Spark Zen
Spark Zen
"The Monkeys in the Bodhi Tree"
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"The Monkeys in the Bodhi Tree"

In Conversation with Children's Author Laura Burges
The beautifully written and illustrated book Zen for Kids.

The lovely Laura Burges and I, who both reside at San Francisco Zen Center, discuss her two recently published children’s books: Zen for Kids and Buddhist Stories for Kids: Jataka Tales of Kindness, Friendship, and Forgiveness. Zen for Kids combines “Zen-inspired activities and stories to help children learn about patience, kindness, honesty, sharing, and forgiveness. Each chapter has a new story to explore, with themed discussion questions, meditations, journal prompts, and hands-on projects.” —from the Shambhala website, where you can purchase the book for a 30% discount using the ZFK30 until April 14.

Buddhist Stories for Kids isa wise and colorful collection of ten Buddhist fables, this modern telling of ancient Indian stories, centering around animals and nature, teaches vibrant and timeless life lessons.”—from the Shambhala website

Laura Burges stands with her rakusu signifying her lay entrustment as a Zen teacher. Photo is by her daughter Nova Tanaya Ray.

Laura Burges (Ryuko Eitai) is a lay entrusted Buddhist teacher in the Soto Zen tradition. She lectures, offers classes, and leads retreats at the San Francisco Zen Center and at other practice places in Northern California. She is the abiding teacher at Lenox House Meditation Group in Oakland. Laura taught children for 35 years and now mentors other teachers.


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