Introduction

Since humans could first talk, stories have entertained us and taught us. They have always been an effective way of presenting values, concepts and ideas to children and adults alike, and in the words of our Master, they allow us to "teach without teaching". Story-telling traditions have existed in all cultures, and before written language they were the way that all knowledge was passed down through generations. Stories are also fun. As a result, we have compiled a reference of stories for teenagers.

While reading these stories, children should feel free to speak, interact and exchange their views. All kinds of concerns, even the most ordinary ones, may need to be clarified by the coordinators, teachers or parents. Tolerance and patience should be there towards all who come. A loving and caring atmosphere will allow children to be open and truthful with others.

These stories can be read aloud, acted out, and used as a basis for discussion of values. They can be related to the ten maxims of Sahaj Marg, and used in conjunction with other modules prepared by SMRTI. The stories have been taken from many traditions and cultures, and this in itself shows the common understanding of basic human values that exists across all cultures.

After each story there are some questions for discussion. There are no right or wrong answers. They are there to stimulate thought about the value of each story. Discussion can also extend further than these questions if the children wish to do so, and just as importantly, it is not necessary for the children to address all the questions.

A formal, structured list of questions can be very useful with some children, whereas with others it is more appropriate to allow meaning to evolve in other ways. Flexibility should be there to allow for differences in age and ways children learn, and coordinators, teachers and parents need to be sensitive to this. Most importantly, the stories stand on their own, and should be a natural and fun way of imparting values and principles.