๐
When: Every Saturday
โฑ๏ธ Time: 3:00 pm – 5:30 pm
๐ Where: Subhuthi Buddhist Center
๐ง For: Children (above 7 years)
๐ค Medium: English
๐ฐ Cost: Free
๐ Registration
We kindly request you to fill this form to register your child to our Physical Dhamma Program and to be added to our WhatsApp group for Dhamma content and updates regarding our programs.
Children will learn the Buddha’s teachings week by week, increasing their understanding and their faith (shraddha). They will have the chance to learn and practice meditation, ask questions from monks and share their good deeds. Parents are encouraged to stay and listen so they can discuss with their children.
The program is conducted by venerable monks of Mahamevnawa Buddhist Monasteries.
๐ To Receive Updates
Please be aware that before accepting the WhatsApp group requests, we will review the registration document. So, kindly fill out the registration form as well.
๐ Program Schedule
| Time | Agenda Item |
|---|---|
| 3 pm – 3:15 pm | Going refuge to Triple Gem, observing five precepts & Paritta Chanting |
| 3:15 pm – 4 pm | Dhamma Sermon (Talk on the Buddha’s Teachings) |
| 4 pm – 4:10 pm | Break |
| 4:10 pm – 4:20 pm | Good Deeds |
| 4:20 pm – 4:30 pm | Meditation |
| 4:30 pm – 5 pm | Activity |
| 5 pm – 5:30 pm | Blessings & Conclusion |
๏ธ โน๏ธ Children below the age of 7 could participate with their parents.
โน๏ธ Teenagers 15 years and older can also start attending Dhamma programmes for adults called Youth Round-Up
โน๏ธTo help parents make the most of the time their children are in the Dhamma School, we are offering a Dhamma program on the same day. We are asking everyone to take part in that program as well.
๐ Current Program Lineup
๐งโ๐คโ๐ง 20 days 20 Qualities
Patience
The ability to let go of something in order to avoid defilements and problems
๐งโโ๏ธ How can we practice it?
- When we get into arguments about things that are not useful
- Letting go of material things when problems occur through them
- Not letting disagreements ruin friendships
- Letting go of doing things we like to do for someone else
๐ค What are the benefits of practising?
- Makes us someone who is very pleasing to associate with
- Using pleasant words avoids us from using bad word
- Anger is well-maintained
- Creates harmony with the people around us
๐ What are we going to learn?
- God Sakka against a yakkha
- Magga Manavaka
- Bath-balayaโs story
Giving
The ability to let go of something in order to avoid defilements and problems
๐งโโ๏ธ How can we practice it?
- When we get into arguments about things that are not useful
- Letting go of material things when problems occur through them
- Not letting disagreements ruin friendships
- Letting go of doing things we like to do for someone else
๐ค What are the benefits of practising?
- Makes us someone who is very pleasing to associate with
- Using pleasant words avoids us from using bad word
- Anger is well-maintained
- Creates harmony with the people around us
๐ What are we going to learn?
- God Sakka against a yakkha
- Magga Manavaka
- Bath-balayaโs story
Letting Go
The ability to let go of something in order to avoid defilements and problems
๐งโโ๏ธ How can we practice it?
- When we get into arguments about things that are not useful
- Letting go of material things when problems occur through them
- Not letting disagreements ruin friendships
- Letting go of doing things we like to do for someone else
๐ค What are the benefits of practising?
- Makes us someone who is very pleasing to associate with
- Using pleasant words avoids us from using bad word
- Anger is well-maintained
- Creates harmony with the people around us
๐ What are we going to learn?
- God Sakka against a yakkha
- Magga Manavaka
- Bath-balayaโs story
Mindfulness
- The ability to be aware of wholesome and unwholesome states in us
- Like a gatekeeper of a palace who is aware of those who enter and exit
๐งโโ๏ธ How can we practice it?
- By learning and understanding what are wholesome and unwholesome states according to the Buddhas teachings
- Before doing actions with body, speech and mind, consider whether they are good or bad
- Reflect often that Iโm a virtuous disciple of the Buddha
๐ค What are the benefits of practising?
- Can avoid doing bad actions and live a virtuous life even among immoral people
- Helps meditation practice and achiving Samadhi
- Helps improve memory power and other wholesome qualities
- Helps maintain an unconfused mind even at the last moment of life
๐ What are we going to learn?
- Ambalattika Rahulovada Sutta (Advice to novice monk Rahula)
- Digiti Kosala Jataka
The Foundation of Mindfulness – Part 1 | What is a Gatekeeper to a Mind?
The Foundation of Mindfulness – Part 2 | About a Wonderful Place to Live
The Foundation of Mindfulness – Part 3 | How to Strive for Mindfulness
Pleasant Speech
- The quality of speaking pleasing and kind words to others
๐งโโ๏ธ How can we practice it?
- Understanding the downsides of harsh words and the benefits of pleasant words
- Taking oneself, for example, think โIf others talk to me in harsh words, how would I feel?โ
- Understanding the underlying defilements in harsh words and the underlying wholesome states in pleasant words
๐ค What are the benefits of practising?
- We will be dear to many and will make many friends
- Will help maintain a peaceful and happy environment
- Defilements like hatred in people’s minds will not be aroused.
- Others will be happy to offer us help when we are in need
- We will be able to maintain a peaceful state of mind throughout life
๐ What are we going to learn?
- Nandivisala Jathakaya
- God Sakkaโs Throne
Loving Kindness
- Having non-hatred and kindness towards all living beings
๐งโโ๏ธ How can we practice it?
- Make sure that nobody will be affected negatively by our actions
- When we get angry, think that the Buddha eradicated anger
- Think about the danger of hatred. if I die when my mind is affected by hatred, I will be reborn in a bad destination
- Practice Loving-kindness meditation every day
๐ค What are the benefits of practising?
- If one lets go of hatred completely the Buddha guarantees that they will become Anagami (Non-Returner)
- Have a peaceful mind
- Abstains us from using bad speech
- Peaceful sleeping
๐ What are we going to learn?
- Mettanisansa sutta
- Utharaโs katha
- Satha sooriyaโฆ sutta
- Karaniya metta sutta
Compassion
- The ability to feel othersโ pain and have empathy towards them
๐งโโ๏ธ How can we practice it?
- Stopping what you are doing when you someone else is effected negatively
- Being careful with your words in a way where you don’t hurt others
- Remembering when you have been hurt in the past, to make sure you don’t do the same to others
๐ค What are the benefits of practising?
- Our quality brings out the qualities of others
๐ What are we going to learn?
- Rajovada Jataka (#151)
Non Jealousy
- The ability to be happy about and rejoice in othersโ gains
๐งโโ๏ธ How can we practice it?
- Understand that jealousy makes our lives impure and non-jealousy is noble
- When others improve in material and spiritual gains, be happy for them
- Always be content with what you have and do not compare what you have with others
- Share what you have with others and try to be happy when others are benefited by your giving
๐ค What are the benefits of practising?
- Non-jealousy helps us abandon discontent and live a happy life with what we have
- The spiritual happiness in ones mind will not be affected by the external world
- We will be dear to our friends and they will trust us
๐ What are we going to learn?
- Chula kammavibhanga sutta(results of jealousy)
- Devadattaโs jealousy
- Yashodaraโs rejoicing
- Nanda Jataka (#39)
- Losaka Kataka (#41)
- Dummedha Jataka (#122)
Neutral (Equanimity)
- The ability to be tranquil and composed when we face ups and downs in life
๐งโโ๏ธ How can we practice it?
- Not jumping into emotional states immediately when problems occur.
- Not being overly elated when gaining things.
- Which doesn’t overly break you down when that thing is lost
- Not having huge aspirations for things that are unrealistic
๐ค What are the benefits of practising?
- One can always maintain a still mind in every situation
- The calmness helps us make better decisions
- Helps create the environment for other qualities
- Practicing โBrahma Viharanaโ leads to rebirth in heavenly worlds
๐ What are we going to learn?
- Nanda-mathaโs 7 qualities
- Bandula Seneviโs Wife
- Upekha Paramathi
Harmony
- The ability to keep the peace between the people we associate with through conflict
๐งโโ๏ธ How can we practice it?
- Not letting arguments hurt friendships
- Agreeing to unanimous decisions prudently
- Avoiding talking about topics that make certain people uncomfortable
- Not bringing up old issues once they are already finished
๐ค What are the benefits of practising?
- Maintains long-term friendships
- Creates the environment for self and group developments
- Creates trust between others
- Having a trustworthy group of people around you allows great development
๐ What are we going to learn?
- Nakula Jataka (#165)
Reverential Salutations
- Paying Respect to those who are worthy of reverential salutations like the Buddha and Sangha
๐งโโ๏ธ How can we practice it?
- Do Buddha vandana daily
- Understand the meaning of worshiping the Stupas, Bodhi trees, and Buddha images
- Worship your parents before leaving for shool
- Worship the Sangha by reciting the Okasa Vandami Bhante verse
๐ค What are the benefits of practising?
- N/A
๐ What are we going to learn?
- Cula kamma vibhanga sutta
- Kakantaka Jataka (#170)
- Tittira Jataka 37
Gratefulness
- Knowing and remembering the good that others have done for you (big or small)
- This quality is the foundation that opens to door to understanding the Dhamma
๐งโโ๏ธ How can we practice it?
- Saying Thank you or giving merit to every small thing that is done to you
- Knowing that you are forever in debt to your parents
- Not hurting those who have done good to you
- Being respectful to those who have taught us things (teachers, monks, etc)
๐ค What are the benefits of practising?
- N/A
๐ What are we going to learn?
- Silavimamsana Jataka (#86)
- 12 Akatannu Jataka (#90)
Non Selfishness
- The quality of thinking of others and working for the benefit of all instead of working for oneโs own benefit
๐งโโ๏ธ How can we practice it?
- Sharing what we own with those in need
- When we use public resources we should always think about the next person to use it
- When using a resource to satisfy our needs leaves another with a shortage, we should take only a little so that others will have enough
๐ค What are the benefits of practising?
- N/A
๐ What are we going to learn?
- Kuhaka Jataka (#89)
- Suvannahamsa Jataka (#136)
Concentration
- The ability to keep our mind focussed on a wholesome thought for a long period of time
๐งโโ๏ธ How can we practice it?
- Practice daily meditation
- Avoid things, people and situations that will disturb and distract your mind
- Reduce the use of smart phones, watching entertainment such as cartoons that will distract your minds
๐ค What are the benefits of practising?
- N/A
๐ What are we going to learn?
- N/A
Non Addiction
- The ability to let go of bad habits so that our minds will not be obsessed with continuing that habit
๐งโโ๏ธ How can we practice it?
- Understand the downsides of being addicted to a bad habit like wasting of time, money and energy etc.
๐ค What are the benefits of practising?
- You will be able to use your time, money and energy effectively
- The chance of associating with bad friends will be lessened
- You will be able to develop higher spiritual qualities
๐ What are we going to learn?
- 15 Sigala Jataka (#148)
Book Reading
- Reading Dhamma Books to enhance our knowledge on the Dhamma
๐งโโ๏ธ How can we practice it?
- N/A
๐ค What are the benefits of practising?
- N/A
๐ What are we going to learn?
- Mahilamukha Jataka (#26)
- Sakuna Jataka (#36)
Time Management
- Ability to do the right thing at the right time
๐งโโ๏ธ How can we practice it?
- Have a daily or a weekly schedule so that it will be easy to manage your day-to-day activities
- Plan your future and sort out your priorities
- Take advantage of rare opportunities being heedful
๐ค What are the benefits of practising?
- N/A
๐ What are we going to learn?
- N/A
Organization
- Organise your tasks and the environment you live in to avoid unwanted troubles
๐งโโ๏ธ How can we practice it?
- N/A
๐ค What are the benefits of practising?
- N/A
๐ What are we going to learn?
- N/A
Understanding dangers of demirt
- N/A
๐งโโ๏ธ How can we practice it?
- N/A
๐ค What are the benefits of practising?
- N/A
๐ What are we going to learn?
- N/A
Confidence in Buddha
- Having faith, trust and confidence in the Buddha and his dispensation by properly learning the Dhamma
๐งโโ๏ธ How can we practice it?
- Do Buddha Vandana daily
- Visit the monastery regularly
- Listen to Dhamma sermons
- Read and understand Suttas
๐ค What are the benefits of practising?
- Will help you to suppress your unwholsome thoughts
- Youโll be able to practice higher virtue and improve meditation
- You will be self encouraged to practice the Dhamma
๐ What are we going to learn?
- Buddhanussati
๐ซด Practicing Generosity
Sponsor a small snack for children to teach children generosity. Click the link below if you wish support.
๐งโโ๏ธ Guided Meditations
Loving Kindness Meditation | Guided Meditation
Buddhanussati: Verses of Recollection on the Buddha l Guided Meditation
โธ๏ธ Life of Buddha with English Subtitles
The Great Invitation | Part 1
The Birth of Prince Siddhartha | Part 2
Ascetic Asita’s Prediction | Part 3
The Naming Ceremony & Great Prophecy | Part 4
The Passing Away of Queen Maha Maya | Part 5
๐ชท Paritta Chanting (PDFs)
These are some of the paritta chants we do in class for you to download if you like:
- ๐ Karaniya Metta Sutta
- ๐ Mangala Sutta
- ๐ Paticcasamupada
- ๐ Mora Paritta
- ๐ Kandha Paritta
- ๐ Angulimala Paritta
Narasiha Gatha – The wonderful verses of praise for the Buddha that were recited by princess Yashodara, wonderfully recited by a young daughter from our English Dhamma School in both Pali & English at BMICH during our annual Katina Sermon event.
๐ฅ Sangha Dana and Datu Mandira Puja
๐ Other Programs
Online Kids Dhamma Program for the Middle East, UK, & North America
The program is conducted by venerable monks of Mahamevnawa Buddhist Monasteries.
๐
When: Every Sunday
โฑ๏ธ Time: 7:30 pm โ 9:05 pm (SL Time)
๐ง For: Children (above 7 years)
๐ค Medium: English
๐ฐ Cost: Free
๐ Meeting ID: 681 200 1000 | Password: merit
POSTPONED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE Saturday Online Dhamma Program for Children
The program is conducted by venerable monks of Mahamevnawa Buddhist Monasteries.
๐
When: Every Saturday
โฑ๏ธ Time: 3:00 pm โ 4:30 pm
๐ง For: Children (above 7 years)
๐ค Medium: English
๐ฐ Cost: Free
๐ Meeting ID: 681 200 1000 | Password: merit
๐ท Gallery
โFrequently Asked Questions
There are no books needed for class. All material will be provided. However, we do highly recommend a notebook dedicated for the kids program.
We also recommend that you have a copy of our Paritta Chanting Book.
You can join our WhatsApp Group to participate in the programs and receive the registration form or click the button below to register.
All of the programs at Colombo Dhamma Friends are offered free of charge. We are supported exclusively by donations.
- Gratitude to parents
- Important English Dhamma vocabulary such as contentment, renunciation, rebirth, detachment, gratitude, etc
- Meaning of vandana, pirit, and puja chanting
- Sila, Buddhist Ethics and precepts
- Meditation, including breathing, metta bhavana, and Buddhanussati among others
- Life of the Buddha
- Specific understanding of how suffering arises in life and solutions to overcome
- Real meaning of Buddhist holidays
- Lives of the great arahant disciples
- Advanced topics such as pancupadanakhanda, ayatana, paticcasamupada, dhatu, etc. in age appropriate fashion
- Books of Sutta Pitaka and organization
- History of Buddhism in Sri Lanka
We always receive positive feedback from parents regarding their children’s enthusiasm about attending our Kids Dhamma Program with CDF. The monks who teach the class have worked with kids for many years and know how to teach Dhamma to kids in a way that is both understandable and meaningful to their lives. If they understand and see how the Dhamma applies to their own lives, then they always want to learn more.
Our website is full of Dhamma material for kids that you can use to supplement their classwork. Especially see the Mirror of Dhamma Video Programme, the Monks in the Morning Podcast, and the Dhamma Kids Podcast. We also have some wonderful resources to download.
Yes, there is parking
๐ Kindly refrain from obstructing the resident entrances and driving lanes.
About Us
Mahamevnawa Buddhist Monastery has been holding English Dhamma programs for over ten years. Learn more about the history of Colombo Dhamma Friends, Mahamevnawa Buddhist Monastery, and our founder Ven. Kiribathgoda Gnanananda Thera.