YAD Dharma Class – How to Introduce about Buddhism? I

March 4, 2006

What is the meaning of life? What happens after death? What is Buddhism and why should we follow under its teachings? These are some of the questions that we question whenever “Dharma Class” comes around. There are those that knew the answers to those questions, and there are those that didn’t.

Finally, after three months of vacation, the Youth Dharma Class has returned from its hibernation and returned at full speed, on a nice Saturday afternoon of March. There were new members amongst us and to make sure that everyone was starting at the same point, a lesson on the fundamental concepts of Buddhism was given.

The lesson was divided into four categories: the art and symbols of Buddhism, the existence of heaven and hell (the meaning of nirvana), the idea and refuge of Buddhism, and the meaning of Mahayana Buddhism. Although the topics themselves may sound a tad bit not as fun, but the four leaders of each group gave us an amusing and dynamic lecture/ discussion and no one was bored, not even our youngest member of 13. After all, who can say no to a contest over knowledge and chocolates?

The afternoon was spent in much laughter and amiable conversations; isn’t that the meaning of life: to learn and to enjoy what you have in its moments of simplicity? Does death matter if we are not suffering but instead having fun in the waters of happiness? Buddhism is the teaching of this concept of life and death: to realize suffering, understand it, and thus be free with happiness. We follow Buddhism because it grants us with a life away from suffering, and under the teachings of the Buddha, many more of these afternoons may yet to come.

Sandia Ma