Predominantly Buddhist Thailand may be nurturing a generation of little Buddhas thanks to a boom in parents and educators introducing meditation to youngsters.

The aim is to help youth build inner strength and be better able to cope with life in the future.

"We've been teaching meditation to school children in Yasothon for five years, and the results are immeasurable," says Samarn Sirisaeng, a retired education inspector who takes his inspiration from the teachings of Satya Narayan Goenka.

The birth centenary of the late Buddhadasa Bhikkhu is coinciding with a rise in the number of people embracing anapanasati bhavana - meditation based on mindfulness - and youngsters are being eagerly included.

In Bangkok, Sathira Dhammasathan and Wat Cholaprathan Rangsarit have long followed the venerable monk's teachings, and other well-established centres that have previously focused on adults are also now welcoming children.

Mindful breathing is the stepping stone to insight meditation (vipassana bhavana), in which the components of life are seen for what they truly are. Novices are taught at the outset to simply observe their inhalations and exhalations.

"The technique is a way of reaching and understanding everything that has to do with suffering and the way to control it," Buddhadasa taught.

 Adults practising anapanasati learn the law of impermanence. Children are shown how to make breathing a bridge to self-awareness and a balanced mind and body.

"We don't need to consult a psychiatrist if we know our own mind," says Australian Jeffrey Oliver, who teaches at the Dhammodaya Meditation Centre.

"Meditation helps you to know yourself in the present moment. It first develops your concentration, then brings wisdom. And with the wisdom comes happiness."

As with other fields of knowledge, it's better to begin teaching children early.

The problem is that it's not easy persuading them to attend classes, and no meditation centre will accept a practitioner who is attending against his will.

The task of convincing youngsters falls to their parents.

"Most parents are aware of the benefits and want their children to learn," says Petcharee Promchuay, who teaches youngsters at the Dhammathani Meditation Centre. "If so, they should take the course first, so they understand the principles and can explain everything to their children."

Dhammathani offers courses for groups of schoolchildren, but only if their teacher first completes 10 days' training. Individual children are not admitted.

Before each session at Dhammathani, the youngsters observe the Noble Silence and the Five Precepts.

They then learn the basics of anapanasati in sessions lasting no more than 10 minutes. It's not easy at first, and can bore young minds.

"They have a break or listen to a story between sittings," Petcharee says. "In the afternoon they can draw what they experienced while they were meditating."

When the children are struggling with the techniques, they're encouraged to think about how their mind is working.

If a negative emotion arises, they should be able to detect it and deal with it.

"Of course the instruction doesn't help much if the children don't practise at home too," Petcharee says. "Our duty is just to plant the seed - it's up to the parents to cultivate it.

 "The root cause of many of life's problems is a weak mind," she points out. "If parents want to see their children able to deal with the hazards of growing up - like drugs - they should help them develop an inner strength now."

A Kasetsart University senior who learned to meditate at Wat Panittaram, while declining to give his name, is enthusiastic about the experience. He continues to help out at the meditation sessions.

"It was really difficult at first because I wasn't allowed to talk," he says. "Like any teenager, I was restless, but luckily I didn't quit. This is a great way to discover the essence of Buddhism.

"To always have sati [awareness] is very important - it helps you deal calmly with different circumstances. I also keeps you more focused when you're studying."

Parents can always take their children to a temple for some coaching in meditation as well.

At Sathira Thammasathan, Mae Chee Sansanee is willing to give young people special attention.

"Please come forward!" she says. "Children are special to me. I always want to see dhamma blossom in their hearts."

Stressing the importance of the child-friendly approach, Sansanee says the instruction should be fun. She's recently tried to integrate art into her lessons on meditation.

"Don't deprive them of some kwam sanook [fun]," she says, quoting Buddhadasa. "We have to find a way to let them know that breathing is their friend."

Echoing her views is Luang Por Panya of Wat Cholaprathan, who notes that children have a natural desire to explore, and teaching them meditation early on will be a blessing for life.

Duangporn Bodart

The Nation