With Under the Bodhi Tree: A Journey into Vesak Day step into the light of lanterns and wisdom as we explore the story of the Buddha, global Vesak celebrations, and the peaceful values at the heart of Buddhism.
Length
🕛 29 mins
Host
🎙️ Laura Menousek
Release Date
May 6, 2025
What’s Inside This Episode
In this calming and inspiring episode, Laura takes us on a peaceful journey to celebrate Vesak Day, the birthday of the Buddha. Along the way, kids will learn about Buddhist values like mindfulness and compassion, travel across Asia to see how Vesak is celebrated, try yoga, and hear a classic tale of perspective and wisdom. A gentle, glowing introduction to Buddhist belief and kindness.
For Parents and Educators
Learning Themes:
- Honoring diverse religious holidays
- Practicing mindfulness and inner peace
- Gaining perspective and understanding
- Encouraging curiosity and compassion
Suggested Uses:
- Great for lessons on mindfulness
- Use the “Buddha Statues” game during brain breaks. Allow kids to take turns trying to distract the rest of the group.
- Use the Blind Men and the Elephant story for your ELA curriculum this week.
Bonus Tip: Ask students or kids to draw their “inner Bodhi Tree”—a place where they feel peaceful and strong. Use it as a journaling prompt or calming visual.
Printable Activities
Buddha’s Journey: A Path to Peace Game
Discover Buddha’s Journey: A Path to Peace Game – a…
Tree-mendous Challenge!
The Tree-mendous Challenge is a 7-day kids yoga printable with Tree Pose, mindfulness, gratitude, and Buddhist-inspired reflection activities.
Buddha’s Mango Sticky Rice
Celebrate Vesak Day with a simple Buddha’s Mango Sticky Rice recipe perfect for families to cook together and explore mindfulness through food.
Books to Explore Together
Note: This section contains affiliate links. If you click and buy, we may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting Faithfully Explore!
The Life of the Buddha
By Heather Sanche, illustrated by Tara di Gesu
A gentle, beautifully illustrated introduction to the life of Siddhartha Gautama—from his early days as a prince to his journey toward enlightenment. Perfect for young readers, this book brings Buddhist teachings to life with warmth, clarity, and peaceful imagery. A wonderful way to spark conversations about mindfulness, compassion, and the search for truth.
Where Is the Buddha?
By Thich Nhat Hanh
In this peaceful picture book, beloved teacher Thich Nhat Hanh gently invites children to discover that the Buddha can be found in kindness, awareness, and within themselves. Simple words and soft illustrations introduce mindfulness in a way that’s perfect for young hearts and thoughtful family moments.
My Vesak: Day of Buddha
From the My Festival Series (releases May 30, 2025)
Celebrate Vesak through the eyes of a child! This joyful picture book introduces young readers to the traditions, meanings, and beauty of Buddha Day. With vibrant illustrations and simple explanations, it’s a perfect way for families and classrooms to explore this special Buddhist holiday together.
A Handful of Quiet: Happiness in Four Pebbles
By Thich Nhat Hanh
This peaceful guide introduces children to mindfulness through a simple, hands-on pebble meditation. With gentle words and illustrations, Thich Nhat Hanh helps kids (and grown-ups!) find calm, focus, and joy in the present moment. A beautiful resource for home, classroom, or quiet reflection time.
I Am Peace: A Book of Mindfulness
By Susan Verde, illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds
This soothing picture book helps children navigate big feelings through mindfulness and self-awareness. With lyrical text and bright, gentle illustrations, it encourages kids to breathe, be present, and find peace within. A wonderful read for quiet moments, calming routines, or classroom mindfulness time.
Seven Blind Mice
By Ed Young
In this colorful retelling of an Indian fable, seven blind mice each explore part of a strange object—only to discover the truth when they come together. With bold illustrations and a clever storyline, it introduces kids to themes of perspective, teamwork, and understanding.
This was the first way I heard the tale of “The Blind Men and the Elephant” when I was younger—and it’s stuck with me ever since.
What Makes You Not a Buddhist
By Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse
With humor and clarity, this thought-provoking book challenges common assumptions about Buddhism. Instead of focusing on rituals or labels, it dives into the core principles—like impermanence and compassion—and invites readers to reflect on what truly defines a Buddhist mindset. A bold and accessible read for teens and adults exploring Buddhist thought.
Backpack Bonus: Quick Belief Facts
🌳 Tree of Wisdom – Helps you grow stronger through patience and learning
✨ Lantern of Compassion – Glows when you’re kind to others
💎 Stillness Pebble – Reminds you to pause, breathe, and feel calm
These treasures help us stay peaceful, thoughtful, and open to new ideas.
Listener Shoutout
“We played this in the car to school and soccer practice, and my kids were quiet the entire ride. It was a miracle! They loved the Buddha Statues game, and I actually felt more peaceful after listening too.”
—Whitney, a very busy mom
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- “One thing I discovered about the Bodhi Tree that amazed me was…”
- “My favorite part of our guided meditation was…”
- “I tried the Tree Pose Challenge and it made me feel…”
- “In my family, we practice kindness or stillness by…”
- “I added the Seed of Compassion to my Belief Backpack because…”
- “I loved learning that Buddha found peace by…”
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👉 Share your thoughts below! What did you or your kids enjoy most from this episode? We’d love to hear how you’re planting seeds of compassion, curiosity, and calm in your own way!
2 responses to “Episode 5 | Under the Bodhi Tree: A Journey into Vesak Day”
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I liked the addition of Tree Pose and mindfulness. These are things I am trying to incorporate into our routine.
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I’m glad to hear that! I will be adding more mindful moments in future episodes.
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Let us know what you think.