The Dewdrop Digest

The Dewdrop Digest
Connecting Children, Youth and Sangha
Clouds in Water Zen Center
Sunday, October 19, 2003

"Being Peace" as an essential, all-ages Buddhist practice
As you know, our theme for 2003-2004 is "Peacemaking and the Four Noble Truths." Today we are welcoming Rebecca Janke, from Growing Communities for Peace, into our classrooms and afterwards, into the Zendo for an all-ages workshop on peacemaking.

I'd like to say more about this year's peacemaking teaching message using a Q&A format:

Why is our program for children and youth emphasizing "peacemaking" this year?

1. Because the ideas of peace and of peace interrupted have become such a huge factor in our daily lives, especially over the past two years. I believe that worries about the lack of peace, and longing for personal and world peace, are imbued in most people's conscious and unconscious, including children, including young children, including children who do not talk about it, including youth who are caught up in academics, sports, jobs, etc.

2. Because "peacemaking" - being peace - creates "peace for me" and "peace for others". In the midst of difficulties, of suffering and dis-ease, we find peace and are empowered to make peace.

3. Because "peacemaking" is something that we can ALL do, regardless of age or ability. It is wonderful to realize that each of us - even a three year old, even an overly-busy-working-single-mom, even I - can find a peaceful place and can bring peace to others through my practice.

4. Because being peace is an essential Buddhist practice.

5. Because the notion of "being a peacemaker" is more culturally familiar than the Eightfold Path and the Four Noble Truths. Introducing new ideas by linking them with familiar ones helps us learn faster and to understand more deeply. It also gives young people some "languaging" which may help them communicate more effectively - and perhaps less self-consciously - when discussing beliefs and practices with friends who do not practice Buddhism.

What can we tell our children when tragedy occurs?
We reassure them. We tell them, "Yes, bad things sometimes happen. And someone will be there to care for and help whoever is in need. Someone will always be here to love and protect you." For very young children, you have just summarized the Four Noble Truths.

How can we empower ourselves and our children to live in the beauty of NOW when our own lives - or the lives of others - are not peaceful?
The Eightfold Path describes a way for families to live in peace and harmony even when our peace, and the peace of others, is interrupted.
· Cultivating peace inside ("Peace begins with me" - and the Mind Training aspect of the Eightfold Path - which we are studying this quarter)
· Cultivating peace with friends and family ("Peace for us" - and the Wholesome Behavior aspect of the Eightfold Path - which we will study in Winter Quarter)
· Cultivating a sense of caring connectedness with the whole world ("Peace for the planet - and the Wisdom aspect of the Eightfold Path - Spring Quarter)

Today's Lesson: Children as Peace Messengers -- and Four Noble Truths
?What do children want more than anything? They want a world at peace. They want to be recognized for their ability to make peace, reduce suffering and create new inventions for a Culture of Peace and Nonviolence. They expect it to happen in their lifetime and they want us by their side to support them in their endeavors,? says Rebecca Janke.

Today, Peacemaker Rebecca will visit our classrooms to engage the children in multi-sensory Peace Dialogues to find out how our children wish to be supported in their ideas for creating a more peaceful, nonviolent world.

ALSO: The classes will also continue to learn about the Four Noble Truths, "peace begins with me" and mindfulness practice. We will use "Mindfulness of the changing seasons" as a pathway to peace that invites us to awaken to all of our senses, and also to the impermanent nature of the world. Preschool and K-1 classes will make leaf-rubbings. The kindergarten class will be introduced to the idea of having a peace place (a refuge such as one's bed, a blanket over a chair, a treehouse, a little nook) and how that relates to our "peace place" inside.

2nd/3rd and 4th/5th are making some artistic "mindfulness reminders" intended to support family mindfulness at home. The Middle School group is engaged in real-life Buddhist practice: making group decisions, fundraising to support the growth of their group's sense of community and planning a service project.

Question, suggestion, problem? Contact Children's and Youth Practice Coordinator Katharine Krueger at 651.222.6968 x10 or at cp@cloudsinwater.org.


posted by webmaster on 10/19/2003 01:15:00 PM | link