The Dewdrop Digest

The Dewdrop Digest
Connecting Children, Youth and Sangha
Clouds in Water Zen Center
Sunday, September 15, 2002

Welcome to the first day of Fall Quarter! The Dewdrop will keep you informed about what we're learning and doing each session, highlighting the homework to be prepared for the next session. Teacher commentary and student submissions will also be featured occasionally. Parent and other submissions are welcome too! The Dewdrop will be available on Children's Practice Sundays at the zendo and will posted to the Clouds website.

2002-2003 theme: Mindfulness and Meditation Practice

As usual, we will explore this year's teaching theme through the lens of the Triple Treasure: Buddha, Dharma and Sangha for Fall, Winter, and Spring Quarters respectively. In the Fall, we approach our theme through story and experience, via the study of the biography of Buddha and other spiritual heroes and heroines, with the intent of recognizing how these people show us the way. In the Winter, we will delve into heart of the theme, using the Four Foundations of Mindfulness as our primary blueprint. Older students may choose to commit to a regular home practice, no matter how brief. In the Spring, we will apply what we've learned to precept practice, service projects, and will perhaps join the adults for the first 15 minutes of zazen once or twice.

"Meditation and Mindfulness," is one part of what is envisioned as a three-year cycle of themes, to be followed by "The Four Noble Truths" and "Boundless Openness" (a.k.a., emptiness). The precepts are covered each quarter, and actually each of the three themes is touched on each year. This cycle of deeper explorations of these three facets of basic Buddhism exposes each student to more information and experience at incremental stages in their development.

Fall Quarter Theme: The Triple Treasure. The life of the historical Buddha.

Overview of the Quarter: We will launch this quarter with a review of the Thre Jewels and what it means to take refuge. Then we will study the story of the Shakyamuni Buddha in with more breadth and depth than previously. As always, we learn about Buddha hoping that each student experiences: "I am a person like Buddha. I can become more like Buddha," i.e. that we each carry the seeds of wisdom and compassion that can ripen through practice.

This Fall, we will particularly focus on what Buddha taught about mindfulness and meditation. Many students will also learn the story of Majaprajapati, the Buddha's auntie and stepmom, and other women whose courage and determination changed history for women practitioners.

Today's Lesson: Today many of the classes learn about the Triple Treasure - Buddha, Dharma and Sangha - and what it means to take refuge. The younger classes will hear a story about an animal who found a safe place (like home, or a friend). Taking refuge is like following a lamp in the night, or finding a bridge over a dangerous river. It gives us shelter, safety and comfort - or help in making a tough decision. We will learn the Three Refuges Song (from Thich Nhat Hanh's songbook for children) and sing or chant it as part of our opening ceremony for each class:

I take refuge in the Buddha, the one who shows me the way in this life.
Namo Buddha-ya, Namo Buddha-ya, Namo Buddha-ya.

I take refuge in the Dharma, the way of understanding and love.
Namo Dharma-ya, Namo Dharma-ya, Namo Dharma-ya.

I take refuge in the Sangha, the community that lives in harmony.
Namo Sanga-ya, Namo Sanga-ya, Namo Sanga-ya.

Session 1 homework assignment, "due" Sunday September 29: Name two or three people who "show you the way in this life." What is it about them that guides you, helps you or inspires you? How are you like them? As age appropriate, draw a picture or write down your answers and bring to class.

Zen for Teens: The High School Group at Clouds in Water
How can or does a spiritual practice affect your life? Does Buddhism have anything to offer you? What are the key elements of Buddhist philosophy and practice? Discussion, meditation, and information on Sundays for teens in grades 9-12, led Steve Wilson with special guest teacher Sosan Theresa Flynn. A series of youth meditation retreats and an outdoor challenge are in the works. An individualized Rite of Passage program is available for 17 or 18 year olds.

Let us extend our appreciation to Fall Quarter Volunteer Teachers:
Nursery: Carl Kosinski and Susan Miller
Preschool: Robbie Gunther and Dan Griffen
K-1: Stephanie Wenderski and Darin Smith
Early Elementary (2nd and 3rd grade): Jeff Kelley and Mari Maack-Magnusson
Upper Elementary (4th and 5th grade): Scott Parker and Carol Patt
Middle School (6th, 7th & 8th): Matt Simonsen and Janene Glyn
Zen for Teens (9th- 12th): Steve Wilson and Sosan Theresa Flynn
Yoga: Laura Kennedy
Substitute teachers: Bob Zeglovitch, Megan Dushin, Jessica Wilson, Carol Wickers, and Michael Moore.

Question, suggestion, problem? Contact Children's and Youth Practice Coordinator Katharine Krueger here at x10.

posted by Michael Howard on 9/15/2002 12:00:00 AM | link