Expert: Bodhicitta - 4/23/2006

Question
Hi,

I am a nursing student at Jacksonville University and we are doing a cultural presentation tomorrow on Buddhism for our Pediatrics class and we are having alot of trouble find information about Disciple, education, and well child care.  Is there any way that you could help provide some information?

Thank You,
Carmen
CMK1180@aol.com

Answer
Hi Carmen
Greetings to you in Jacksonville

Buddhism and Pediatrics huh - well thats a course with breadth.

Well here are a few things for you...

Buddhism is a path to awakening. The word Buddha itself means
Awake. Buddhism is 2500 years old - coming originally from India.But it has been successful in China, Japan, Thailan , South-East Asia in General and now North America and Europe.

According to Buddhism we are all Buddha's - we all have Buddha nature. We can rediscover that Buddha nature through
meditation and training ourselves in the right way.

So children are Buddha's as well as adults. Buddhist
believe our heartss, our nature is indestructible and
goes on forever beyond death.

The first level of training, the Hinayanaa is following the discipline of the five vows - or five sila. The five vows are:
- not to steal
- not to lie
- not to kill
- not to abuse others sexually
- not to take excess of alcohol.

As well as discipline the student practices meditation.

The second level of training- having achieved some basic
self-discipline is called the great way - Mahayana. The student then moves into the path of compassion . This
is how to work for the well fare of others. At this second
stage the student takes a vow to work endlessly from life
to life until all sentient beings are freed from rebirth.


Well anyways - that gives you something. If you have more
specific questions at any time please write back

I wish you well
Bodhicitta
http://www.bodhicitta.co.uk
bodhicitta@bodhicitta.co.uk

How do Buddhists look after children?