Cherry Blossoms for Children - Life Lessons to Grow By
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I have taught martial arts for many years and have often been asked by my own children when they were quite young, and now my grandchildren, the meaning of certain lessons of life. I decided to put together a group of simple stories that illustrate some basic truths young people should know, and I wanted them to be easy to read by young readers and when read to them by their parents. In this little, non-illustrated volume, you will meet the main characters that weave throughout all of the stories that are set in ancient Japan. You will meet Mokubei (Mo-Coo-Bay), a wise man, and his young friend, Tomo-san; his dog, Kidu, and various other characters to help tell the tales. Each of the stories has a happy ending and a moral to reinforce the important lesson to be learned. These tales are sure to be a joy for parents, teachers, and young readers of elementary school age. ISBN-13: 978-1519256485 Paper 163 pages 5.5 x 8.5 Hanshi Wisdom Press $14.95 Purchase Autographed Copy |
Table of Contents
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Lesson 1 - Understanding Responsibility
Lesson 2 - Protecting Yourself Lesson 3 - Asking for Help Lesson 4 - The Music Lesson Lesson 5 - Having Compassion Lesson 6 - The Way of a Master Lesson 7 - Self-Respect Lesson 8 - The Value of Practice Lesson 9 - Minding Your Own Business Lesson 10 - Learning to Pay Attention Lesson 11 - How to Settle a Quarrel Lesson 12 - Making Choices Lesson 13 - Good Manners Lesson 14 - Cooperating with Neighbors Lesson 15 - Learning About Business Lesson 16 - Honesty |
Lesson 17 - Making Choices
Lesson 18 - Using Your Own Head Lesson 19 - Accepting a Gift Lesson 20 - Self-Control Lesson 21 - Respect Lesson 22 - Honor Lesson 23 - Self-Discipline Lesson 24 - Learning from Masters Lesson 25 - Believing in Yourself Lesson 26 - Learning to Ask Questions Lesson 27 - Trusting Your Feelings Lesson 28 - All About Bullies Lesson 29 - Handling Distractions Lesson 30 - Becoming Aware of Yourself Lesson 31 - Patience Lesson 32 - The Way of the World |
Book Sample
Chapter 10
How to Settle a Quarrel
Mokubei, the wise man and his friend Tomo-san were sitting in the shade playing a game of chess. All of a sudden, two of Mokubei’s neighbors came up to him at the same time while arguing and blaming each other for the misfortunes they were both having. Both of them thought that the wise man would know how to help them. Each thought that he was right and that Mokubei would show favor because of gifts they had given to him in the past.
One said, "He refuses to put a fence up to keep his dogs away from my chickens. He is certainly very silly to cause this trouble."
The other replied, "He is the fool. He refuses to keep his chickens away from the sight of my dogs. The chickens run onto my property. Let him put up the fence.”
They argued back and forth for quite some time until Mokubei shouted at both of them to be quiet. "Why don't you both share in the cost of the fence and that way the problem will be solved and no one will be angry,” he advised.
“Hmm,” said both of the men. “That sounds like a very good idea.” They both thanked Mokubei and, smiling and joking with each other, they walked off.
Mokubei and Tomo-san went back to enjoying playing their game of chess, knowing that the two neighbors had decided to help each other put up a fence.
Don't let anyone make you think you owe them something because of favors they may have done for you in the past.
How to Settle a Quarrel
Mokubei, the wise man and his friend Tomo-san were sitting in the shade playing a game of chess. All of a sudden, two of Mokubei’s neighbors came up to him at the same time while arguing and blaming each other for the misfortunes they were both having. Both of them thought that the wise man would know how to help them. Each thought that he was right and that Mokubei would show favor because of gifts they had given to him in the past.
One said, "He refuses to put a fence up to keep his dogs away from my chickens. He is certainly very silly to cause this trouble."
The other replied, "He is the fool. He refuses to keep his chickens away from the sight of my dogs. The chickens run onto my property. Let him put up the fence.”
They argued back and forth for quite some time until Mokubei shouted at both of them to be quiet. "Why don't you both share in the cost of the fence and that way the problem will be solved and no one will be angry,” he advised.
“Hmm,” said both of the men. “That sounds like a very good idea.” They both thanked Mokubei and, smiling and joking with each other, they walked off.
Mokubei and Tomo-san went back to enjoying playing their game of chess, knowing that the two neighbors had decided to help each other put up a fence.
Don't let anyone make you think you owe them something because of favors they may have done for you in the past.
About the Author
Stephen F. Kaufman
I am the author of the best-selling interpretations of Musashi's Book of Five Rings, Sun Tzu's Art of War, along with The Living Tao, The Shogun's Scroll, The Way of the Modern Warrior, and The Sword in the Boardroom, which focuses on business management based on honesty, integrity, and morality for contemporary negotiations. I speak with true understanding of the lessons taught by the ancient masters and focus on the immediate needs of groups. My work is considered essential study for individuals and organizations interested in progressive management/motivation development that includes life enhancement skills.
Visit my homepage at http://www.hanshi.com
Visit my homepage at http://www.hanshi.com
