds continued, and the lake grew smaller and smaller so that there was no longer any deep water for the fish to hide in. Many crows sat in the trees around the lake, and each day, they would swoop down, one after another, and pluck a fish from the water and eat it.

Front view

The suffering of his people made King Fish, very sad and he called out to the rain gods and goddesses in the skies to have pity on them.

Front view

I would be glad if only I had to suffer and be eaten, he cried, "But I