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That sounds cool as the kid has
peers and doesn't learn the method from uncaring adults who give one spewed
bottled directives from a fake master. The child can learn with other like
minded kids and develop relationships within the meditation. this sort of
mindfulness is great.
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Wednesday, April 13, 2005 12:49
PM
Subject: Re: [FairfieldLife] Re:
Meditation for kids
On Apr 13, 2005, at 1:43 PM, anonymousff wrote:
remember we are talking about bright and happy 8 y.o. and I
don't want to mess his mind with non-dualism and such or too
abstract
ideas, just wish for him a practice to have him feel his inner
spiritual core
that is beauty and joy beyond the relative ups and
downs.
also to empower his ability to focus and concentrate on a
task
without being distracted etc. I hope you get my
grip..
Here's the letter the parental units get:
Children's
Course Parent / Guardian Information Letter
The
children’s course offers young people between the ages 8 and 12 years old an
introduction to Anapana meditation, which is a practice of the observation of
natural breath to concentrate the mind. They will learn to practice Anapana
and begin to take their first steps on the path of Dhamma. The entire path of
Dhamma, rediscovered and taught by Gotama the Buddha more than 2500 years ago,
is a universal remedy for universal problems and has nothing to do with any
organized religion or sectarian tradition. For this reason, it can be
practiced freely by all, in any place, at any time. Its practice does not
conflict with any race, community or religion and will prove equally
beneficial to one and all.
Young people who have started practicing
Anapana have realized many benefits. Their ability to concentrate becomes
enhanced, their memory gets sharper, their ability to comprehend a subject
improves and they become calmer. In general, they feel they have a practical
tool to use in the face of any type of adversity or challenge.
During
the course, there will be meditation instructions as well as other activities
such as games, art, and storytelling. The children will be divided into groups
according to their age for many activities. They will be assigned counselors
who will personally accompany and assist them throughout the course, providing
support and guidance as needed.
The intent of the children’s course is
serious. It is not appropriate for children who are too young or otherwise
unable to follow directions or to participate in organized, self-modulating
activities. It is also not appropriate for children who are unable to
understand the meaning or purpose of the daily timetable and Code of Conduct.
Segregation of the sexes will be maintained at all times in the accommodations
as well as in the meditation hall and during much of the course.
It is
not mandatory that a parent or guardian accompanies your child to the course.
Parents or guardians who are students of Goenkaji or his assistant teachers
are welcome to stay at the center and participate in work projects. Since
parents or guardians will not be participating in the course, they will follow
a separate schedule. They will also be accommodated separately from the
children. Only those children who feel comfortable staying in separate
accommodations from their parents are encouraged to attend. We ask that
parents and affiliated adults refrain from communicating with or contacting
their children throughout the course.
Parents or guardians who have not
completed a ten-day course with Goenkaji or his assistant teachers are welcome
to stay with their children during registration, but should then leave the
center until the course is over. There are numerous hotels, motels and
campsites in the area.
Before applying for the course, please make
sure that both you and your child have read and understood the Code of Conduct
and Sample
Timetable.
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