Based on the story "डबकं" by: Addinath M. KothareAdapted by: ©Sandeep Pandit ©

The Pond And A Big Lie

Once, a thirsty egret chick landed near a quiet pond hidden deep inside a forest.He looked fragile, innocent -and lost.

The frogs of the pond noticed him and croaked with joy. They cleared some moss, made space, and offered him clean water. "You are welcome here," they said. "This pond is special. We've kept it safe for travelers like you."

The egret chick smiled. He told the frogs about his dream -"One day, I want to fly high...see the sky...and touch the clouds."

The frogs burst out laughing."Fly? The sky is not up there," they mocked."Look here. The real sky lives in this pond."

"Don't believe the illusion above," they said."Look into the water - see that reflection? That is the only sky there is. Trust us."

The egret chick stepped closer to the pond. He looked at the still water.It was true - it did showa perfect sky.Maybe...maybe the frogs were right?

Just as he leaned forward to step into the pond - he noticed something.

Tiny footprints bird footprints -going in...but not coming out.He froze.His instincts kicked in. Something didn't feel right.

Without a second thought... he opened his wings -and soared upward into the real sky.

Down below, the frogs sat still. Their eyes blank. Their croaks hollow.As if nothing had happened.The moss gently floated back... covering the pond once again.

Appreciating small joys and the natural world.

The beauty of simplicity

Learning from challenges and embracing change.

Resilience and growth

The importance of friendship and understanding others.

Compassion and connection

Living in the present rather than dwelling on the past or future.

Mindfulness

Happiness Often Lies In Perspective

It is better to begin the journey, make some mistakes and correct your course, than to wait until everything is perfect and never even start.

“If something isn’t right, just telling your friend can make it seem better, even though they might not know how to fix it.”

“Wherever we go, we are our own companion. And that is why we must try to be a good friend to ourselves and treat ourselves with gentleness.”

“What we want is seldom what we need. And what we need is almost never what we want.”

“I once heard someone say, it was not the journey or the destination that mattered most, but the company.”

The Cat Who Taught Zen by James Norbury

The Cat Who Taught Zen follows the journey of a wise cat seeking deeper understanding and inner peace. The narrative is structured around the cat's encounters with various animals, each representing different facets of the human experience.

The Cat Who Taught Zen

The Cat, believing himself to be wise, learns of an ancient pine tree under which infinite wisdom can be found. Motivated by this, he sets out on a journey to find the tree.

1. The Departure:

The Cat encounters a Hare who is always in a rush, symbolizing the human tendency to hurry through life without mindfulness. Through their interaction, the Hare learns the value of slowing down and being present.

2. Meeting the Hare:

A Magpie obsessed with collecting shiny objects teaches a lesson about materialism and the emptiness of possessions. The Cat helps the Magpie understand the importance of letting go.

3. Encounter with the Magpie:

The Cat meets a young Wolf Cub struggling with identity and purpose. Their dialogue explores themes of self-discovery and the acceptance of one's path.

4. The Wolf Cub's Confusion:

n anxious Monkey represents the restless mind. The Cat introduces the Monkey to meditation and the concept of observing thoughts without attachment.

5. The Monkey's Anxiety:

A Tortoise tired of life's burdens learns from the Cat about the impermanence of suffering and the importance of perseverance.

6. The Tortoise's Weariness:

A Tiger struggling with anger issues is guided by the Cat to understand the roots of his emotions and the power of compassion.

7. The Tiger's Anger:

A Crow envious of others' achievements learns about contentment and the dangers of comparison through the Cat's wisdom.

8. The Covetous Crow:

Finally, the Cat meets a playful Kitten who, despite his youth, offers profound insights. This encounter leads the Cat to realize that wisdom can come from unexpected places and that learning is a lifelong journey.

9. The Playful Kitten:

Having reached the ancient pine, the Cat understands that the journey itself, with all its lessons and connections, was the true source of wisdom. He returns home with a renewed sense of peace and humility.

10. The Return:

ames Norbury is a heartwarming and inspirational book that blends whimsical illustrations with profound life lessons. Known for his soothing and uplifting storytelling that encourages mindfulness, kindness, and finding beauty in everyday moments.

Pre-order the latest beautifully illustrated tale from the bestselling author of Big Panda and Tiny Dragon, the story of a cat who taught zen... __________ Following the phenomenal international success of Big Panda and Tiny Dragon and The Journey, James Norbury's latest book introduces readers to a very special cat on a remarkable adventure. "I've learnt that what we want is seldom what we need, and what we need is almost never what we want" This is the tale of a cat wise in the ways of zen who hears of a solitary ancient pine, deep in a maple forest, under which infinite wisdom may be found. So begins a journey of discovery. Along the way he meets a vivid cast of animals: from an anxious monkey and a tortoise tired of life, to a tiger struggling with anger, a confused wolf cub and a covetous crow. Each has stories to tell and lessons to share. But after a surprise encounter with a playful kitten, the cat questions everything . . . Told in a gentle, calming style, The Cat Who Taught Zen introduces a new cast of characters for readers of all ages to fall in love with, offering timeless wisdom wrapped up into a tale of beguiling beauty. __________

books

Books

James Norbury

"Big Panda and Tiny Dragon" by James Norbury is a beautifully illustrated and heartwarming book that follows the gentle journey of two unlikely friends—a wise, calm Big Panda and a curious, often-anxious Tiny Dragon. The story is inspired by Buddhist philosophy and mindfulness, and it explores themes such as friendship, resilience, self-acceptance, and finding peace in the present moment.

The Beginning

Spring symbolizes beginnings and hope.Summer brings warmth, contentment, and light.Autumn introduces change, letting go, and reflection.Winter represents solitude, stillness, and inner growth.

Reflections

Mindfulness: Being present and appreciating simple moments.Compassion: Toward oneself and others.Self-Discovery: Learning that it’s okay not to have all the answers. Friendship: The strength and comfort of supportive companionship.

Themes

"Big Panda and Tiny Dragon" is not just a story, but an invitation to slow down, reflect, and find beauty in simplicity.

Discover the most beautiful book of the year as seen on ITV News and in the Guardian THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER 'James has a way to speak to your soul. This book is nothing short of comforting and heartwarming' VEX KING 'While the drawings have the charm of Winnie-the-Pooh, the captions have the depth of ancient proverbs' GUARDIAN ________ A guiding light in the darker months, Big Panda and Tiny Dragon is the beautifully illustrated and mindful journey of two friends through the seasons, inspired by Buddhist philosophy 'Which is more important,' asked Big Panda, 'the journey or the destination?' 'The company,' said Tiny Dragon. Friends Big Panda and Tiny Dragon journey through the seasons of the year together, day and night, in rain and in sun. Travelling through nature, they find hope and inspiration in the world around them, realising that even in the darkest of days, Spring will always return. Feel the calming influence of Big Panda, who reminds us of the bigger picture while appreciating the simplicity of small moments. Explore your surroundings with the inquisitive eye of Tiny Dragon, our friend who is big in heart if not in stature. And on their journey through the ever-changing seasons, join these two friends as they learn how to live in the moment, be at peace with uncertainty, and find the strength to overcome life's obstacles, together. Inspired by Buddhist philosophy and spirituality, James Norbury has captured in these whimsical characters the ideas that have helped him through his most difficult times. ________ 'The two friends often find themselves lost but discover beautiful sights they never would have found if they had gone the right way. While the drawings have the charm of Winnie-the-Pooh, the captions have the depth of ancient proverbs' GUARDIAN

The Pond And A Big Lie

Happiness Often Lies In Perspective

The Cat Who Taught Zen by James Norbury

The Cat Who Taught Zen

Big Panda and Tiny Dragon

Achyut Acharya