Ziji: The Puppy Who Learned to Meditate

by Yongey Mingyur, Torey L. Hayden, Charity Larrison (Illustrator)

Ziji the dog loves to chase pigeons in the park-- until he meets Nico, who teaches him the benefits of meditation.

Genres: Spirituality, Childrens, Picture Books, Buddhism

56 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche is a lama and monk of the Nyingma and Kagyu schools of Tibetan Buddhism, and the youngest son of Tulku Urgyen—his elder brothers are Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche, Tsikey Chokling Rinpoche, and Tsoknyi Rinpoche. Mingyur Rinpoche serves as abbot of both Tergar Osel Ling Monastery in Kathmandu, Nepal, and Tergar Rigzin Khachö Targyé Ling Monastery in Bodhgaya, India, in addition to teaching throughout Europe, Asia, and the Americas.

Reviews

[Producervan]

5 Star book written by a Tibetan meditation master and a child psychologist, young Nico teaches the lovable, childlike puppy dog Ziji to become quiet, calm and open—to meditate—where he achieves a sense of spaciousness and compassion in a busy environment. Wonderful book. Highly recommend.

Thanks to NetGalley for providing this ebook for review.

[Donna Maguire]

The images were nice and the story was ok, I just didn't feel that the story was excellent and I did find it a bit awkward at times. I thought that this book was enjoyable and it deserves the three stars I have given it.

[Sumi Loundon Kim]

Lesson 1.1 in Children's Lesson Plan volume of Sitting Together

[Roger]

I recommend this book, it is essential as parents or educators to provide our children with tools of personal and spiritual development, so that they have what is necessary for their fulfillment in life.
Many parents and educators have put aside this type of teaching, partly because we have not experienced it. But times have changed and we are moving towards a more holistic paradigm of who we are as conscious Human, in addition to the new challenges our children face in the Information and Technology Era.
I believe that meditation is an invaluable tool for our children, as a means of self-knowledge, self-awareness and happiness. The transcendental and spiritual aspect of humanity makes it necessary for us to also develop this area, to be integral beings to achieve more satisfaction in life.

[Sam Campbell]

Sweet little kids book for 4+ I’d reckon maybe best for 5-6yrs. Lovely illustrations and sweet story put it up there so that it is not out of place on a bookshelf with mainstream children’s books, yet the message of the benefits of just being and sitting peacefully (and not chasing and disturbing pigeons!) is beautiful. Ziji such a sweet little dog. Written by a Tibetan Buddhist Lama (teacher) - you’ll find his teachings (for grown-ups!) on YouTube.

[Ryan]

This book is extremely long for a picture book. It’s about learning to meditate to let go of energy. The story isn’t bad, and it includes a guide on how to use the book in the back. But personally this is not one, I would read to my kids, but those who want to learn more about meditation may find this helpful.

[Dax]

This was adorable and super weird. It had some interesting ideas on what a "normal family" looks like that I found a little disturbing. I think this book would of been much more effective and less preposterous if Nico was teaching another kid about mediation instead of a puppy. The ideas and premises are good just the delivery was strange.

[Richelle Zirkle]

This is a cute story with sweet illustrations in muted colors. It provides a way to introduce younger children to meditation. It offers one of the best and simplest explanations of meditation using an analogy with a stick and a pond.

I received an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Julian]

6 out of 5! An fantastic story book for children and adults alike regarding the essential benefits of meditation.

[Thea Nicholas]

sweet

[Amanda Youngblood]

Cute story and great way to introduce children to meditation!

[Lupine]

It's ok. Good for anyone looking for a way to introduce meditation to children.

[Darren Rippy]

My son found it enjoyable. I think the analogy the book uses to explain the purpose of meditation resonated with him.

[Lindsey Lawntea]

Ziji is a scruffy little puppy who lives with his family in an apartment. There is a park next to the apartment and Ziji likes to chase pigeons there. When a new boy moves in, Ziji is very curious and wants to befriend him, and the boy wants to teach Ziji meditation. Along the way, he also teaches Ziji that chasing the pigeons scares them and how it is unkind.

I felt like the book could have been a little shorter, as some of the scenes felt repetitive. I liked how the book shows that it takes practice and visualize thoughts floating away like clouds and your mind being "stirred up" like the stick in the lake, and there is a section in the back with notes on how to use the book to teach children about meditation.

Note: I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley. I was not compensated in any other fashion for the review and the opinions reflected below are entirely my own. Special thanks to the publisher and author for providing the copy.

[Angel Luis]

Good