Category Archives: Tibet

Learn about the Dalai Lama

Posted on February 3, 2012 | 8 Comments

Because we all share this planet earth, we have to learn to live in harmony and peace with each other and with nature. This is not just a dream, but a necessity.- The Dalai Lama

With so much violence in the world today, it is our duty as parents and teachers to teach our children about compassion, showing them kindness and respect, and giving them examples and role models to follow. Studying great leaders who embody peace helps kids to make better decisions and learn from others wisdom as well as from their mistakes.

The Buddhist religion was founded in India over 2500 years ago, and is currently practiced by over 500 million people all over the world. The countries with the largest number of Buddhists are: China (especially Tibet), Thailand, Japan, Burma, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Viet Nam, India, South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Laos, and Nepal among others. Every country has different ways to worship, but the universal goal of Buddhism is to achieve a state of enlightenment- freedom from suffering- through acts of compassion on all living things.

Dalai Lama Peacemaker from Tibet- Kid World Citizen

The Dalai Lama: Peacemaker from Tibet, a biography by Chris Gibb.

The Dalai Lama is the spiritual leader of the Tibetan people, though Buddhist around the world follow his teachings of non-violence and kindness.

Dalai is translated from Mongolian as “ocean” and lama in Tibetan Buddhism is “perfect teacher.” In fact lama refers to a religious master, specifically a Tibetan or Mongolian Buddhist monk. Continue reading →

→ 8 Comments

Posted in Around the World, Asia, China, India, Japan, Literature, Malaysia, Nepal, People, Thailand, Tibet

Tagged biography, buddhism, education, famous person, multicultural

Instrument Giveaway: A Tibetan Singing Bowl and Nepalese Tingsha

Posted on January 23, 2012 | 19 Comments

This guest post and giveaway is written and sponsored by award-winning multicultural musician “DARIA-” Daria Marmaluk-Hajioannou.

One great way of sharing cultures is to explore the different instruments that are found in various countries around the world. If you were to visit the area around China, Tibet, Nepal or Northern India, you might see some really unique instruments including a bowl that sings and small cymbals attached to a string that are carefully struck together to make a sound like a beautiful bell.

First there’s the singing bowl. Here is a picture of four of my favorite singing bowls – each only has a different size, shape and decoration, as well as a unique voice when played with a wooden stick. No one actually knows how old this instrument is but most historians think it was probably created about 3,000 years ago when the bronze age began in ancient China.

Continue reading →

→ 19 Comments

Posted in Asia, China, Music, Nepal, Tibet

Tagged giveaway, instruments, multicultural

A Lesson Plan for Chinese New Year w/ Props and Stories

Posted on January 11, 2012 | 16 Comments

“Chinese New Year,” as it is known in English, is also known as the more encompassing name “Lunar New Year,” or the “Spring Festival” (春節 in Chinese). Besides China, it is celebrated in Hong Kong, Indonesia, Tibet, Macau, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam. Many countries with large Chinese populations (such as Australia, the US, and Canada) also have large Chinese New Year celebrations. Despite the diversity of the people who celebrate this widespread holiday, and their varied traditions, it is universal at this time of year to gather with family to start the new year. Teaching kids about celebrations around the world broadens their minds and increases their cultural awareness.

I have used this lesson plan for the past several years in my kids’ classes with success- the kids love the props, remember the different elements, and are engaged and having fun while learning about a very important holiday. I’ve included books, crafts, and adaptations for different grade levels, so all ages can learn about Chinese New Year! Continue reading →