Peaceful Mind

His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, describes himself as a simple Buddhist monk. He is the spiritual leader of Tibet. His Holiness the Dalai Lama is a man of peace. In 1989 he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his non-violent struggle for the liberation of Tibet, and he has also authored or co-authored more than 110 books.

As interspersed phrases remind readers to persist with mindful breathing, the author next moves slowly through a visualization of the pachyderm. Further prompts paint a detailed picture of the creature (“Hear its big, flapping ears”), building toward a centering calm that text reassures can be returned to: “You can always come back to the elephant when you next feel nervous or anxious.” With thick smudges of harmonious coloring, Lee’s unlined naif renderings depict children of various skin tones beatifically meditating or walking alongside the starring animal. It’s a brief introductory practice that offers a kid-friendly taste of meditation’s comforting effects.