Children Dharma Class #6: Meditative Concentration as a Way to Buddhahood

On the 4th of September, Children Dharma Class 6 continued on a bright, sunny morning. After joining the Sunday Dharma Function at the Main Shrine, children were guided back to the classrooms and continued with the chanting of Heart Sutra Sanskrit. 

Thereafter, walking meditation commenced as Teaceher SinJun led the studemys across the paths along the Temple. They passed along the Lumbini Garden and continued under the rows of cherry blossom trees. Students focused on their walking and kept their shoulders relaxed. As they settled themselves down on the wooden platform above the waters of the Ksitigharba Shrine, sitting meditation was carried on. SinJun guided the students through the meditation session where they closed their eyes and focused on the surroundings. A ray of sunlight shone upon the children’s faces as they listened to the wind breezed and the birds chirping. They focused on their breathing and cleared their minds so that it was free from thoughts and worries. Wish shared that it felt peaceful and calming after opening his eyes. While Faye added that it makes life feel simpler after the meditation. 

Meditation is a good way to calm the body, mind and soul. It keeps unnecessary thoughts away and ensures the body to be rejuvenated in order to continue the day with confidence and to strive for more achievements in life bravely. Afterwards, children had their morning tea at the dining hall. Teaceher Thomas reminded the students to not munch on food loudly and to be considerate of others. One important dining etiquette was they learnt to push in their chairs quietly and making sure that the tables are clean after eating.  

Later in classroom 5, Wish demonstrated Joined palms and Half bow, as the class observed intently. In addition, Thomas demonstrated the proper way of performing the Three Prostrations and explained each step clearly. It was pleasing to see Bosco and Raymond also followed along and actively participated. When it was time for answering questions on the worksheets, Faye helped Ariel to understand the questions while Emmeline guided Randy, making sure that they were following along at the right pace while helping each other out. 

Meanwhile in the Advanced class, students were actively participating while they loaded the class with burning questions. As Sin Jun explained the Five Precepts, questions arose about the concept of repentance. The class discussed on the ways of accumulating good karma and focused on two of the Five Precepts: no killing and no stealing. Zoey added that meditation can help her to keep calm in all difficult situations.