Nurturing Empathy Through Storytelling

On August 14, at the Jing Si Abode in Hualien, Professor Natasha Heller from the University of Virginia’s Department of Religious Studies shared her insights on how children’s picture books can shape the next generation’s values. Drawing from her new book, Literature for Little Bodhisattvas, Professor Heller highlighted how Tzu Chi’s children’s literature, such as the board book I Love Fruits and Vegetables, I Love the Earth, plants seeds of environmental awareness and compassion in young readers.

Professor Heller’s connection with Tzu Chi dates back to 1996, when she volunteered as a translator at the Tzu Chi Culture and Communication Center while studying Chinese in Taiwan. Nearly thirty years later, she returned as a scholar to discuss how picture books can influence not only children but also the adults who read with them.

A Book That Sparks Change

Professor Heller pointed out that I Love Fruits and Vegetables, I Love the Earth is not found in any American research library catalogued in WorldCat, reflecting a broader academic neglect of children’s Buddhist literature. Yet, she argued, these books are carefully crafted to engage both children and the adults who read to them, making their impact far-reaching. Quoting award-winning children’s author Chia-Hui Hsing (幸佳慧), she noted, “A scientific paper may be read by a few hundred people, but a good picture book can influence millions of families.”

The book’s unique design—a board book shaped like a little girl—turns reading into a physical experience. “When a child picks up this book, they are actually ‘hugging’ a friend just like themselves,” Professor Heller explained, emphasizing how such tangible design choices foster emotional connection.

Teaching Empathy Through Animals

One striking illustration in the book shows a group of chickens crying as one is taken away. “Chickens don’t really cry, but by anthropomorphizing animals, children can understand the pain of separation and the fear of loss,” Professor Heller said. She described how the book uses images of animals wearing party hats or responding to children’s greetings to convey that animals share emotions and deserve respect.

Professor Elise Anne DeVido from Tzu Chi University added, “As Master Yinshun said, ‘Use your own feelings to infer the feelings of others (all sentient beings).’ This is the foundation of compassion.” She traced this tradition back to classic Buddhist texts and illustrated works that use animal stories to cultivate empathy.

Bridging Science and Compassion

Tzu Chi’s picture books also introduce scientific concepts—such as “carbon dioxide,” “methane,” and “infectious diseases”—in language accessible to young children. Professor Heller cited the 2020 book The Secret of the Coronavirus, which explains how environmental destruction increases disease risk. The book’s illustrations depict viruses as cute, reinforcing the idea that “all things in nature are interdependent.” If humans respect other species, the likelihood of conflict with viruses decreases.

Professor Hsin-Cheng Yeh (葉欣誠) from National Taiwan Normal University observed, “In environmental education, knowledge is the background, but what truly drives action is attitude and awareness.” He shared research showing that students most active in environmental protection are often those moved by emotion, not just knowledge.

Children as Agents of Change

Perhaps the most moving parts of the books are the real-life testimonies from children. In I Love Fruits and Vegetables, I Love the Earth, a five-year-old volunteer says, “Plants can grow back after being picked, but animals that die must be reborn.” A nine-year-old adds, “Animals are our friends. It’s inhumane to kill them just for a meal.”

Professor Heller noted that the children in the books wear Tzu Chi’s blue and white uniforms, symbolizing their identity as “little volunteers.” This uniform is more than clothing—it marks a shift from passive learning to active participation. Children are not just recipients of values; they become advocates who can influence their families and peers.

From Cute to Compassionate: The Power of Aesthetics

A lively discussion emerged around why animals in these books are drawn so adorably. Professor Heller referenced animal behaviorist Konrad Lorenz’s research, which found that features like big eyes and round faces trigger protective instincts in adults. Professor DeVido added, “In a Buddhist context, this isn’t just biological—it’s an expression of universal compassion. Seeing cute animals helps children recognize the equality of all beings.”

Professor Yeh emphasized that materializing concepts—making vegetables and animals tangible—helps children form genuine emotional responses. “Abstract ideas may be hard for children to grasp, but a crying chick is immediately understood,” he said.

Challenges and Hope for the Future

During the Q&A, Che-Lin Chen (陳哲霖) from Tzu Chi’s Environmental Promotion Team shared the challenges of turning knowledge into action. “Even when people understand the facts, moving from understanding to action is a big leap. Inspiring others to join is even harder,” he said.

Professor Heller acknowledged the difficulty but expressed hope that children’s literature can create lasting change. “Changing adults is hard, but if we nurture these values from childhood, they become part of a person’s life. It’s a generational shift that takes time but has a deeper impact.”

A Global Perspective

Professor DeVido provided historical context, noting that the combination of vegetarianism and scientific reasoning in education is not new, but Tzu Chi’s integration of compassion, science, and global environmental awareness is innovative. She highlighted Tzu Chi’s comprehensive education system, which encourages children to become transmitters of values, not just recipients.

She also pointed out the significance of the term “volunteer” in Tzu Chi, which implies a sense of mission rather than just voluntary service. When children dress in the blue and white uniform, they are not just doing good deeds—they are embodying Tzu Chi’s core missions.

Sowing Seeds for a Better World

The lecture concluded with a reminder that the most profound changes often begin with simple acts. Professor Heller cited an Australian study showing that adults involved in environmental movements often recall childhood stories about nature, not scientific texts, as their inspiration. “We study these picture books not because they are secondary, but because they may be the most important Buddhist literature. The seeds they plant in children’s hearts will blossom in the future,” she said.

Written by Ethan Wu (吳奕辰)

Source: 從繪本看見未來：慈濟如何為孩子種下環保善念