Bodhi Star Meditation Class for Kids (ages 6-12) and Bodhi Star Meditation Class for Youth (ages 13-17).

Inspired by the success of the annual Summer Camp, in 2009, then Vice Abbess Master Jianding started the weekly Bodhi Star Class for kids aged 6-12, because of the need to regularly plant the seeds of Buddha’s good virtues into the awareness of local children.

In 2011, Master Jianjun took charge of the Bodhi Star Kids’ Class. Using an innovative teaching style and fun activities and assisted by a group of excellent ATs, she aims to make Buddha’s teachings easier to grasp and understand by the young minds. In this way, more children can learn about the different good virtues in order to grow up to be responsible adults.

In the same year, Master Jianqiang saw the need for a youth class, because some participants from the past years have grown into teenagers, but still wished to learn the Buddhist way of life. The Bodhi Star Youth Class was thus opened and taught by Shifu, and ably assisted by Ofelia Santos and other ATs, using creative methods more suitable to keeping the youth attentive and interested.

Ultimately, the Masters aspire to cultivate good character in the Bodhi kids and youths. Etiquette is taught to develop respect and thankfulness for the Three Jewels and other sentient beings. First, chanting the Heart Sutra cultivates respect and harmony. Second, meditation calms the minds of the children, to develop peaceful attitudes. Third, storytelling imparts good virtues and contributes immensely to the development of children’s character. Lastly, virtues are fostered through practical skills like games, arts & crafts, martial arts, acting, singing and dancing, and language (Mandarin and English) classes. Through these activities, the participants easily absorb and practice the virtues that will mold them into adopting a more righteous way of life.

After joining the classes, the kids became compassionate to animals, respectful to elders, thankful to their parents and most importantly, displayed the good effects of meditation. The Masters and all volunteers know that the seeds of goodness planted in the Bodhi Star kids’ and youths’ minds need to be constantly nurtured, which is why they are all dedicated in giving the best opportunity to the children. The weekly classes allow the Bodhi Stars to bloom and make a difference in their families and society; hopefully, they will become the best person they aspire to be.