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When Nikki Meyer eased into the dental chair, the 12-year-old had Buddhist meditation on her mind.
"Nikki used the meditation techniques she learned in class when she went to get her tooth filled. She said it really helped calm her down," her mother, Diane Meyer, said.
Nikki and her brother, Michael, 11, are among the children who attended the Introduction to Buddhism and Meditation for Children class at the Vajradakini Buddhist Center last week. The center is at 3501 N. MacArthur Blvd., Suite 417, in Irving.
Instead of soccer camp or swimming lessons, children spent five mornings at the center, learning about Buddhism.
"I've always had an interest in Buddhism, and I've always felt that meditation is powerful," said Mrs. Meyer, who attends Holy Family of Nazareth Catholic Church with her children. "I wanted them to have the tools of meditation available to them earlier than I did. I also wanted them to be introduced to another religion."
The class, open to ages 9 through 13, included meditation techniques, arts and crafts, teachings on love and compassion, and how to overcome anger and jealousy.
"We've been learning how to meditate and that it's important to control your anger and have patience," Michael said.
Nikki added: "We've learned about respect and respecting other people. I learned how mediation can calm and relax you. We've been learning about Buddha and how he was a prince."
Phil Roger, a Buddhist, and Gen Kelsang Sangye, a Western Buddhist monk and the center's teacher, instructed the class.
"This morning, we recited a mantra of compassion," Mr. Roger said.
The children also made prayer flags, carefully lettering their good wishes for the world on brightly colored felt.
"In Tibet, the flags are printed and hung as banners. It is thought that the wind takes the prayers to the Holy Realms," Mr. Roger said.
"My prayer flag says, 'May everyone live a happy life,'" said 9-year-old Ginger Lee Owens of Fort Worth. "My dad is Christian and my Mom is Buddhist, and I am both."
"We're not really interested in converting anyone to Buddhism. We just feel like the teachings of Buddha are beneficial to everyone," said Mr. Roger, who teaches art during at the Austin Academy for Excellence in Garland.
This is the first time the Vajradakini Buddhist Center has offered a summer camp-type class for children, Mr. Sangye said.
"I hope the children have a better
appreciation of their actions and how their actions affect other people,"
he said. This story also appears in the Irving Morning News.
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