It has been a busy period for The Dharma Primary School in Brighton. In May, pupils and teachers celebrated Vesak to commemorate the birth, enlightenment and death (Mahaparinibbana) of the Buddha. Staff, pupils and parents organized a special puja (school assembly) and children read aloud the story of the Buddha’s birth. They sang songs of celebration, created a mandala, and took part in a walking meditation session. The school also plans to celebrate a Summer Fayre on June 21 from 11am to 3.30pm (with activities like massage and bushcraft, meditation in the Mindfulness Space, delicious lunches and homemade cakes in the School’s Vegetarian Café, traditional stalls, and children’s activities and games.
The Dharma School in Brighton is celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2014. From The Dharma School
This is a special time for the school – 2014 happens to be its 20th anniversary (it first opened its doors in 1994). For two decades, The Dharma Primary School has taught children how to be more mindful of their thoughts and actions according to Buddhist teachings. This unique institution in Britain comprises of a small community school and nursery. Both provide a quality academic education following the National Curriculum, but with the flexibility and creativity to respond to the children's needs, talents and interests. Through their Buddhist based ethos and daily meditation and mindfulness practice, children are encouraged to cultivate focus, self-reflection, wisdom and compassion inspired by the words of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama mentioned on their website as “…educating children with warm hearts and clear heads; children who will one day help to create a more compassionate, intelligent and peaceful world.”
To promote these teachings they articulated their vision thus: “Children are introduced to the benefit of stillness through regular meditation practice enabling them to develop a reflective understanding of themselves, their life and the world around them. We discuss key Buddhist teachings to help children understand cause and effect, cooperation and change, known as karma, interdependence and impermanence.”
Teachers guide students to be well-rounded individuals who not only achieve high standards, but grow in mindfulness and kindness. From The Dharma School
Children range from 3 to 11 years old and come from different backgrounds, faiths and abilities. They reflect on mindfulness and meditation by enabling closer attention to what is happening within themselves, their thoughts, feelings and emotions. The school has also over the last twenty years been giving the many benefits of mindfulness training with appropriate exercise, such as making friends, being compassionate and kind to others, and overcoming specific academic challenges by releasing hyper-perfectionism, anxiety, and more.
The website states: “Our philosophy is rooted in Buddhist principles and for 20 years we have successfully integrated a holistic ethos with a sound academic education. Through the practice of mindfulness, the school aims to cultivate wisdom, reflection and compassion in children and to help them unlock their full potential.”
Mindfulness practice is a wonderful technique which teaches us to focus attention on the present moment so that we can savor the periods of relaxation. It helps us to stay connected with our true essence, building our sense of self-love and able to achieve stillness within ourselves. Motivated by these enormous benefits, the parents also support the school to promote mindfulness training and assist in organizing social events such as weekly puja, festival days and school concerts.
The school management committee says, “The support and commitment of our parent body is a strength of our school. We rely on generosity of parents and supports, many of whom regularly give their time, volunteering and helping to run fundraising events such as school dances, winter celebrations and our annual summer fair.” One parent also said, “The biggest gift a teacher can give a child is the capacity to use their minds. The Dharma School embraces and embodies mindfulness in education.”