On Sunday 22nd May, Children Dharma Class students came to the Temple, and joined another lesson in Term 2 which they have been looking forward to. Today’s lesson was run by Edwin, Lisa and Jane. They started the lesson by partaking in the Sunday Dharma Function at the Main Shrine. They then split into the junior and intermediate level groups to start their separate lessons.
Jane ran the first half of the junior student’s lesson. She taught them about various Buddhist symbols and what they represent. Students learnt that the dharma wheel represents moving forward in life and how we should strive to grow and develop in our lives. Students also learnt that the lotus flower represents the purity of speech, body, and mind. The students worked together to answer questions on a worksheet specially prepared by Jane.
Edwin then ran the second half of the lesson. He read the students two different stories – one focused on Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s kind act in saving and nurturing a chick, and another about a young boy displaying the values of filial piety and thoughtfulness towards his stepmother, although he isn’t treated well by her. These two stories taught the students the importance of cultivating kindness and having a compassionate mind in all life situations.
Meanwhile, the intermediate students began the lesson by practising the Sanskrit version of the Heart Sutra. Lisa played the sutra at a decreased playback speed and each student was provided with a printed copy of the lyrics. They listened carefully to the sutra and made notes on their lyric sheets, helping to develop their ability to follow the song and chant the lyrics accurately. Lisa taught the class the significance of chanting – it is a form of cultivation, which supports one to practise their meditative concentration.
After this, the intermediate students watched a video on the Triple Gem, which introduced about what it is, and what it means to take refuge in the Buddha, The Dharma and The Sangha. The students took notes whilst watching the video and then presented their learnings to the class. This was a great opportunity to solidify their new learning, while having the opportunity to share their thoughts with their peers.
The students benefited from the lesson today, which took them one step closer to understanding the teachings of Dharma and how to apply the values learned in their lives. Some students have demonstrated Three Goodness and Four Giving by helping their peers with their worksheets, assisting the teachers in tidying up the classrooms and sharing their morning tea with their friends. Children Dharma Class has become part of their weekend routine, which inculcates positive upbringing and plants bodhi seeds in their young minds.