“There
are many traditions of Buddhism present in the Australian community today. All
believe in the four boundless values of love, compassion, joy and equanimity.”
****************
“Life in Australia offers a
wonderful opportunity to develop and practice our values and traditions in a
place where we are able to respect one another and strive toward building a
harmonious community.”
(from “A Sense of Place:
Victoria’s Multi-Faith Religious Celebration for Federation. 2001)
Victorians live in a multi-faith community with the opportunity to learn about
different philosophies and religious practices. It has never been more
important than at the present moment to expose young children to the values of
tolerance, co-operation and non-aggresssion. They are the next generation, the
future of the world rests with these up-coming children. If a difference can
be made even in a very small way, then it is worthwhile. What children are
taught and what they hear in their early years can stay with them throughout
their lives. By making Buddhist teachings available, not only is greater
knowledge and acceptance encouraged but also Buddhist children in schools can
feel that their religious and cultural backgrounds are being recognized and
respected.
The
Buddhist Council of Victoria Incorporated, through the auspices of the World
Conference for Religion and Peace and the Victorian Education Department, is
working to create a programme which would provide parents and children with
the choice of Buddhist religious instruction in Victorian primary schools.
This is
an opportunity for primary children to have access to the timeless teachings
of the Buddha in a way that does not adhere to any one particular tradition.
The Triple Gem – the Buddha, the Dhamma and the Sangha - would form the basis
for all instruction.
It would
include teachings on the life story of the Buddha, the peace and happiness
that can arise through following the values and ethics of the Dhamma and the
inspiration and motivation that can be derived from the Sangha.
The
emphasis of the Buddhist religious instruction classes would be on peace,
harmony and tolerance. This would be achieved not only through the content of
the lessons, but also through basic instruction in meditation and the modeling
by the teacher of skilful and harmonious behaviour.
In
keeping with contemporary educational methodologies, lessons would be built
around co-operative and active learning, and respecting and drawing on the
children’s own experiences.
The
programme would draw on the classic Buddhist texts such as the Dhammapada, the
Jataka Tales and relevant suttas such as the Metta and Mangala Suttas, as well
as recently developed curriculum resources such as those from the Buddhist
Council of NSW, the “Living Buddhism” Series from the UK and others selected
by the Education and Accreditation Committee.
After
completing this programme students would be well prepared to undertake studies
in secondary schools such as the VCE subject “Religion and Society”.
In
selecting and training volunteers the Committee will consider potential
instructors who will provide the best possible learning environment for the
children. This includes:
• a deep
understanding of the Code of Conduct and Behaviour with young children,
•
awareness of cross-cultural differences in learning and behaviour and
sensitivity to these differences,
•
knowledge of the Buddhist teachings and values at a level appropriate for
primary children, that is not necessarily too academic and theoretical,
•
awareness of the importance of the religious instructors role in the school
community,
•
preparedness to be accountable to the Committee, provide reports and engage in
on-going professional development,
•
finally, an attitude that being a volunteer in this field means a high level
of professionalism and respect for the work being done.
To
support the volunteers in this programme, the Committee will provide the
following:
•
initial training of at least 2 days by experienced primary teachers and
religious instructors
• a
manual of lessons, resources and ideas
• a
resource store of videos, books, music etc.
• a list
of “Frequently Asked Questions” and answers
• a
trouble-shooting Helpline for volunteers to gain support and advice from
experienced Buddhist teachers
• an
introduction to the classes and school community eg. a demographic profile of
the school, the class to be taken.etc.
•
on-going professional development and opportunities to meet regularly with
other Buddhist religious instruction volunteers in order to exchange ideas and
gain support.
The
Buddhist Education and Accreditation Subcommittee of the Buddhist Council of
Victoria Inc. is committed to the provision of quality and unbiased Buddhist
religious instruction and learning environments for students in Victorian
schools whose parents choose this option for their children. The Committee
represents a broad range of Buddhist organizations and is supported by the
Buddhist Council of Victoria Inc.
