The teachings of the Buddha is relevant not only for parents and adults, but also for the children, in that they can learn the virtues. The virtue of respect and the value of human life; respect for oneself, for others, and for the environment are essential for harmonious co-existence. The knowledge about Buddhism gives my child a lifelong learning experience that will guide her onto the right path of happiness and harmony. I believe that the teachings of Buddhism do not interfere with our religious beliefs. Instead, they guide us in cultivating the virtues necessary for harmonious human relationships.

My daughter has become more respectful and compassionate toward her sibling and other children. She could now be easily prodded to do things that needs to be done such as doing household chores. This kind of discipline is necessary for her to excel in school as well as in dealing with a lot of things in her chosen career in the future.

In our homes, we parents teach the values of respect, kindness, thankfulness, and sincerity; but we most often forget to teach the virtue of harmony. In the Bodhi Star Camp, being a parent and an Assistant Teacher, I was reminded of the importance of harmony.

We parents always push our children to be the best at everything, to fight and be competitive. We get mad or sad when they lose. We argue with other parents if their children fight with ours. It is only our own egos that we satisfy. I was reminded that my child is not just MY child, he is the child of the community, he is the child of our nation, and even the child of the earth. It is not important that our children be the best, they need to learn to be good persons who can live harmoniously and peacefully with others.

Thank you Ocean Sky for helping us be better parents to our children!