Atisha: Learning with Humility

This introduces a person and his advice, without invented childhood dialogue or miracles. Humility does not require accepting humiliation or dangerous instructions. Begin with a skill the child already enjoys.

1. Atisha: Learning with Humility

Learn together, one small step.

Meet Atisha and practise humility without putting yourself down.
The four friends cared for one another. Does a knowledgeable person still need to listen?

2. Look closely

Can someone who knows a lot say, “I still need to learn this”?

The four friends cared for one another. Does a knowledgeable person still need to listen?
Can someone who knows a lot say, “I still need to learn this”?

3. Story 1 / 3

Atisha was a Buddhist teacher from India who later taught in Tibet. His teaching influenced the Kadam tradition. Look at the teacher and students gathered around a manuscript. These are imagined learning scenes, not records of a particular meeting.

Atisha was a Buddhist teacher from India who later taught in Tibet. His teaching influenced the Kadam tradition. Look at the teacher and students gathered around a manuscript. These are imagined learning scenes, not records of a particular meeting.

4. Story 2 / 3

Advice attributed to Atisha encourages setting aside arrogance, respecting capable and learned people, and caring for people in difficulty. If we only say, 'I know it all,' will we hear anything new? Humility can make room for listening.

Advice attributed to Atisha encourages setting aside arrogance, respecting capable and learned people, and caring for people in difficulty. If we only say, 'I know it all,' will we hear anything new? Humility can make room for listening.

5. Story 3 / 3

Now bring that attitude into everyday life. When folding paper, try: 'I did not understand this fold. Please go slowly.' Correct yourself when you discover a mistake. Share what you know patiently. Humility means being willing to learn, without calling yourself worthless.

Now bring that attitude into everyday life. When folding paper, try: 'I did not understand this fold. Please go slowly.' Correct yourself when you discover a mistake. Share what you know patiently. Humility means being willing to learn, without calling yourself worthless.

6. A Buddhist idea

Humility makes room to learn
and to value ourselves.

Humility helps us notice gaps in understanding and appreciate others’ strengths. Atisha’s advice supplies the theme. The paper-folding example and speaking practice are original BlessFu activities. Respect for a teacher can go together with thoughtful questions.

7. Talk together

How does “I cannot do this yet” differ from “I am no good at anything”?

After learning something, how could you help another person?

Listen to different answers. Ask why. Children may discuss the characters rather than private experiences.

8. Try an activity

Draw something you know and something to learn.

Draw an ear and a small book. Add something you already know and something you would like help with. Practise saying, “Please explain that again. I want to understand.”

Teach a family member a little skill and learn one from them. The teacher can slow down, and the learner can ask questions.

9. For grown-ups

Read aloud, discuss and try a small activity.

Stories and exercises: BlessFu
Illustrations: AI-assisted

Full references and guidance are in the companion booklet.

This introduces a person and his advice, without invented childhood dialogue or miracles. Humility does not require accepting humiliation or dangerous instructions. Begin with a skill the child already enjoys.

Next, a small lamp invites us to think about intention.