2026 Program Schedule
The Dhamma School convenes every other Sunday of each month from 9:00 AM to 11:15 AM. Instruction is led by Ms. Carey, our lead teacher, alongside the spiritual guidance of our incumbent monks and the support of dedicated volunteer instructors.
Together, we provide a nurturing environment for children to explore the Dhamma. For any inquiries, please direct your correspondence to abvdhammaschool@gmail.com.
| Date | Time | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Feb 22 | 9:00 am – 11:15 am | Dhamma Class |
| Mar 08 | 9:00 am – 11:15 am | Dhamma Class |
| Mar 29 | 9:00 am – 11:15 am | Dhamma Class |
| Apr 05 | 9:00 am – 11:15 am | Dhamma Class |
| Apr 26 | 9:00 am – 11:15 am | Dhamma Class |
| May 03 | 9:00 am – 11:15 am | Dhamma Class / Vesak Sil Program |
| May 17 | 9:00 am – 11:15 am | Dhamma Class / Vesak Sil Program |
| Aug 09 | 9:00 am – 11:15 am | Dhamma Class |
| Aug 23 | 9:00 am – 11:15 am | Dhamma Class |
| Sep 13 | 9:00 am – 11:15 am | Dhamma Class |
| Sep 27 | 9:00 am – 11:15 am | Dhamma Class |
| Oct 04 | 9:00 am – 11:15 am | Dhamma Class |
| Oct 18 | 9:00 am – 11:15 am | Dhamma Class |
| Nov 15 | 9:00 am – 11:15 am | Dhamma Class |
| Dec 06 | 9:00 am – 11:15 am | Dhamma Class |
Note: If your child needs to join via Zoom this Sunday, please email abvdhammaschool@gmail.com.
Sri Sumanajothi Dhamma School
Nurturing spiritual growth, cultural understanding, and a compassionate community at the Austin Buddhist Vihara.
Instruction is led by our lead teacher, Ms. Carey Dukes, alongside the spiritual guidance of our incumbent monks and a team of dedicated volunteer instructors. Together, this cooperative effort between the resident monastic community and devoted parents creates a nurturing environment for our young minds.
As our Lead Teacher since 2009, Ms. Carey has been a cornerstone of the Dhamma School, dedicated to nurturing each student’s spiritual growth, understanding, and inner tranquility.
Carey Hartin Dukes
Dhamma School Lead Teacher
What We Teach (Preschool – 8th Grade)
Our curriculum is carefully designed to provide an engaging and age-appropriate introduction to Theravada Buddhist principles. Through interactive lessons, students explore:
- Core Buddhist Principles: Understanding fundamental concepts like the Four Noble Truths, the Noble Eightfold Path, karma, and rebirth.
- The Life of the Buddha: Delving into the inspiring journey of Siddhartha Gautama, the historical Buddha, from his early life to his enlightenment.
- Jataka Tales: Learning ethical values and moral virtues through traditional stories that illustrate the Buddha’s past lives.
- Sri Lankan Cultural Heritage: Connecting with the heartland of Theravada Buddhism by exploring its vibrant traditions, customs, and significant cultural events.
Youth Leadership & Peer Mentorship
A distinctive feature of our Dhamma School is our commitment to fostering leadership.
Upon successful completion of the 8th-grade curriculum, our graduates are offered a unique opportunity to transition into the role of Teaching Assistants. This peer-mentorship model allows older students to:
- Serve as positive role models for younger children.
- Reinforce their own understanding of the Dhamma.
- Embody the values they have learned by taking on shared responsibility within our community.
Beyond the Classroom
Education at the Austin Buddhist Vihara extends well beyond traditional lessons. Our students actively engage in enriching activities that put Buddhist principles into practice:
- Vesak Commemorations: Students organize and perform in insightful plays and create artistic displays to celebrate the Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and passing.
- Cultural Presentations: A platform for youth to showcase their appreciation of Sri Lankan traditions through music, dance, and storytelling.
- Community Service: Practical initiatives that instill the importance of compassion, social responsibility, and interconnectedness in daily life.
Our History and Vision
The Sri Sumanajothi Dhamma School is a cornerstone of the Austin Buddhist Vihara’s outreach and educational efforts. It was lovingly established in 2007 under the vision of the late Venerable Sumanajothi Thero.
As the revered founder and former spiritual leader of the Vihara, his foresight in creating this school underscores his deep commitment to nurturing the spiritual and cultural understanding of the community’s youth. Today, the school’s foundation continues to rest on his vision and the dedication of our temple devotees.
