At Chua Vien Giac temple in Cabramatta, the only Vietnamese temple licensed by the NSW government to teach Buddhist principles to children, efforts are underway to cultivate young minds with meaningful cultural education. The temple, under the leadership of Sister Thich An Thien, is preparing to launch the bilingual book "Gia đình cùng nhau học Phật Pháp (Learning Dharma as a Family)" aimed at teaching Buddhist practices to children aged 7 to 12. This initiative echoes the commitment to instill mindfulness, moral values, and inner peace among the youth, ensuring they grow up with empathy and awareness.
For over 15 years, Sister Thich An Thien has been at the forefront of developing educational programs for children's engagement with Buddhism. The newly finalized curriculum has been officially recognized by the NSW Department of Education, reflecting the growing interest and enrollment of students eager to learn about their cultural heritage. "Every year, the number of children enrolled to study Dharma has been increasing, which is heartwarming but also challenging. We have faced issues due to not having enough volunteers to teach all interested students," explained Sister Thich An Thien. This surge has motivated her to create this book, providing families with the resources they need to continue this education at home.
By utilizing both Vietnamese and English, the text aims to bridge cultural gaps and facilitate discussions between generations. The book will serve as both educational material and a way for families to bond during the reading. "The value of this book will create moments for Buddhist families to gather and read Dharma together, fostering intimate discussions between parents and children through stories of empathy from the Buddha's childhood," Sister Thich An Thien stated, emphasizing its dual purpose of teaching children morals and enriching their language skills.
At the heart of the curriculum are teachings on ethical values derived from Buddhist principles. Children will learn about gratitude, particularly practicing thankfulness toward their parents, teachers, and society. They will also discuss the Eightfold Path, which offers practical advice on how to live with integrity and mindfulness. The curriculum includes lessons on maintaining good thoughts, speaking kindly, respecting all beings, and choosing noble professions. "Learning Buddhist teachings from childhood will show children the importance of ethical values and love, laying the groundwork for their future as compassionate individuals," she added.
Interactive practices such as meditation and mindful breathing are also part of the educational experience. Children will be guided through sessions where they can focus their minds and cultivate awareness—a skill increasingly recognized as important for their overall wellbeing. The environment of the classroom, according to Sister Thich An Thien, is one where children are encouraged to express themselves and engage through activities like storytelling, coloring, and group meditations.
The motivation for creating the bilingual curriculum stems not only from the rising enrollment but also the need for quality resources within the Vietnamese community. Sister Thich An Thien wants all families, regardless of English proficiency, to have access to Buddhist teachings. By doing so, she hopes to see families come together to embrace these teachings within their own homes, making the practice of Buddhism more accessible.
Looking forward, Sister Thich An Thien expresses her hopes for how Buddhist families might integrate the teachings from the book. "I hope this can be a small tool for Buddhist parents and the community to bring ethical training to their children from early on, all within the warmth of family gatherings," she commented. The ultimate goal is to nurture children’s moral character and contribute positively to the community, equipping them with the tools needed to navigate the challenges of contemporary society.
Through initiatives like these, Chua Vien Giac is not just preserving the language and culture of the Vietnamese community; it is actively participating in shaping the next generation. By instilling values rooted deeply within Buddhism, Sister Thich An Thien and her team are ensuring the teachings of the past continue to illuminate the path for the future, encouraging children to grow up embodying the compassion, love, and mindfulness central to the practice.