Children's Life Education in Malaysia (B):
Kindness Class -The Beautiful Forest

On August 25, the Dharma Drum Mountain Buddhist Centre Malaysia Children’s Life Education Kindness Class organized an outdoor activity for 16 children; these children were excited about going to the forest.

The teachers first issued Bukit Gasing’s “Forest Passport”, to explain the four ways of visiting a forest, namely “Look with your eyes, listen with your ears, smell with your nose, and touch with your hands and feet”. The children were reminded to keep noble silence, be light-footed, stay with the team, and to mind the small animals.

Upon arrival, the teachers led everyone to practice the last two forms of the “eight-form moving meditation” as warm up. The children were then told that they have to go barefoot into the forest; some naturally took off their shoes while others hesitated before removing the shoes reluctantly.

Silence was maintained along the trail; it was as if the children were in harmony with nature. Occasionally, there were crisp bird songs, insect hums, with grass and leaves swaying with the gentle breeze, and occasional sunlight warming the forest stage below. Tiny feet slid through the rustling leaves, feeling the alternating warm and cool earth, that are occasionally smooth and coarse. Beneath sporadic grumbles of these children was the courage to overcome challenges of this journey. Everyone admired the scenery along the way, with a plethora of interesting flora and fauna; it was altogether a happy experience.

Under the leadership of the teachers, the children began their treasure hunt, picking up garbage that does not belong to the forest. Their seriousness and dedication to the task won many praises from hikers on the trail. Upon return to the Retreat Center, they had a relaxing rest on the floor, stretching out like a starfish on the ocean bed, solidifying their experience with Mother Nature.

After this close contact with the beautiful forest, the children were encouraged to invite their family to a similar trip to experience the feeling of walking barefoot on an earthly trail. May the children and their families cultivate compassion for all sentient beings in the universe and protect the beautiful forest land earnestly.

Texts: Chen, Qiu-Yi(陳秋儀)
Photos:Yang, Pei-Fu (楊培福)
Translation: Chang, Cheng-Yu (張振郁)
Editing: Leefah Thong, DDM Editorial Team