Torchbearers 2024

1. Homage to Triple Gem 

• Children will learn the significance of paying respect to the Triple Gem: the Buddha (the Enlightened One), the Dhamma (his teachings), and the Sangha (the monastic community).
• We will demonstrate the traditional gesture of paying homage, which includes bowing and showing reverence.
• Children will grasp the importance of paying homage to the Triple Gem as part of Buddhist practice through stories and examples.

2. Mental Training 

• Children will learn mental training, which involves cultivating mindfulness and inner peace.
• We will teach basic meditation techniques suitable for their age, such as breath awareness or simple visualizations.
• The benefits of mental training will be emphasized, such as reduced stress and improved focus.
• Through cultivating Loving-kindness Meditation, children will learn anger management and how to reduce inner destructive forces.

3. Life of the Buddha (from Birth to Enlightenment)

• We will share age-appropriate stories and illustrations of Siddhattha Gotama’s life. It starts from his birth as a prince to his quest for enlightenment.
• Key moments, such as his encounters with the Four Sights and meditation under the Bodhi tree, will be highlighted.
• Children will discuss lessons drawn from Buddha’s journey.

4. The Triple Gem (Emphasize the Superiority of the Buddha)

• Children will understand the unique role of the Buddha as the Teacher of Gods and Humans (Sattha devamanussanam).
• We will narrate stories and examples that showcase these qualities in the Buddha’s life and teachings.

5. Five Precepts 

• Children will learn the Five Precepts as ethical guidelines. They will learn to refrain from harming living beings, stealing, dishonesty, harmful speech, and intoxicants.
• We will teach the importance of moral guilt (Hiri) and moral fear (Otappa) in keeping the children from violating the 5 precepts.
• Children will be encouraged to explain why upholding these precepts is essential for living a wholesome life.

6. Good Friends (Sigalovad Sutta & Mittanisamsa Sutta)

• Good friends are encouraging, kind, honest, and supportive of virtuous behaviour.
• Children will learn to recognize these qualities and the significance of having wholesome friends who positively influence their character.
• We will use relatable examples to help kids understand the impact of their friends on their lives.

7. Virtues of the Parents (Sabbrahma Sutta)

• Children will learn the virtues of parents, such as love, compassion, appreciative joy, and equanimity.
• Children will discuss how parents’ virtues contribute to a loving and harmonious family life.

8. Ten Meritorious Deeds (Dasa Punna Kamma)

• We will introduce the concept of meritorious actions, which bring positive results and happiness.
• Children will learn the ten meritorious deeds, including giving, moral discipline, meditation, respecting others, and rejoicing in others’ merits.

9. Jataka Stories (Children will learn virtues such as kindness, friendliness, gratitude, honesty, etc., through behaviour of the Bodhisatta in Jataka stories):

• We will share Jataka tales which narrate the previous lives of the Buddha (as Bodhisatta). These tales emphasize virtues like kindness, friendliness, gratitude, and honesty.
• Children will discuss the moral lessons and virtues illustrated in these stories.
• We will use age-appropriate materials, interactive activities, storytelling, and group discussions to make learning entertaining and memorable for the kids.

10. Learning Dhamma through Arts and Crafts

• Buddhist arts and crafts activities can be both fun and educational. We will use these to help kids understand and appreciate Theravada Buddhism’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage.
• Symbols of Buddhism include the Lotus Flower, Dhamma Wheel, Buddha’s Footprint, Almsgiving Bowl, Vesak Lanterns, Buddhist Flags, Stupa Models, Metta Bead Bracelets, Bodhi Tree, etc.

1. Homage to Triple Gem 

• Children will learn the significance of paying respect to the Triple Gem: the Buddha (the Enlightened One), the Dhamma (his teachings), and the Sangha (the monastic community).
• We will demonstrate the traditional gesture of paying homage, which includes bowing and showing reverence.
• Children will grasp the importance of paying homage to the Triple Gem as part of Buddhist practice through stories and examples.

2. Mental Training 

• Children will learn mental training, which involves cultivating mindfulness and inner peace.
• We will teach basic meditation techniques suitable for their age, such as breath awareness or simple visualizations.
• The benefits of mental training will be emphasized, such as reduced stress and improved focus.
• Through cultivating Loving-kindness Meditation, children will learn anger management and how to reduce inner destructive forces.

3. Life of the Buddha (from Birth to Enlightenment)

• Children would go through the life of the Buddha, from his enlightenment under the Bodhi tree to his Great passing away into Nibbana.
• Significant events, teachings, and the wisdom he imparted during this period, will be emphasized.

4. Great Incidents in the Life of the Buddha

• Children will explore prominent incidents in the Buddha’s life, such as encounters with Alawaka, Angulimala, and Nalagiri.
• We will extract lessons on transformation, compassion, and the potential for change, demonstrating that even those initially hostile or misguided can attain enlightenment.

5. Five Precepts (with Emphasis on Compassion and Understanding)

• Children will learn the Five Precepts as ethical guidelines of Buddhism. They will learn to refrain from harming living beings, stealing, dishonesty, harmful speech, and intoxicants.
• We will emphasize that these precepts are observed not just out of moral shame and fear but also as expressions of compassion and understanding.
• Children will understand the various conditions necessary for the complete breach of these precepts.

6. Duties of Parents and Children (Sigalovada Sutta)

• “Duties of Parents and Children” explores the mutual responsibilities and the strong bond between parents and children as taught by the Buddha in Sigalovada Sutta.
• We will discuss how love, respect, and gratitude form the foundation of harmonious family relationships.

7. Four Immeasurables (Brahmavihara)

• Children will be taught the Four Immeasurables, which include loving-kindness (Metta), compassion (Karuna), appreciative joy (Mudita), and equanimity (Upekkha).
• We will encourage them to cultivate these qualities and apply them in their interpersonal relationships.

8. Three Meritorious Deeds (Dana, Sila, Bhavana)

• We would explore the three Meritorious deeds with the children. These include giving (dana), moral conduct (sila), and mental cultivation (bhavana).
• Children will understand how these actions lead to positive outcomes and spiritual growth.

9. Four Factors of Success and Prosperity (Iddhipada)

• We will discuss with the children the Four Factors of Success and Prosperity: Intention (chanda), Effort (viriya), thoughts or plans (citta), Investigation (vīmaṃsā)
• Children will comprehend how these qualities contribute to personal growth and success.

10. Right Speech (Samma Vaca)

• The importance of right speech, emphasizing truthful, kind, and helpful communication will be taught to the children.
• Children will grasp the impact of words on themselves and others and how to use speech mindfully.

11. Right Actions (Samma Kammanta)

• Children will understand the significance of right actions which are positive, constructive and wholesome.
• We will illustrate how right actions contribute to a peaceful and ethical life.

12. Right Livelihood (Samma Ajiva)

• We will introduce the concept of right livelihood, emphasizing ethical and honourable means of earning a living.
• Children will discuss how one’s occupation can align with Buddhist principles.

13. Kamma and Rebirth

• Children will learn the concepts of kamma and rebirth to understand cause and effect, and the continuity of life.
• These concepts will be illustrated with simple and age-appropriate examples.

For all our lessons, we will use age-appropriate materials, interactive activities, storytelling, and group discussions to make Dhamma learning entertaining and memorable for the kids.

In our mission to nurture not just young minds but compassionate hearts, we go beyond the conventional classroom setting. Our extracurricular activities are designed to inspire, inform, and instil values that transcend textbooks.

To register, please submit this online form: https://bit.ly/dkbs-reg-tb24

In our mission to nurture not just young minds but compassionate hearts, we go beyond the conventional classroom setting. Our extracurricular activities are designed to inspire, inform, and instill values that transcend textbooks.

1. Celebrating Vesak Day and Robe Offering Ceremony:

The children are invited to partake in these sacred traditions, immersing themselves in the profound spirit of Vesak. They learn the significance of the day and feel the warmth of community in these wholesome events.

2. Tisarana Ceremony – Finding Refuge:

We hold space for the children to embrace the Three Refuges when they are ready. It is a moment of personal commitment and spiritual growth.

3. Gratitude on Mother’s and Father’s Day: 

We emphasise the virtues of filial piety on these days, instilling the values of respect and gratitude. These moments of recognition are also reminders that our teachings extend beyond books.

4. Inspiring Talks by Guest Speakers:

We bring real-world success stories to the children by inviting guest speakers including entrepreneurs, experts, and specialists who walk the path of Dhamma. These individuals will then share their respective journeys, demonstrating how they have applied these principles to achieve greatness.

5. Temple Tours and Dhamma-Infused Expeditions:

We explore the rich tapestry of Buddhist traditions with temple tours and other expeditions. These outings will expand the children’s understanding of Dhamma in practice and provide them with a well-rounded perspective of the world.

These extracurricular activities are not just events; they are experiences that enrich the lives of our young learners, providing them with wisdom, values, and a broader view of the world. We believe that learning extends beyond the classroom, and these activities are stepping stones in their journey toward becoming compassionate and wise individuals.