The Syllabus Strategy of the Westend Dhamma School

The Strategy heavily relies on the very method of “Anupubba Desana” or “Gradual Preaching” employed by Lord Buddha himself in expounding Dhamma. This graduated system necessarily includes:

Saddha (Appreciation of goodness) – Step One – Age 4-6

Saddha (Appreciation of goodness ) – Step Two – Age 7-9

Sila (Self-Control) - Step Three – Age 10-12

Samadhi (Calm & Purity) – Step Four – Age 13-15

Panna (Wisdom) – Step Five – Age 15-17

Students are taught to familiarize themselves with the life and times of Buddha and His Dhamma at all levels (steps). Each course is designed to suit the appropriate level (step) which are five in number. In addition, stories of Bhikkhus and Bhikkhunis (Monks and Nuns) and Lay Devotees, Chanting of veneration to Buddha, Chants of Pirith (Blessings), ‘Thera and Theri Gatha’ (Poems by BhikkhusBhikkhunis), ‘Jayamangala Gatha’ (Stanzas of Great Victory), Meditation are also included. Every efforts is made to make the time spent at the Daham Pasala a pleasant experience for each child with a variety of exercises and activities such as, Sil-Campaigns, Bhakti Gee, Buddhist Dramas, Slides and Videos on Buddhist themes and structures and informal discussions etc.

Symbols Denoting Steps

Flowers symbolic of human and divine qualities exemplified in Buddhist literature recur in numerous books on Buddhism and have been chosen to represent each level. Flowers in general are also a common offering made to Lord Buddha.

Step One – SAL – Step One is symbolized by the Sal Flower. It denotes Saddha. Of significance is the fact that, Buddha was born in a Sal grove, according to tradition and died at the foot of a Sal tree. Sal flower exudes a pleasant fragrance and is lovely to look at. It reminds the pre-schoolers of Prince Siddhattha as a baby.

Step Two – UPUL – Blue water lily also denotes Saddha. Buddhist literature is full of references to this beautiful flower, which belongs to the Lotus – lily family of flowers. It is Sri Lanka’s national flower. Its root is known for its healing properties according to Sri Lanka’s native medicine system.

Step Three – NA MAL – “Na” flower denotes Sila (Self-control) and reminds of people established in Sila. Its colour is white and full of fragrance. Tradition has it that the future Maithree Buddha will be enlightened under a Na flower tree.

Step Four – SAMAN – ‘Saman’ flower denotes Samadhi (Calm & Purity). It is a lovely bloom full of great fragrance. In Buddhist literature, men and gods have made Saman flower great by using it to pay homage to Buddha. Such instances are well recorded. Its medicinal properties are many. It is specially effective as a soother to the eye. It is an appropriate choice to denote Samadhi.

Step Five – NELUM – ‘Nelum’ or Lotus flower denotes ‘Panna’ (Wisdom). Lotus flower grows in the mud to rise above the surface of water to bloom. Still untouched by water, the Lotus stands as a symbol of Purity and detachment. A true representation of Wisdom.