Jamal is 10 years old and he is living with his parents in Dallas, Texas. He is going to school at Maverick Elementary with all of his friends.

At school, Jamal hangs out with his group of friends. Him and his group of friends like to bully this kid named Henry. Henry is a small and skinny boy who can't protect himself.

Lets get him!

One day, Jamal's bullying got way out of hand and Jamal ended up getting expelled from his school. He had ended up at the other elementary school in his school district. This school was Cowboy Elementary.

"Why do I have to go to this school Mom?" asked Jamal.

"It's because nowhere else will take you in," stated his mom. 

"You have been expelled from every other school in the district," said his mom.

I don't want to go to this school Mom!

At this new school, Jamal felt like he was the odd one out now. He was the one getting bullied and didn't like it. He needed to make some new friends.

I need to make some friends.

At lunch, Jamal had a mission to find a new friend. He finally found someone.

"Hi I'm Jamal. What's your name?" asked Jamal.

"Hi Jamal, I'm Bodhi," said Bodhi.

"I was wondering if you would want to be friends?" asked Jamal.

"Of course we can!" Bodhi exclaimed.

Do you want to be my friend Bodhi?

Of course!

Jamal and Bodhi were hanging out one day when Jamal asked, "So, what do you like to do for fun Bodhi?"

Bodhi said, "I like to meditate and learn more about my religion."

"What's your religion?" asked Jamal.

"Buddhism," said Bodhi.

Let me teach you about Buddhism.

Bodhi teaches Jamal how Buddhist people live and he also taught him about their beliefs, like the path to enlightenment.

Do you know about the path of enlightenment?

Nope.

Bodhi taught Jamal that meditation is an invitation to turn one's awareness away from the world and into their own thoughts and feelings. ("BBC"). 

 Buddhist meditation is the practice of mental concentration that leads up to spiritual freedom. (Britannica).