Kailua Shambhala Children's Program 2008
This year, our Children's Program will focus on teaching the children about the six paramitas, which are generosity, patience, discipline, exertion, meditation and wisdom.
The Children's Program is available for children ages 3 to 10. Parents may leave their children with the day's Program leader and enter the Shrine Room to meditate, or they may stay with their children during the program. The Program is usually held on the third Sunday of each month from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., and is usually conducted on the Lanai in front of the Center.
The Program begins with children and teachers bowing to each other and introducing themselves. This is followed with a five to ten-minute yoga exercise, where the children can explore the potential of their physical being. Next, a brief discussion of the theme of the day (paramita) is conducted where the children are encouraged to share what they believe the topic means to them. The topic is then explored in more depth through readings, presentations by guest speakers, or engaging activities. This is followed by a very brief mediation (usually lasting one to two minutes) where the children learn meditation techniques and are encouraged to meditate on the theme of the day. Finally, the children are led through an art project, in which they can further explore the theme and what it means to them. Art projects may involve sand art, ikebana, mandala coloring, prayer flags, etc. The program ends with children and teachers bowing to each other and wishing each other a peaceful day.
The *Calendar for 2008 is as follows:
January - April 2008 A Four-Part Series Exploring the Lives of Tibetan Children of the Katog Choling Monastery
Please join us for the first of a four-part series where we will explore the lives of children living at the Katog Choling Monastery in Tibet and where we will have the wonderful opportunity to "give generously" a few simple toys to these children. The series will culminate when we will have the extraordinary opportunity to present the toys we plan to donate to the venerable Rinpoche upon his visit in April! This is an incredible opportunity for the children to practice generosity and experience making a difference in other children's lives.
January 27, 2008
Theme: Generosity.
Guest Presenter: Ka'ohulani McGuire will present an extraordinary slideshow depicting the lives of children who live at the Monastery. This will introduce our children to the four-part series and will lay the foundation for how our children can touch the lives of the Tibetan children in a direct and personal manner. If time permits, the children will make a friendship bracelet to share with someone of their choice.
February 17, 2008
Theme: Generosity.
This month, each family involved in the children's program will conduct a fund-raiser to generate funds to buy school supplies, and toys to give to the Tibetan children. The fundraisers can be selling lemonade, hosting a yard sale, etc, however, each family will choose their own method for raising funds. At the Sunday program, the children will bring the money they have raised to tally and to decide on which items to buy. We will also conduct our regular program by engaging in some yoga, short mediation and readings.
March 16, 2008
Theme: Patience
The children will decorate the frisbees, yoyos and kites, which we plan to present to Khentrul Lodro Thaye Rinpoche in April to give to the children at Katog Choling Monastery this summer.
April 20, 2008
Theme: Generosity.
May 18, 2008
Theme: Patience
June 15, 2008
Theme: Meditation through Music
July - August, 2008
Summer break.
September 21, 2008
Theme: Exertion.
October 19, 2008
Theme: Discipline.
November 16, 2008
Theme: Generosity
Planning for holiday donations and celebrations.
December 21, 2008
Theme: Shambhala Children's Day program and shrine decoration.
*Please note, dates may change. You will find confirmed dates and details in the monthly calendars and emails sent by the Center. To get on the email list please contact randolph.smith@gmail.com .
Revised 2/11/08
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