Anapana course reveals tranquility to kids
Youthapong Charoenpan
Petcharee Promchuay, the popular host of television Channel 3's Dhamma Nai Jai ('Dhamma by Heart') is also very active away from the studio set, although in quite the 'non-active' manner - she makes time to teach Anapana meditation at Dhammathani. Youthapong Charoenpan asked Petcharee to explain more about the course and its content.
Youthapong Chareonpan (YC): Could you please tell our readers a bit more about Anapana and the courses you're involved in running?
Petcharee Promchuay (PP): Sure. The Anapana meditation course follows the form taught by Indian master Satya Narayan Goenka. He teaches Vipassana meditation, and Anapana is the first step in the practice of Vipassana meditation.
Vipassana means 'to see things as they really are', and it is thought that the ideal time to begin the first steps of mental training is during childhood. Anapana really means the observation of natural, normal respiration (breathing), as the person meditating inhales and exhales.
YC: How does a meditation course designed for children differ from one designed for adults?
PP: To be honest, it's no different really. That's because the observation of breathing is an ideal focus for meditation since it's always available, it's non-sectarian, and it's natural. It's also a truth pertaining to the self and is closely linked to the mind. In this sense, Anapana differs from some techniques that are based on the artificial regulation of the breathing process. There are no rites, no rituals, nor age limits when it comes to the practice of Anapana.
YC: What format does the children's Anapana meditation course at Dhammathani take?
PP: It's aimed at children aged 9-17, but we divide them into two sub-groups so there's a course for children aged 9-13 and another one for children aged 14-17.
We run the course once every eight weeks. The next one will start in the middle of next month (September) for children from the older group (14-17). I'll be taking this alone and we are expecting over 100 children to participate. Usually we have two qualified teachers for such a large group.
YC: Can you tell us a bit more about how the course takes shape?
PP: Certainly. The whole program is conducted by using audio and videotapes featuring Master Goenka, who reintroduced the techniques in India and many other countries.
The course is divided into small sessions lasting for about 30-40 minutes, which include both practice and an effort to help the child understand the theory. We also use games and other creative activities. The majority of the time, however, is given over to practice.
YC: When I've been involved in helping children learn how to meditate, I've found it hard to get them to focus on their breathing ...
PP: It's quite hard but it's possible to do this. Focus their attention on inhaling and exhaling naturally. Let them breathe in, breathe out, then breath in again. Have them sit still and relax with their eyes closed. While they meditate, I meditate with them. I find this stimulates their curiosity and interest in the practice.
YC: Basically, when practicing Anapana meditation, you're not supposed to think about anything. What happens if the child starts thinking about something?
PP: Many children can't help but think about things, but isn't that the case for adults, too? During the course, I let them know that it's not a crime to think. At least they are aware that they're thinking about something, but the point is that once they realize they're thinking about something, they need to try and refocus again on their breathing.
YC: Do you think children attend the course through their own free will or are they forced to attend?
PP: I can't deny that most of the children are probably forced to attend by their parents rather than being motivated on a personal level. However, I make it clear that those who may have been persuaded to join us that they can leave if they want to. Here we believe that children have the right to choose what they want to learn right from the start.
YC: How do you think the children who attend your courses benefit from participating?
PP: Firstly, we need everyone to understand that the process of breathing cannot lie. As well as helping children to remain calm and concentrate, Anapana also helps them to understand themselves in greater depth and gives them an insight into their own minds. They develop an inner strength that can help them choose correct and appropriate actions over bad ones, and to be in control – the 'masters of their own minds' so to speak.
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YC: It certainly does sound very useful.
PP: Yes, I think so. Meditation can also be very useful when children are studying. It can help them concentrate better. It also provides a form of relaxation, can enhance their mental agility, and also help them to be able to absorb a large quantity of information.
YC: Do you think that everyone who participates gets the maximum benefit from the course?
PP: I wouldn't dare to suggest that, but I believe that if a course starts out in the right way, by the end it can be wonderful.
YC: How would you describe the success of the course and have the courses attracted a lot of publicity?
PP: Since I'm a host on Dhamma Nai Jai, many parents have become interested in their children attending a course. Even if a child has been forced to attend, they may still find that once they start taking part they find it relaxing so it can be considered a success so long as the child intends to continue practicing meditation.
YC: Thank you very much for your time and good luck with the course!
PP: Not at all, and thank you.
Author's note: Many experts believe that the difference between success and failure is the ability to concentrate. Most of the meditation practice carried out during the course can be said to help a child to learn to concentrate naturally and spontaneously.
About the courses
Anapana meditation courses for children are held regularly at the Dhammathai Center (+66 [0]2 993 2711), which is located at 42/660, K.C. Garden Home Village on Nimitmai Road, Samwatawan, Klong Samwa in Bangkok. There is no course fee, although voluntary contributions are welcomed.
Children aged 9-17 are welcome to attend – as noted previously, these age groups are sub-divided into 9-13 and 14-17. Children must remain on the premises for the duration of the course (8 am-3 pm).
To benefit fully from the technique, children should continue with their meditation practice after the course finishes, too. It's recommended that children get the chance to practice Anapana for about 10-15 minutes a day. Parents can help by also participating in the practice sessions. |
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