Book 1 Inspired by Hinduism

Book 2 Inspired by Christianity

Book 3 Inspired by Native American Faiths

Book 4 Inspired by Buddhism

Book 5 Inspired by Sikhism

Book 6 Inspired by Taoism

Book 7 Inspired by African Faiths

Book 8 Inspired by Islam

Book 9 Inspired by Shinto

Book 10 Inspired by Judaism

Book 11 Inspired by Other Known Faiths

Book 12 Inspired by Faiths still unknown

COSMO´S JOURNEY

Cosmo lives at the bottom of a mountain.As he plays in a glade he meets Polaris who shows himthe many paths that lead to the top of the mountain.

Cosmo chooses his path that takes him on anexciting adventure with magical meetings

and valuable life lessons.

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COSMO´S JOURNEY... The first climb

Written by Anita KleijnIllustrated by Carmen T. García Pérez

Anita Kleijn She is a dedicated mum and teacher

currently living in Barcelona.

Carmen T. García Pérez Dedicated to painting

and to her Art Academy. Resides in Tenerife.

For Dylan and MayaA.K.

With special thanks to... Silvia, Shawn and Nalanie

For SilviaC.T.G.P.

Printed by Nova EraPage Design by Silvia Martín GarcíaText Copyright © 2008 Anita KleijnIllustration Copyright © 2008 Carmen Teresa García Pérez

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise) without the prior written permission of the author. Any person who does any unauthorised act in relation to this publication may be liable to criminal prosecution and civil claims for damages.

COSMO´S JOURNEY... The first climb

Written by Anita KleijnIllustrated by Carmen Teresa García Pérez

“Stories created for Little People with Big Minds...”

Inspired by Sri Swami Satchidananda“Truth is one. Paths are many.”

Book one is the first in a collection of twelve stories.

Each book is inspired by one of the world cultural faiths.

These inspiring tales offer the reader an insight into the essence of each faith and an understanding of some of the teachings. Cosmo reaches his destination in all twelve stories, showing the reader that different paths can all lead to the

same place. The important thing is that you follow your heart!

The sun is shining , warming the ground.Birds sing their welcome, in joyful sound.For here comes Cosmo, running through the trees.Catching butterflies, running after bees.

The blue, blue skies are his domain.The flowing river plays his game.For now he enters his magical glade.A place of nature, where games are played.

The river is moving fast today.Cosmo runs to it for a game to play.He throws in a stone, a rock and a stick.The stone and rock sink, but the stick moves quick.

It flows with the river and doesn’t resist.Cosmo tries to retrieve it but … oops … missed!He takes off his clothes and dries in the sun.After some time he sees someone…

An old man sits by the riverside.With his feet in the water, a dog by his side.He has a white shining beard that glistens and twinkles.Eyes that sparkle … smiley wrinkles.

Cosmo looks at this magical man.Then puts his clothes on, as fast as he can.He goes to the man and tells him his name.Tells him of stories and his favourite game.

The man sits and listens, with a smile on his face.His name is Polaris and he lives in this place.He knows all the paths that lead to the top.To the top of the mountain, the very top!

Polaris explains that within this glade.Are 12 wooden signposts that have been made.Each shows a path, an adventure, a climb.That will lead to the summit of Mount Divine.

Cosmo looks and sees that it’s true.For there are the signs, written in blue.Each has a symbol and each has a path.That will lead to the top, if you’re in for a laugh!

“But which do I choose?” Cosmo asks his friend.“If they all reach the same point in the end?”Polaris replies “Choose the one that suits you best.Like a good pair of shoes, like a snuggly vest.”

So Cosmo stood and looked at them all.For on each of the signs was a large symbol.Pointing at one he said, “this will do for now.I will follow this path, if my feet will allow!”

Cosmo said farewell, to his new found friend.And began his journey, without knowing the end.But somewhere inside, he knew he was right.To follow the pathway, up to the light.

Cosmo walked upon the trail.Telling himself that he would not fail.To reach the top of Mount Divine.Where the sky is vast and the sun does shine.

But after some time, the path had blocks.Of branches from trees and great big rocks.And as he climbed over, he stumbled and found.Enormous trees, fallen to the ground.

As he looked straight ahead, all he could see.Blocking the path, was tree after tree.He sat down and thought… “what do I do?Go back to the glade and start anew?”

But then he remembered what Polaris had said.Stick to the path, no matter what lies ahead.So he sat and he sat thinking of a plan.When all of a sudden crash, bash, bang.

Cosmo stood up and turned around.To see a giant elephant stamping the ground.The elephant was wearing a beautiful crown.And was clothed in a sparkling jewel studded gown.

“Good morning to you,” the elephant said.“It seems you have problems with the path ahead.”“That’s right,” said Cosmo “what shall I do?”“See the blocks as your friends, if I were you”…

… “See every boulder, rock and tree .As a chance to get stronger, as strong as me.For I am an elephant, Ganesha is my name.And clearing obstacles is my favourite game.

So walk with me and soon you’ll see.The fun out of clearing tree after tree after tree.”And so they stomped along the path.Cosmo enjoyed Ganesha’s big deep laugh.

And every tree that blocked their way,Was cleared with his trunk and an elephant sway.Cosmo felt strong and fearless inside,As he walked the path of the elephant ride.

After some time , as they stomped together.They noticed the warmth, of the afternoon weather.Cosmo noticed the path was now clear.And Ganesha had helped him to conquer fear.

Then Ganesha spoke with a loving smile.“It’s time to continue on your own for a while.But whenever you’re stuck and you feel the fear,Shout for Ganesha with a mighty cheer.”

“And I will come stomping, and clearing the way,Bringing you brightness, on a dark dusty day.”So off he went into the wood.Leaving Cosmo with courage and feeling good.

Cosmo continued to walk and walk.Hearing the sounds of the birds as they talk.And soon he noticed the path getting steeper.The wood either side growing deeper and deeper.

As he began to climb the steep path,His feet were aching, he dreamed of a bath.His body was tired, he needed a rest.This journey was becoming an endurance test!

Then between the trees, came a beautiful light.Moving towards him, so bright so white.Out of this light a lady came.Riding a swan that was completely tame.

The most beautiful music, filled the air.Of his aching feet Cosmo didn’t care.For his body was tingling, with a wondrous sound.He felt like moving and dancing around.

As the lady came closer she began to speak.Whilst resting her hands upon the swan´s beak.Each word that she spoke seemed just like a song.Cosmo wanted the sound to go on and on.

“I have come to help you, to soothe your feet.To make you feel better you must dance to the beat.For life is a dance, a play and a song.And without feeling this your day will seem long.”

“You see I love to create, Saraswati´s my name.And to dance on the earth, is my favourite game.So come with me and soon you´ll see.Each step that you take is full with beauty.”

And sure enough as they danced along.Cosmo felt the dance and heard the song.The rhythm of life flowed from head to toe.And with each step he took , a flower would grow!

“Whenever you’re tired, with aching feet,Stop and listen to nature’s beat.Remember to walk, with joy and ease.Dance lighlty on the earth, if you please.”

“And now,” said Saraswati, “I must take my leave.But don’t forget, just what you can achieve.By seeing the beauty, in all that you do.This is what I wish for you.”

With a graceful move the swan took flight.And soon Saraswati was out of sight.But Cosmo felt light and full of joy,Playing the rhythm of the dancing boy.”

Time passed by, with a feeling of ease.Then Cosmo noticed a gentle breeze.Soon the breeze, turned into a blow.All of nature blew to and fro.

A storm was coming, wind and rain.Lightning, thunder again and again.Then Cosmo saw the perfect place.A nearby cave a sheltered space.

Cosmo sat and watched the storm.Feeling protected dry and warm.Rain pounded the earth, wind blew the trees.Plant after plant fell to their knees.

In the distance, whirling and twirling.A tunel of wind came spinning and swirling.The whirlwind moved closer and Cosmo could see,A figure inside it, sitting peacefully.

Right in the middle of the storm he sat,So calm and still, imagine that!With chaos and movement all around,A man sat in peace, no noise, not a sound.

With a magical trident, held in his hand.A snake round his neck, the colour of sand.He smiled at Cosmo and spoke with great love.A voice of peace, as pure as a dove.

“My name is Shiva, please come with me.And I will show you a way to be.A way to be peaceful amidst the storm.Keep calm when things get broken and torn.”

So Cosmo stood up and bravely stepped forward.Walked straight through the whirlwind, amazed that he could.And there he sat on Shiva’s lap.Like a sleepy cat taking an afternoon nap.

The whirlwind continued, the storm was strong.But right in the middle , nothing could go wrong!There they sat, untouched by the weather.So peaceful and calm… isn’t that clever!

At last the storm came to an end.Clear skies and fresh air were all that remained.The grass so green, skies so blue.All of nature seemed like new.

“Now it’s time to end this ride.But dont forget that peace inside.Whatever the weather, just keep still.Calm and peaceful, if you will.”

Cosmo said goodbye, with peace inside.Thanked Shiva for the whirlwind ride.Then step by step, he started to climb.The toughest ascent to Mount Divine.

The path now was steep and full of snow.“How much further do I have to go?”Cosmo doubted if he had the strength.To get to the top, such a height, such length!

Then the voice of nature began to speak.“Energy, is what you seek.My name is Shakti, wife of Shiva.You will know me as the energy giver.”

“When the climb is tough and you want to give in.Take away that frown and put on a grin.Stop the mind saying no, no, no.And change it quickly with right let’s go!”

“See how your no´s, just make you go slow.When you push yourself, you can only grow.So here´s a rhyme, for you to say.That will give you strength, upon the way.”

“To the top of the mountain here I go.With Shakti power from head to toe.To the top of the mountain here I go.With Shakti power from head to toe.”

So Cosmo sang, the chant out loud.As he climbed the mountain and passed through cloud.The more he sang, the stronger he felt.How grateful he was for what nature had dealt.

The sky was vast and the sun did shine.As he reached the top of Mount Divine.Cosmo stood at the top, with his arms open wide.With joy in his heart, out loud he cried…

“I see the earth, the sky, the sea.All is light and that light is me.”

Book 1 Inspired by Hinduism

Book 2 Inspired by Christianity

Book 3 Inspired by Native American Faiths

Book 4 Inspired by Buddhism

Book 5 Inspired by Sikhism

Book 6 Inspired by Taoism

Book 7 Inspired by African Faiths

Book 8 Inspired by Islam

Book 9 Inspired by Shinto

Book 10 Inspired by Judaism

Book 11 Inspired by Other Known Faiths

Book 12 Inspired by Faiths still unknown

COSMO´S JOURNEY

Cosmo lives at the bottom of a mountain.As he plays in a glade he meets Polaris who shows himthe many paths that lead to the top of the mountain.

Cosmo chooses his path that takes him on anexciting adventure with magical meetings

and valuable life lessons.

CO

SMO

´S J

OU

RNE

Y ..

. The

firs

t clim

b

1

COSMO´S JOURNEY... The first climb

Written by Anita KleijnIllustrated by Carmen T. García Pérez

Anita Kleijn She is a dedicated mum and teacher

currently living in Barcelona.

Carmen T. García Pérez Dedicated to painting

and to her Art Academy. Resides in Tenerife.