Empowering and shaping Youth with Buddhist education

Updated: Jul 18, 2023

The power of Buddhist education is gently altering the lives of young learners, equipping them to handle the difficulties of the modern world with knowledge and compassion. This is happening amidst the crowded classrooms of the Penang Buddhist Association Dharma Sunday School (PBADSS). Within these blessed halls, an atmosphere that encourages not only academic achievement but also the growth of ethical behaviour and inner well-being is created as a result of the harmonic combination of traditional teachings and modern philosophy. This method of teaching provides a learning environment that is conducive to fostering inner well-being.

The passionate educators at the school have a crystal clear vision for their mission which they desire to pass on the transformational power of Buddhist principles to the students so that they are able to attain their full potential. Mr. Quah, who is passionate about education and has years of expertise in the field, is of the opinion that Buddhist education provides an extraordinary chance for cultivating traits that are occasionally overlooked in conventional academic environments. “We aim to instill in our learners a sense of self-awareness and mindfulness, assisting them build resilience, empathy, and a deep understanding of their own emotions,” he explains.

Students passionately focus on the teachings and actively participate in class discussions about topics such as compassion, impermanence, and the interconnectedness of all creatures. They discover consolation and motivation in the tales of the Buddha and his followers, where they learn how the lessons of these age-old parables may help them navigate the challenges of modern life. They learn to calm their brains via the practices of meditation, which allows them to discover moments of serenity and tranquillity amidst the tumult of adolescence.

Zhi En, a student who is in her final year at the school, admits, “In the past, I had a hard time dealing with stress and anxiety.” “However, ever since I began engaging in mindfulness practices, I've gained the ability to better control my feelings. My ability to focus and concentrate has significantly improved as a result, and I have a greater sense of confidence in my ability to meet the difficulties that lie ahead.”

The influence of a Buddhist education goes well beyond the four walls of the classroom and into the students’ everyday life. Students are encouraged to actively participate in acts of compassion and service to others through the school’s regular community service initiatives, which are organised on a regular basis. A kind young girl named Cynthia talks about her time volunteering at a local shelter. “Being able to assist individuals who are in need has been a very fulfilling experience. It has instilled in me the value of compassion and the satisfaction that comes from giving something back. I now realise that all living things are interrelated, and that the choices we make have the potential to have an enormous effect on the globe.”

As a result of their willingness to open up to the potentially life-altering effects of Buddhist teaching, these young students are becoming shining examples of compassion and comprehension throughout their communities. Graduates of the school may be found all over the world, where they are making significant contributions to society in sectors ranging from medicine to the protection of natural resources. They spread the concepts of mindfulness, empathy, and ethical behaviour everywhere they go, which causes waves of change in the communities in which they interact.

According to Mr. Quah, “the impact of Buddhist education goes beyond academic achievement,” “Our ultimate objective is to cultivate well-rounded individuals who are capable of navigating the trials of life with integrity, compassion, and an in-depth sense of purpose,” our mission statement says.

The youngsters that attend PBADSS are certainly continuing their path towards empowerment and change during their time there. They emerge as self-assured and compassionate individuals, eager to construct a brighter future not just for themselves but also for the world around them, as they delve further and deeper into the inner workings of their own thoughts and hearts, with the guidance of the profound teachings of Buddhism. They encourage others to go on the journey of self-discovery and embrace the power of Buddhist education by the way they act and their words, resulting in a chain reaction that spreads far and wide.

It is becoming increasingly obvious that traditional educational approaches alone are insufficient in educating young people for the complicated circumstances of the current period as the globe continues to struggle with serious difficulties. Education in the Buddhist tradition provides an alternative that has the potential to be transformational. It does this by imparting ageless knowledge, compassion, and self-awareness to its students. We can help raise a new generation of persons who are not just academically accomplished but also ethically grounded, resilient, and able to have a positive effect on the world if we adopt this strategy and put it into practice.

PBADSS's Buddhist education is empowering youth. Traditional and modern teachings promote academic success, ethical behaviour, and inner well-being. Students learn self-awareness, resilience, and empathy via interactions, meditation, and community service. Graduates contribute to society with compassion. Buddhist education transforms students into well-rounded, ethical people who can handle life's obstacles.