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Our elementary educations are dictated by extensive curricula and standards determined by the government. By the end of each grade a child should have a certain mastery in mathematics, reading comprehension, and writing. Standardized tests are used to measure abilities. Some kids move on, others receive additional help, and yet others are held back. Schooling can be very stressful.<\/p>\n
While in Myanmar, I wondered what classes were like for monks. Surely some students were more capable than others. Were they tested on material? Were they rewarded or punished accordingly. What were parent-teacher conferences like? Did they also play hopscotch during breaks?<\/p>\n
While there may be overlapping in methods of relating information to young students, the goals between a typical education and a monastery’s education are much different. One is building skills to be applied in a professional sense with the primary goal of building a lucrative career. The other is trying to build a heightened spirituality. But in both I would imagine passion and grit are the paths to success.<\/p>\n
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