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
Ashoka Grants Due
August 15
This program identifies and supports organizations and individuals working to increase Dharma activity around the world. Have you written a Buddhist short story for kids? We’d like to read it. Do you have a proposal for research on a Buddhist topic, a Buddhist television program, or some other activity? Tell us why your idea would help the Dharma flourish. Applications are open until August 15.
Learn more here.
Resources
VIDEO: Geography—What is it for?
This short animated video helps explain the importance of inquisitiveness and the interconnectedness of humans and the environment.HANDOUT: Motivation Prayer
This is a simple motivation prayer designed as a printable card. Print and give to students to recite at the... Read MoreACTIVITY: Art-Making—Prayer Flags
A DIY project to make your own Tibetan prayer flags.LESSON: 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: Learning the 7-Point Posture
A guide to teaching children the 7-point posture of Vairochana, complete with some fun games to help them remember.LINK: Take a Harvard Buddhism Course Online for Free
"Buddhism Through Its Scriptures" is a 4-week course offered by Harvard University and edX, and is open to all.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.ARTICLE: Panyaden School’s 12 Wise Habits
The guiding principles of Panyaden International School are represented by these 12 Wise Habits. Read them here or download a copy to put up as a friendly reminder.ARTICLE: Alaya’s Principles of Practice
The Principles of Practice provide a direction and purpose to our work at Alaya Preschool, and perhaps even to our lives altogether.LESSON: Bubble Meditation
A fun and simple meditation using blowing bubbles.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.
Articles
ARTICLE: A new model for family-centered dharma communities
Sumi Loundon Kim presents criteria for dharma programs that support both parents and children.
Buddhist Education In the News
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The Education Minister of the Central Tibetan Administration (CTA) opened a two-day workshop for teachers of the Weekend School for Tibetan children in the New York and New Jersey area.
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Breaking away from more traditional math, science and language classes, the new happiness curriculum aims to impart emotional intelligence through meditation, storytelling and activities in which the focus is on students' emotional and mental needs.
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A Portland State University professor has won a $3.3 million federal grant to measure whether a mindfulness program backed by actress Goldie Hawn works to get preschoolers ready for kindergarten.
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Dawn DeCosta, Thurgood Marshall Academy Lower School’s principal has for the past four years taught students, teachers, and parents in her school’s community how to solve conflict constructively through the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence’s RULER program — a social-emotional learning program that brings together many of the tools that she learned at Columbia.
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The boys’ coach lived in a Buddhist monastery for a decade and taught them to meditate in the cave.
Books
BOOKS: Wide Awake
Wide Awake is a clear and direct introductory guide to Buddhism, written for teens and young adults.
Videos
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: Just Breathe
This sweet video by Mindful Schools demonstrates the power of mindfulness for working with difficult emotions, as explained by kindergarten students at the Citizens of the World Charter School, in Mar Vista, CA.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.
