Dharma Rain - Dharma School Manual
Dharma
School Manual
History and Development
Making Dharma School a Priority
The DRZC dharma school program is in no sense a day-care setting for kids
whose parents want time to practice. While the dharma school may indeed give
parents some valuable time to practice with adults, it exists for the sake
of the children and youth who are considered just as much a part of the sangha
as their parents.
Since its beginning, the dharma school has been given a high priority when
considering how to use sangha resources. A significant number of adult volunteers
are absent
from the adult program on dharma school days. Schedules and temple responsibilities
have to be rearranged to accommodate dharma school activities. During one ceremony
in December, the kids get use of the “big zendo” where adults would
usually be attending dharma talk; the adults have to use the classroom downstairs.
Once
a year, during dharma camp, the Zen Center is left with a skeleton crew while
most of the monks and residents help staff the camp, which is held out
of town.
Also significant is the Center’s financial commitment to supporting the
dharma school program. In 2000, the sangha purchased a second house (our third
building), largely because we needed more space for dharma school. Recently,
we sold that house and bought one that is closer and larger — at least
in part because it would serve dharma school needs better. Whenever we envision
the long-term future of the Zen Center, dharma school figures prominently.
After all, it is one of our most popular programs: in 2004-05, there were 60
kids involved
in the dharma school, ages 3 to 18.
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