Buddhist Sunday School Continues Its Classes

The upcoming Urs Sar festival became the topic of conversation at another lecture for the students of the Buddhist Sunday school. For the second year in a row, classes for middle-school students in Elista are conducted by the Shajin Lama of Kalmykia, Geshe Tenzin Choydak. Children from various schools across the city attend lessons on the basics of Buddhism every week. The students explore with the Shajin Lama such topics as the 4 Noble Truths, what Refuge is, knowledge of the Three Jewels, of Karma, and much more.

The lessons are held both in the format of lectures and in the format of dialogue, in which the children themselves actively take part. By the way, within the framework of the Buddhist school the children also learn the Oirat script “Todo Bichig” and become acquainted with the traditions and customs of their people in a special lesson.

As the teachers of general-education institutions note, the results of the work carried out at the Buddhist school are already evident; these lessons help to develop morality in the children, foster civic responsibility, as well as respect for their culture and its diversity.

According to the Shajin Lama of Kalmykia, Geshe Tenzin Choydak, the students show interest in the classes. “What matters here is not simply to know and learn the material that is given, but precisely to raise the children in the customs of Buddhism: to be compassionate and kind,” the Shajin Lama emphasized.