First Buddhist Temple in Singapore to Create First-ever Children's Picture Book about Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva

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The launch of Meet Ksitigarbha breaks new ground as Di Zang Lin becomes the first Buddhist temple in Singapore to create a children's book, marrying traditional teachings with innovative storytelling methods. Authored by Apple Sophia Lim, the book emphasizes the power of promises and the importance of keeping one's word in a relatable and entertaining way.

In a pioneering move to merge cultural heritage with modern educational methods, Di Zang Lin Temple proudly announces the release of Meet Ksitigarbha, an innovative children's book written by acclaimed Singaporean children's book author, Apple Sophia Lim. This publication marks the first time a Ksitigarbha temple in Singapore has created a children's book, aiming to make traditional Buddhist teachings accessible and engaging for young readers.

Meet Ksitigarbha introduces children to the compassionate vows of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, focusing on the importance of keeping promises and the values of commitment and responsibility. The narrative is crafted to be relatable and entertaining, avoiding complex theological discussions while emphasizing universal life lessons.

Adding to its appeal, the book features cute, comic-style illustrations with exaggerated expressions that bring the story to life. The adorable and vibrant artwork not only captivates young readers but also enhances their connection to the characters and themes within the story, adding a playful energy while maintaining respect for the spiritual significance of the teachings.

To enhance the interactive experience, the book features a QR code that provides an audio guide for pronouncing "Ksitigarbha" correctly, along with an original song produced by the temple. This thoughtful integration of technology bridges the gap between ancient teachings and the digital age, catering to today's tech-savvy youth.

The story is told from a second-person perspective with a vibrant tone, drawing readers directly into the world of a Ksitigarbha Temple, where Ksitigarbha steps down from the altar and comes alive. The book offers a unique reading experience that feels like a theatre performance, fostering intergenerational connections as parents and children enjoy the story together, while also serving as an educational and entertaining solo read.

The book also cleverly addresses common confusion between Ksitigarbha and Tang Sanzang from Journey to the West, incorporating humour that resonates with both children and parents familiar with the classic tale.

Venerable Shi You Wei, Chief Abbot of Di Zang Lin, highlighted the significance of this initiative: “This book marks a new chapter in how we educate about Buddhism. It’s a testament to how traditional teachings can be transformed into engaging stories that resonate with today’s youth.”

Apple Sophia Lim shared her inspiration: “In an age filled with digital distractions, it was crucial to create a story that captures children's attention quickly and leaves a lasting, meaningful impression. Writing for children means simplifying complex ideas without losing their power. With Ksitigarbha's story, I aimed to demystify 'big words' and profound concepts, making them approachable for our youngest readers. My goal was to invite all children into Ksitigarbha's story, to see his values as universal life lessons rather than religious edicts.”

The first print run of Meet Ksitigarbha is limited to just 500 copies, all of which will be distributed for free at Di Zang Lin Temple. To reserve a copy or make a donation, visit the temple website, https://dizanglin.org/meetksitigarbha/ 

Di Zang Lin Temple and The Wishing Book Company Pte Ltd extend their heartfelt gratitude to the sponsors who made the first print run possible. To support future print runs and expand the book's availability to a wider audience, the temple is inviting donations. Plans are also in place to translate the book into other languages to broaden its reach.

About The Wishing Book Company

The Wishing Book Company specializes in providing custom publishing exclusively for Buddhist temples. We manage the entire publishing process, from concept to distribution, blending traditional wisdom with innovative designs. Our commitment to creativity and service excellence makes us the preferred partner for Buddhist temples. We are proud to have worked with Di Zang Lin on the publication of their children's book, Meet Ksitigarbha. For more information, visit our website at http://thewishingbookcompany.com.

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