Children's Page

Following is a speech made my Thimla De Silva of Grade 3, Sunday Dhamma School, at its Prize Awarding Ceremony on 1st of June 2008
Today , we are so happy because all of us will get prizes for comleting another year at Dhama School. On the other hand, we are also sad because we do not have Dhamma School until next September. Howerver, we are so proud, not only for being students of Toronto MahaVihara Sunday School but also for having a great cahnce to be brought up in Singhaless Buddhist culture.
Do you knowwhy I said like thateÉ I believe our Singhalese Buddhist culture is one of the best culture in the world. I will give you a simple example. Last year, when I was in grade -2, I did a presentation about our Culture, Traditions and Celeberations. I said that there is no speacil day like Motherès Day or Fateherès Day in our culture. They asked in amazement WHATÉÉ ! Whole calss expect my teacher did not believe me. Then I explained them that not only one day but also all days of the year are Motherès Days and Fatherès Days for us. That is Buddhist culture. Lord Buddha taught us that noble and holy are the parents. So, we should love them, respect them, honour them and be obedient to them.
That is one of major differences between our culture and other cultures. Toronto Maha Vihara and its Sunday School trained us as good Buddhist children. We are greatful ot our Dhamma School teachers and monks for teaching and guiding us with Buddhist principles. We should also be thanful to our parents for giving us achance to learn Buddhism at this Dhamma School. We learnt a lot of Buddhism thid year and practiced some Buddhsit traditions.
I appeal to all of my friends to come to oru Dhamma School to be good Buddhists. Pass this message to your other friends too. Please do not be shy or fear to say our religion is Buddhism. Be pround of being a Buddhist.