Q: What drew you to make the story of Buddha and Sujata into a children’s picture book?
A: I adapted this from one of Buddha’s famous “talks” in which he was silent and held up a rose, then a student experienced an awakening. I love the idea of bringing children into these classic stories. I think they offer joy and wonder.
Q: What does the rose in the book represent for you?
A: To me, the rose represents the infinite possibilities of the universe. It represents the seed of possibility; the rain, sun and soil that nurture the seed; the emergence of a beautiful flower; the role the flower plays in love, in sweetness, and in the universe as a whole!
Q: How do you think mindfulness and meditation can improve kids lives today?
A: We are living in a time where children are overstimulated and distracted. I believe that meditation and mindfulness techniques are valuable tools that children can use to self-regulate and be more in touch with their bodies and minds.
