Buddhist Wisdom • Modern Education
Welcome
Welcome! This website offers a database of course materials, articles, and other resources to engage young people in the Buddha’s view of wisdom and compassion, brought to you by our global network of schools, educators, and organizations, and provided here for free. Become a member for full access to our database and to upload resources.
About us
Middle Way Education (MWE) is a not-for-profit organization established in 2017, guided by the vision of Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche and other masters from various Buddhist traditions. Our mission is to build a comprehensive model for Buddhist education, creating pathways for traditional Buddhist wisdom and knowledge to enhance modern education for the benefit of this and future generations.
Featured Event
Youth & Family Program: San Francisco Zen Center
Winter Solstice Celebration
December 2, 2018
On the first Sunday of the month, the San Francisco Zen Center holds a special program for families. This begins at 9:45 am with a quiet song circle outside the zendo. At 10:00 am, the group enters the zendo together where the lecturer will address the children. Then families proceed into activities including farm projects, mindfulness, movement, and ritual. The theme for December 2 is celebrating the winter solstice.
Learn more here.
Resources
EDUCATOR RESOURCE: Lesson Template—Know, Understand, Do
To create a lesson plan, a great way to start is with a strong outline. This template is structured around three major categories: Know, Understand, and Do.ARTICLE: Sally Devorsine’s “Now I Know” Storybooks Offer Sage Advice for Kids
A glimpse behind the scenes of a beautiful series of Buddhist children's books, each based on one of the Eight Verses of Mind Training written by the 11th century Tibetan Buddhist master Langri Thangpa.HOME: Everyday Dharma: 4 Real Life Lessons for Little Kids
A few ways to bring Buddhism into the daily lives of your kids—including, yes, with ice cream!EDUCATOR RESOURCE: Guidelines for Program, Curriculum, and Environment
Looking at the foundations for program development at Alaya Preschool, from curriculum to classroom environment and teaching approach.HANDOUT: Motivation Prayer
This is a simple motivation prayer designed as a printable card. Print and give to students to recite at the... Read MoreLESSON: Watching the Breath
A guided meditation using the breath as an anchor, plus classroom reflection and a nifty handout.ARTICLE: Finding the Balance Between Judgment and Boundaries
When we feel the urge to cast judgment on others—whether a child, a parent, or someone else in our community—instead of turning inward to protect ourselves, we can open up to those around us.BOOKS: MWE’s Recommended Reading for Educators and Parents
A list of Middle Way Education's recommended reading for educators and parents.LESSON: International Dunhuang Project’s Buddhism Education Pack
This 9-part worksheet set from the International Dunhuang Project introduces basic Buddhist concepts and history to the classroom using source material from the British Library and other institutions.ARTICLE: Middle Way School’s Dharma Fundamentals
An outline of the dharma fundamentals taught at Middle Way School.WORKSHEET: The Basic Tenets of Buddhism
The fourth worksheet of a 9-part Buddhism Education Pack, drawing in the history of The Silk Road to teach about Buddhist history and culture. This worksheet covers the basic tenets of Buddhism.LESSON: Impermanence
A lesson plan for teaching children about the truth of impermanence.LESSON: Pebble Meditation from Thich Nhat Hanh
A brief meditation with pebbles by Thich Nhat Hanh.
Articles
ARTICLE: Jon Kabat-Zinn On Mindful Parenting
A Q&A with Jon Kabat-Zinn on mindfulness and navigating life as a parent.
Buddhist Education In the News
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As most of us have witnessed, children are inclined to copy the behavior of their parents. Insert wince! So why not be a positive influence by starting them on a meditation journey? It can be as simple as leading by example.
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Ministry of Culture, BTI Branch, Government of India, has invited applications for financial assistance for the preservation and development of Buddhist/Tibetan Culture and Art.
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Buddhistdoor Global recently sat down with Dr. Lopez, one of the leading scholars of Buddhism in the United States, to learn about his views on the state of the field of Buddhist studies and his thoughts on the future.
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Kal Koerber, who survived the Parkland School Shooting in February, started the Societal Reform Corporation, a nonprofit organization aimed at improving mental health education in schools and helping students take control of their own lives.
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Matthew Sacchet ’10, a postdoctoral scholar from Stanford University, delivered a lecture at the School of Public Health on “personalized mindfulness practices,” according to the event description.
Books
BOOKS: MWE’s Recommended Reading for Kids
Middle Way Education shares its list of recommended reading for kids.
Videos
VIDEO: Compassion & Life Release
Discussing compassion and putting it into action with children during Dzigar Kongtrul Rinpoche.VIDEO: Play’s the thing, says Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche
Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche addresses a group of kids. Watch the video and read the transcript here.VIDEO: Watching the Breath with Mingyur Rinpoche
A short talk by Mingyur Rinpoche on how to meditate on the breath.VIDEO: How to Understand the Mind
Kyabgön Phakchok Rinpoche, talks with Bodhi Kids founder Maya van der Meer about how to explain the mind to an 8-year-old child.VIDEO: Khandro Rinpoche on Guiding The Next Generation
Khandro Rinpoche gives advice to parents and any adult guiding children in developing discriminating wisdom.VIDEO: Geography—What is it for?
This short animated video helps explain the importance of inquisitiveness and the interconnectedness of humans and the environment.VIDEO: Plum Village Pebble Meditation
Thich Nhat Hanh’s beautiful meditation for all ages, reminds us of our flower freshness, mountain solidity, water reflective clarity and spacious freedom.VIDEO: Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche’s Opening Message for the Middle Way School
An opening message for teachers, parents, and students at the Middle Way School, sent from Nepal by Dzongsar Jamyang Khyentse Rinpoche.
