Fourth Graders Visit Buddhist Temple

In fourth grade, as part of their study of ancient civilizations, including China, our boys learn about the history, beliefs, and traditions of Buddhism, Confucianism, and Daoism. 

Last week, the boys visited the Mahayana Buddhist Temple on Canal Street, where they were given a tour and brief history of the temple, including the altars, statues, and offerings. The students listened to a monk chant and ring a large traditional temple bell and then had the opportunity to ring the bell themselves.

Throughout the visit, students noted similarities and differences between a temple and other houses of worship, and reflected on how Buddhism teaches its followers to be good people, making many connections to other faiths, as well as to the universal Golden Rule.

In addition to its curricular connection to their study of ancient China, we believe that one way to deepen the boys’ religious literacy is to take them on site visits to various houses of worship and meet with their respective leaders. In this way, boys learn the history, rituals, and core beliefs of many traditions in addition to Christianity, including Judaism, Islam, Buddhism, and Hinduism, which deepens their understanding while cultivating good habits of mind for thinking about religions and religious practice.