The week I was looking for a story that would help the children stay calm and work through problems. We've been having a lot of over-reaction!
I remembered this tale that we have always really enjoyed. The story is based upon a Jataka Tale, The Timid Hare . The Illustrated copy we have uses different animals, all who are endangered or threatened today. The story has many layers and can be used to emphasize different objectives. Here, I was hoping to highlight the problems created by the hare's quick reaction, and the wisdom in the lions more thoughtful approach. Now, after doing the series and reading the book I can ask the children " Do you want to be the Lion or the Hare?"
We start by lighting our candle and saying our opening verse. Then we sit on our knees, hands resting on our lap and close our eyes for a few breaths.
I ask the children to start the story, what pose do we do first? They answer the Hare, and we move into that pose. Inhale and bring the top of the head on the floor, hands reaching towards the feet, lifting the hips and pushing the top of the back outwards. exhale. We take a few breaths here.
When the Hare begins to run, all the other Hares follow and soon they are met by who?
The boars. Inhale. So place your hands on the floor near your ears, push into your hands and push the hips backwards, but don't let them rest on your heels. Exhale. Take two breaths.
Then the hares and the boars are running together and they meet the deer. Come onto all fours, then push onto your feet, step one foot backwards. Bend the front knee, open the hips, arms and chest, keeping the hips and shoulders aligned with each other. Gaze over the front hand. repeat with the other leg in front.
The hares and the boars and the deer then meet the tigers. Inhale bringing both hands over head, and both feet together. Exhale and fold forward reaching for the earth. Place your hands on the ground and step backward, placing your knees on the floor. Now on all fours inhale and press your hands and knees/shins into the earth, as you exhale extend your right leg behind you. Inhale and extend your left arm in front of you. Take a few breaths gazing past your fingertips. Then repeat with the other side.
The hares, the boars, the deer, and the tigers then encounter the rhinoceros. Inhale and push both hands and knees, and shins into the earth. Exhale. Inhale letting your back and belly hang towards the earth, while your tailbone and top of the head reach upward. Stay here for 3 breaths.
The hares, the boars, the deer, the tigers and the rhinos are now all running scared together when they are stopped by the Lion and his mighty roar. Sit back on your knees, bring your hands up and roar a deep loud roar that could stop a 5000 animal stampede. Now take a deep breath in silence.
The lion goes to investigate the situation where the story started, in the mango grove. Inhale and push your hands into the ground beside your knees, push up on the exhale and come to standing. Inhale and spread the toes wide on your right foot, exhale and bring the left foot to the inside of the standing leg. Bring your hands to your heart and inhale. Exhale and say "hmmmmmmmmm". The lion is looking to see what is going on, he says "hmmmmmmmm". Now, inhale, release the foot on the exhale and repeat with the other side. Now, the lion sees the fallen mango that started this commotion, so inhale and with the exhale say "ahhhhhhhhhhhh". The wise lion now sees the truth and says "ahhhhhhhhhh". Inhale, exhale and come to standing.
The lion runs back to the plain and tells all the animals that everything is alright. They should all go home and relax. Inhale and reach your arms above your head. Exhale and fold forward as you bring your hands toward the earth. Now place your hands on the floor, bending your knees some, inhale and look up, flattening your back. Exhale and step your feet way back behind you, coming into a plank position. Inhale as you come to sit on your knees. Exhale. Inhale as you again come into the pose for Hare, who has come home to rest without any worries at all.
Now we sit back on our knees and take a few breaths before we come together to close our practice and blow out our candle.
