A “Tree of Ahimsa” is a beautiful idea for kids. Here are simple, hand-based things they can make or do with their hands and then add to the tree.

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1. “Ahimsa Hands” (Handprints with Promises)

• Trace each child’s hand on colored paper and cut it out.
• On each paper hand, the child writes or draws 1 gentle-hands promise, for example:

- “These hands will not hit.” - “These hands will gently touch animals.” - “These hands will not pluck flowers or leaves.” - “These hands will share food.”

• Hang the hands as “leaves” on the tree.

This directly connects their own hands to ahimsa.

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2. Kindness Coupons (Helping Hands)

• Cut small paper hands or rectangles.
• On each one, kids write a helpful action they can do with their hands:

- “I will help clean the table.” - “I will feed the birds (without scaring them).” - “I will help my younger sibling.”

• Attach these to the tree with string or clips.
• Each time they use their hands to do that kindness, they can add a sticker or a check mark.

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3. “No-Harm” Symbols Made by Hand

Kids can craft simple symbols of non-violence (with paper, colors, thread):

• Open Palm / Ahimsa Hand Symbol

Draw or cut out an open palm with a small wheel (chakra) or just write “Ahimsa” in the center.

• Stop Sign for Violence

Red hand drawing with: “Stop Hitting,” “Stop Throwing Stones,” etc.

• Gentle-Touch Signs

Pictures of a hand gently: - petting an animal, - holding a small plant, - helping another person stand up.

Hang each as a reminder of how Jain hands should act.

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4. “Live and Let Live” Nature Crafts (Non-harmful)

Use their hands to create nature-themed decorations that still follow Jain ahimsa (no plucking, no killing insects):

• Leaf rubbings from fallen leaves (not plucked).
• Bark or stone texture rubbings (just with crayons and paper).
• Drawings of trees, birds, insects, and write:

- “I will not disturb ants.” - “I will not throw stones at dogs.” - “I will not break spider webs.”

Hang these drawings on the tree.

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5. Paper Chains of Kind Actions

• Make a long paper chain.
• On each link, kids write something kind they can do with their hands:

- “Clap for others’ success (not make fun).” - “Fold hands in Namokar Mantra.” - “Give food or water (carefully, without harm).”

• Wrap or hang this chain around the tree as a “garland of ahimsa.”

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6. Prayer & Mantra Hands

• Kids trace and cut out their hands.
• On each hand, write a short Jain line, like:

- “Ahimsa Parmo Dharma.” - “Mitti me savva bhūesu – I ask forgiveness from all living beings.”

• Kids can also draw themselves with folded hands in prayer.
• Hang these on the tree to show hands used for prayer, not harm.

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7. “Before My Hands Act…” Reminder Cards

Small cards (or hands) with thoughts like:

• “Before my hands act, I will think: Does this hurt anyone?”
• “These hands will protect small beings.”
• “These hands will eat without wasting food.”

Hang them at kid’s eye level so they see them often.

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All of this keeps the focus very clear for children:

• Hands are powerful.
• Jain hands must be gentle, helpful, and careful toward every living being.