online learning?

Since we have so little time during the class (30 min) I have been thinking how I could extend it to the time they spend at home.

Several of the kids mentioned that they practice with their parents at home.

Maybe sharing their experiences online would help having them think more about meditation during the week?

The first real question is, would online activities help at all?

If so, what type of activities would be best? Some ideas

• I found ePals website, recently featured at New York Times, that helps teachers link with groups of students elsewhere. How about getting students talk about Buddhism with kids in Vietnam or Thailand? 
  
• Discussion amongst themselves about their personal experiences
• Pick a topic for the year (e.g. 'happiness') and discuss it, bringing the buddhist perspective in classes. 

Ricard coming to Sydney

One of the best news I got in the Council's meeting a few weeks ago was that Matthiew Ricard was coming to Sydney.  He will nowhere less than Aloka! on the 4th of May. They have set up a website with a name around the theme of his visit: 'Towards a simple and peaceful life'

I also found another excellent talk by Matthiew Ricard at google video.

Sunnataram Forest Monastery

Last weekend we went to the Sunnataram Forest Monastery, a Thai temple about 120Km south of Sydney. The temple is a few kilometers from Bundanoon (see map below), and I strongly recommend a visit. Check the temple's website for events.

We forgot to bring a camera, but in Flickr I found fantastic photos of the temple, the monks and the flora and fauna surrounding the place. I insterted them below as a slideshow, so people can get an idea of the beauty of the place. To see who took the photo, just click on the one you like.

The food, as temple food always is, was fantastic. The baby got tired early so we where not able to hear a Dhamma talk, but I hope that we will next time.




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Getting ready for the first class in 2008

The School's scripture  coordinator called me yesterday to inform me that classes would start on 28 February. Scripture classes start a few weeks after the beginning of the first term, to give parents time to decide which classes they will enroll in.

Her estimate is that the number of students enrolling in Buddhism would increase even further this year! It is really amazing. Parents must really feel that Buddhist teachings will benefit their kids.  We had more than 50 students last year, lets see how many we have in 2008. To give you an idea of the context, this is a relatively small school located in Leichhradt, serving an area of Sydney with less than 3% Buddhists.

 

If I have to summarize my plans for this year's teaching preparation, I would do it in one word 'sit'. If I wanted to summarize the learning outcomes for this year, 'metta' (living kindness) is the best I can think of.