The Foolish Boy
Part of the Barefoot Book of Buddhist Tales series
There is a young man who is very foolish and gets into many bad situations. Will he always be able to get out of them? Read his humorous Tibetan tale to learn the faults of a restless mind.
Buddhist Tales
Part of the Barefoot Book of Buddhist Tales series
Explore the compassion and contentment of Buddhist tradition in these 13 charming stories from India, China, Japan and Tibet.
Useless Work
Part of the Barefoot Book of Buddhist Tales series
This Zen tale tells the story of two monks crossing a stream. They start to wade across when a young woman approaches. The monks' rules dictate that they are not supposed to deal with women. Will they help this woman across?
The Man Who Didn't Want to Die
Part of the Barefoot Book of Buddhist Tales series
Sentaro realizes that he is going to die one day, and he doesn't want to. So he sets off on a journey to learn the secret to the elixir of life. But once he is able to live forever, will he be happy?
Where Are You Going?
Part of the Barefoot Book of Buddhist Tales series
Two boys meet each other everyday on their way to buy vegetables from the market. True to their Zen teachings, they try to outsmart each other. Can the first boy ever beat the second in this battle of wit?
Learning to be Silent
Part of the Barefoot Book of Buddhist Tales series
Four students are learning mediation. They take a vow silence for seven days. Read this Zen tale to learn if they will be able to keep quiet.
The Stone Ape
Part of the Barefoot Book of Buddhist Tales series
A stone ape is willful and strong, and magic. He masters over 70 kinds of magic and becomes immortal. He runs across the heavens and earth causing mayhem for the gods. Can even Buddha tame him?
The Conch Maiden
Part of the Barefoot Book of Buddhist Tales series
Three beautiful maidens dream of wealthy husbands. The gold maiden and the silver maiden are proud, while the conch maiden is kind. All are tested by a beggar. This Tibetan story tells of how true wealth lies in the nature of the mind.
The Death of a Teacup
Part of the Barefoot Book of Buddhist Tales series
Ikkyu is clever, he will grow up to be a great Buddhist Zen teacher. That is, if as a boy he can explain to his teacher why he broke his teacher's favorite teacup. Can his wit help him escape trouble?
Goodheart and the Goddess of the Forest
Part of the Barefoot Book of Buddhist Tales series
Goodheart's family kicks him out for spending too much time and money helping the poor. Goodheart marries a Goddess, but their relationship is continuously tested. Will they manage to stay together?
The Living Kuan Yin
Part of the Barefoot Book of Buddhist Tales series
Chin Po-wan is very wealthy until he uses all his money to help others. Confused, Chin Po-Wan journeys to the goddess of mercy. Learn how compassion truly has the power to answer questions and grant wishes in this Chinese tale.
