UBC organises 2024 Annual Peace Training Camp
Our commitment to nurturing ethical values and fostering a culture of peace among young minds has led us to initiate an annual peace training program. The program aims to equip young participants with the tools they need to become ambassadors of peace in their communities by instilling in them values of compassion, peace and ethical conduct.
Prior to the commencement of the program, we engaged in fruitful discussions with parents of the Buddhist Peace School, garnering their support and securing consent for their children’s temporary ordination as novice monks and nuns. Their overwhelming approval reflected a shared commitment to the program’s objectives.
Initially slated for a two-week duration, the camp’s overwhelming response led us to streamline it to a focused, intensive 7-day period. On March 27, 2024, we registered 27 boys and 33 girls at the temple, where they were warmly welcomed and assigned their accommodations for the duration of the program.
The solemnity of the occasion peaked on Thursday afternoon when all participants, under the guidance of four senior monks led by Bhante Osadha and Bhante Buddharakkhita, received ordination. This significant step marked their commitment to a journey of self-discovery and ethical growth.
The following morning, the novices, now adorned in their robes, went for a traditional alms-round (pindapata) in nearby villages. This profound experience not only allowed the novices to practice humility and gratitude but also served as a bridge between the monastic community and the local population. Though some community members expressed regret at not being informed earlier, this alms-round was a rare opportunity for mutual understanding and connection in the community.
Throughout their stay at the temple, participants engaged in a comprehensive curriculum encompassing ten key areas: cleanliness, orderliness, punctuality, obedience, generosity, mindfulness, service, moral conduct, gratitude, and compassion along with their secular education curriculum. Mindfulness games were integrated into the program, offering practical tools for participants to incorporate mindfulness into their daily lives.
The generosity of Bhante Osadha, who donated scholastic items to the participants, symbolizes a profound sense of gratitude and compassion towards the participants. This gesture not only reinforces the importance of generosity but also underscores the supportive environment cultivated within the camp.
As the program came to conclusion on April 4, 2024, participants undergone evaluations, with emphasis placed on their embodiment of the ten core values. Outstanding performers were recognized and rewarded, demonstrating their dedication and exemplary behavior.
Participants emerged not only with a deeper understanding of ethical principles but also with a heightened sense of compassion, mindfulness, and commitment to peace. As these young ambassadors returned to their communities, we hope they carried with them the seeds of positive change, poised to inspire and uplift those around them.
