The Manjushri Kids Class aims to educate kids in Dharma so that they learn and practise Generosity, Morality, Patience, Joyous Effort, Focus and Concentration, and gain Wisdom to benefit others.

Held in English, MKC had its first class in March 2008. From a small group of kids, membership has since grown to more than twenty children between the ages of 4 – 15 years. The class is immensely popular with parents who want something more age-appropriate for their children while they themselves attend the Manjushri classes for grown-ups.

MKC class in session

At the moment, there are three Dharma classes conducted based on the different age groups. The programme is very interactive and designed to instil discipline, knowledge and good attitudes in children in a fun and creative way guided by Buddhist principles and ethics.

From left to right: Han Ling, Wee Liang, Alex Tan, Gim Lee

Programmes

Always fun and interactive, a typical session aims to instil in the children daily Dharma practice and includes the following activities:

• Prostrations
• Daily prayer with mantra recitation (to Lord Manjushri, Buddha of Wisdom)
• Dharma lessons on Buddha’s life story with a moral teaching
• Art including colouring of Buddha pictures, etc.
• Making offerings to Buddha with candles, flowers, incense and food to create merit

Sticky fingers makes for fun learning!

Special activities include:

• Making gifts in appreciation of our mothers on Mother’s Day
• Making handicraft and mantra singing performances at Grand Setrap and Dzambala Puja
• Wesak Fair performances
• Making of special lanterns for Lantern Festival
• Kechara Dharma Camp for Kids

The class for teenagers

Syllabus

The MKC syllabus can be divided into the following three parts:

BEC 101: Buddhist Education for Children I

In this course, the students are introduced to Kechara House and our Spiritual Guide, His Eminence Tsem Rinpoche. The course also includes topics like the Jataka Tales, eight auspicious signs, the Gelug lineage, Buddhas, and basic Buddhist values. The teachings are conducted in a visual and interactive manner, according to the level of the students to create interest whilst imparting some basic knowledge.

BEC 201: Buddhist Education for Children II

In this course, the students are taught the significance and benefits of making offerings to the Three Jewels and the importance of having the guidance of a qualified guru from an authentic lineage. Contents of the course include aspects of Tibetan Buddhism, the Gelug lineage, Rinpoche’s biography, the Jataka Tales, Tibetan culture and Buddhist values.

BEC 301: Buddhist Education for Children III

In this course, the students will be taught the Four Noble Truths in a simple and enjoyable way through videos and discussion. Videos from Rinpoche’s YouTube channel and Rinpoche’s blog will be used to illustrate the meaning of suffering etc. This course also teaches students how to apply positive values which will be useful when they encounter difficulties in daily life.

Classes are held every Sunday from 2pm – 4pm at Kechara House, and incorporate art classes led by Teacher Ling.

Art class at Kechara Saraswati Arts!

Fees

Kechara House charges a minimal fee, which goes towards covering the cost of educational materials, and towards the operational expenses of the Dharma centre.

• RM50 per child per term (KH members)
• RM100 per child per term (non-members)

As parents, other than fulfilling their basic material needs for food, shelter, education and clothing, Dharma is the best gift we can provide to our children so that they receive benefits that extend beyond this lifetime. May our children grow up to become good people; may they develop kindness and compassion for others, and be a shining light to benefit many.

For more information regarding the MKC, to volunteer as a teacher or to sponsor any of the activities, please contact us at education@kechara.com.

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