VietNamNet Bridge – The children in Lai Thuong commune of Thach That District in Hanoi prefer going to the Hung Son Pagoda, where they take extra lessons, to going out at weekend.
Parents were pleased when they heard that the monks at the pagoda decided to open classes for students from first to eighth grades.
Nguyen Thi Dinh in Phu Thu Hamlet said she decided to send all her grandchildren to the class at the pagoda, where they not only can review their school lessons in the fresh air, but can learn human behaviors and Buddhist catechism, which she believes will be very useful for their future.
“The pagoda is very peaceful, which is really a suitable place for children to learn the teachings of Buddhism to become useful and good citizens in society,” she said.
Khuat Van Quang, a sixth grader, said he and his nephew, a third grader, go to the pagoda every weekend. “We take science and morality lessons here. It is really wonderful,” Quang said.
This is the first class opened by the Hung Son Pagoda for the local children. It has gathered 30 students so far, including disabled ones.
“We keep the door wide-open to all children. Disabled students can also attend the class to integrate into the community,” said Monk Thich Dam Gioi of Hung Son Pagoda.
She said the class was opened to help students consolidate their knowledge and help them stay away from social evils, encourage them to act of charity and become brave in their lives.
The idea of opening such a class has been applauded by local residents.
When reporters came to visit the pagoda, they could see many students, though the lessons were about to start after half an hour.
Khuat Thi Ha, a helper at the pagoda, said the children were eager to learn and they usually go to class very early.
“The lesson begins at 8 am, but many of the students come here at 6 am,” she said. “They review their lessons and play in groups while waiting for the teachers to come.”
““The teachers are all volunteers who don’t work for money,” Ha said.
“They are teachers or civil servants working for the schools and agencies in Hanoi. And they travel long distances to the pagoda every weekend to teach students,” she explained.
Monk Thich Dam Gioi is also a teacher of the class, who gives lessons about the Buddhist catechism. Her students are not only small children, but also parents and grandparents, who come to hear the teachings of Buddhism, recite prayers and pray for peace.
Khuat Thanh Tung, an English teacher of the class, said he was happy about teaching English to the local students.
“I want to help them review knowledge they receive at school and teach them how to live well,” he said.
Tin Tuc