Expert: Joe McSorley - 5/24/2004

Question
Hi, I'm taking a class called diversity in education and am researching the buddism religion and its affects on school age children.  Particularly those that would be of elementary school age, around 5-12 and attending a public school.  What can you tell me about them?  What characteristics would they have in the classroom setting?  Thanks!

Answer
Dear Teressa,
  My focus is Zen Buddhism which is vastly different from the other sects in that it requires arduous introspection and practice.  It would be in appropriate for school age children for it requires a great maturity of self and self awareness.  The most common forms of Buddhism are Theravada and Pureland.  I imagine there are schools geared around these belief systems but I am not familar with them. You might be able to find something with a google search.  Zen is not a belief system.  I am sorry I cannot help you more.
   Joe