10 Buddhist Songs for Children
Ever wonder how to inculcate the interest of Buddhism in children?
What is the ideal way to teach children about the Buddha’s teachings?
Music.
Music has the power to connect and open the hearts of children. By exposing the children to the meaningful Buddhist songs, the children learn more about the life of the Buddha and his Dharma.
Many research has shown that children learn through having fun such as through singing and dancing. Children enjoy singing and dancing to the melodious rhythm in the Buddhist songs.
If you wish to introduce some wonderful Buddhist songs for children, you may start playing the following 10 Buddhist songs (with lyrics) for your kids:
#1 – Birth of the Buddha [Listen]
Lyrics/Music: Daniel Yeo
In the ancient land
A child is born
Once in a time so long
And the gods and men
So they said
Homage to the Lord
*Namo tassa bhagavato arahato
Samma-sambuddhassa.
*Translation:
Homage to that Lord, the Worthy One,
Perfectly enlightened by Himself.
#2 – To Love Is To Care And Be Kind [Listen]
Lyrics/Music: Imee Ooi
Be kind to all your friends and family
Be kind to cats and butterflies and trees
Don’t hurt the fishes swimming in the sea
Here is what the Buddha says to me
To Love is to care for all living around us
To Love is to be kind to all beings around us
#3 – Don’t Be Angry [Listen]
Lyrics: Imee Ooi
Music: Woon Yoke Fun
If you’re angry
You’ll make yourself an ugly little child,
ugly little child
Put on a smile and cheer up
Make your daddy and mummy proud
La la la la la la la la
Anger scares your friends away
La la la la la la la la
So smile and brighten up your day
#4 – Compassion [Listen]
Lyrics: Imee Ooi
Music: Woon Yoke Fun
Praise the Lord, Lord Buddha
Embrace the world with compassion
Praise the Lord, Lord Buddha
*Maha karuniko natho
Hitaya sabbapaninam
*Translation:
The Lord, the Great Compassion
For welfare of all beings
#5 – It’s Great To Give [Listen]
Lyrics/Music: Daniel Yeo
It’s great to give, it’s a blessing to be able to give
It’s better for you to give than to always receive
Just like the Buddha, He perfected the act of giving
I wish one day too, I’ll be like Him
#6 – He’s Here For You and Me [Listen]
Lyrics: Imee Ooi, Ven K. Dhammika
Music: Woon Yoke Fun
If you have a problem
Don’t worry, hand it over to the Buddha
Just listen to Him and you will see the light
to all the darkness and miseries
Gautama Buddha, He’s here for you and me
By your side
Day and night
Rain or shine
Gautama Buddha, He’s here for you and me
Welcome Him to our hearts till eternity
#7 – Pass It On [Listen]
Lyrics: Daniel Yeo
Music: Imee Ooi
There is a gift from Lord Buddha
I like to share with my family
Share it with my friends
and take it round the world
and share it with all beings
Pass it on, pass it on
Let the Buddha’s wisdom stay on
Pass it on, pass it on
Let the Buddha’s love spread on
Pass it on, pass it on
Let the Buddha’s compassion flow on
Pass it on, pass it on
Let the Buddha’s Teaching goes on and on
#8 – The Four Sights [Listen]
Music/Lyrics: Mei Tuck Foo
Children vocal: Jina Lim/Toh Wei Qi
Prince Siddhartha please tell me why you grieve
Outside the palace walls and fields of green
The lives of your people whom you have not seen
Prince Siddhartha please tell me what you wish
Prince Siddhartha please tell me what you’ve seen
Outside the palace walls and fields of green
An old man, a sick man, a dead man, and hermit
Prince Siddhartha please tell me what you think
Why does he grow old?
Why does he fall sick?
Why must people die?
And Who is that hermit?
#9 – Siddhartha Taught Me the Middle Way [Listen]
Music/Lyrics: Huang Jin Rui
Vocal: Huang Jing Rui
Children vocal: Jina Lim/Toh Wei Qi
Siddhartha taught me the Middle Way
Happiness isn’t too far away
Not to the left
Not to the right
Balance is the guide
Siddhartha taught me the Middle Way
Happiness isn’t too far away
Not too much work
Not too much play
Balance is the way
This path so easy to follow
Keep your balance wherever you go
Now wave goodbye to your sorrow
Don’t wait till tomorrow
Now I’ve learnt what the Buddha says
Happiness isn’t too far away
Not to the left
Not to the right
Balance is my guide
Not too much work
Not too much play
Let’s walk the Middle Way!
#10 – Beneath the Bodhi Tree [Listen]
Music: Ng Kang Kee
Lyrics: Yeoh Pow Li/Daniel Yeo
Vocal: Lim Shu Fen/Huang Jing Rui/Daniel Yeo/Lim Chee Wee/Ng Kang Kee
Children vocal: Jina Lim/Toh Wei Qi
Siddhartha sat beneath the Bodhi tree
Tonight His love will set you free
No more sorrow let His wisdom shine
Siddhartha’s search shall end tonight
All creatures on Earth fled in fright
Only brave Siddhartha sat tight
Defeated Mara by His glory and might
Siddhartha’s search shall end tonight
Gods and men sang in delight
“The Teacher of gods and men has arrived”
Gods and men sang all night
“The Buddha, our Lord has arrived.”
Listen to the Playlist in Lotus Happiness Youtube