Dharma School restarted in-person Sunday April 3, 2022. Registration is closed.
Through stories and songs, art projects and games, discussions and ritual, children in our Dharma School are offered opportunities to deepen their understanding of themselves, the teachings of Buddhism, and the practice of the Dharma in their daily lives. We strive to navigate a Middle Way between a sense of the sacred, mysterious, and ceremonial, and the light-hearted songs-and-games. Through stories and songs, art projects and games, discussions and ritual, children in our Dharma School are offered opportunities to deepen their understanding of themselves, the teachings of Buddhism, and the practice of the Dharma in their daily lives. We strive to navigate a Middle Way between a sense of the sacred, mysterious, and ceremonial, and the light-hearted songs-and-games side of life. The children learn to use tools to tackle the deeper questions, and have a good time doing it.
Dharma School is for children and young people ages 12-18 who are interested in Buddhism or who come from Buddhist homes. In addition, We are offering a special group starting in Spring 2022 – Dharma Garden Family Gatherings at the Playground, which is 100% drop in for families/guardians with youth 12 years of age and younger. Those gatherings will take place at the playground and will be unstructured with an emphasis on connection and play. Enjoy time to chat with other parents, hang out with other families, and spend time with your children in the beautiful nature surrounding Dharma Rain. While there is no registration for this program, we do wish to gauge interest. If you can see yourself attending, please fill out this form.
We do not require that either the family or the child identify as Buddhist, much less as a Soto Zen Buddhist. Some Dharma School students have no affiliation with Dharma Rain Zen Center outside of Dharma School. Acknowledging the validity of the spiritual path that their parents are on is an important part of supporting these children. We do ask that children have parental consent, that they are interested in Buddhism, and are willing to participate fully. Parents who are interested in Buddhism are encouraged to participate in Dharma Rain adult programs.
SUGGESTED FEES ARE $50 PER CHILD. Class runs on Sundays from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm. Class will be taking place in-person at the barn with open doors, adjacent to the outdoors in a well-ventilated space. Dharma school is open to children at least 12 years of age, (or 6th grade through high school.)
Our students are divided into two groups for 2021-22
Spruce: Middle school
Doug Fir: High school
The 2021-22 Theme Is The Six Paramitas