Maha Bodhi

[Chill_Spider]

Hi, I am new to KP.


We are contemplating to send our elder girl to MBS. At the same time, we are Christians so there is some apprehension on potential conflicts that may arise (it could be due to my active imagination too).

I have seen previous threads on this topic being asked about back in July 2020.

Would like to ask current Christian parents with children attending MBS, how has the experience been so far?

Thanks,
Chill_Spider

[stitchgal]

@chill_spider: I hear your concern. Do you wanna share what are you worried about? It is a buddhist school after all and if you don't feel confident about how your child will flourish in the particular school, she is going to sense/feel it and may not enjoy school as much. It is advisable to enrol your child in a school you feel 100% about!

[Chill_Spider]

Hello Stitchgal


Didn’t see your post until now.

Probably my concern is how MBS may encourage non Buddhist students to participate in Buddhism related classes/ activities, or engage in Buddhist related talks during school assemblies

I personally doubt it but am not sure so just like to hear some perspectives.

What I do appreciate about MBS is the emphasis on Chinese learning and culture and my personal opinion of MBS being a better school, academic wise.


:censored:

stitchgal\" post_id=\"2101722\" time=\"1679209539\" user_id=\"142111:

@chill_spider: I hear your concern. Do you wanna share what are you worried about? It is a buddhist school after all and if you don't feel confident about how your child will flourish in the particular school, she is going to sense/feel it and may not enjoy school as much. It is advisable to enrol your child in a school you feel 100% about!

[ChiefKiasu]

Chill_Spider\" post_id=\"2106215\" time=\"1682162156\" user_id=\"201057:

Hello Stitchgal

Didn’t see your post until now.

Probably my concern is how MBS may encourage non Buddhist students to participate in Buddhism related classes/ activities, or engage in Buddhist related talks during school assemblies

I personally doubt it but am not sure so just like to hear some perspectives.

What I do appreciate about MBS is the emphasis on Chinese learning and culture and my personal opinion of MBS being a better school, academic wise.


:censored:

Not sure, but I've not heard any complaints about schools forcing students to be in the faith. I've been in St Andrew's for 10 years, and while I have seen many, many attempts at converting students: these attempts are rather on the low key and not coercive, and definitely less obtrusive than most of the churches I visit these days. Non believers are allowed to gather as a group for quiet reading during weekly chapel sessions.

I feel Buddhism may even be less obtrusive than Christianity, but let's hear from others here.

[Beyondd]

Hi anyone has any review on the marine parade maha bodhi after school care and the price range? Any school bus back to home after the end of the day? Thanks

[Chill_Spider]

Hi Chief Kiasu,


Thanks for comments, think this is good enough. Just want to be clear that denigrating any religion isn’t my intention. All these “concerns” may eventually be moot as we may not even secure a slot in the end.

ChiefKiasu\" post_id=\"2106293\" time=\"1682233883\" user_id=\"3:

Not sure, but I've not heard any complaints about schools forcing students to be in the faith. I've been in St Andrew's for 10 years, and while I have seen many, many attempts at converting students: these attempts are rather on the low key and not coercive, and definitely less obtrusive than most of the churches I visit these days. Non believers are allowed to gather as a group for quiet reading during weekly chapel sessions.

I feel Buddhism may even be less obtrusive than Christianity, but let's hear from others here.

[stitchgal]

Hi Chill_Spider,


Your concern and fear is very valid so I do understand where you are coming from, especially when it involves one’s belief system. I came to understand that the school’s values does base on buddhism teaching so character moulding (good values) is perhaps a big part of the school.

I have also heard say that during morning assembly, children will be doing buddhist chants on a daily basis. I’m bringing this out for your consideration.

[Chill_Spider]

Thanks Stitchgal. Appreciate that 😁

stitchgal\" post_id=\"2107928\" time=\"1683544143\" user_id=\"142111:

Hi Chill_Spider,

Your concern and fear is very valid so I do understand where you are coming from, especially when it involves one's belief system. I came to understand that the school's values does base on buddhism teaching so character moulding (good values) is perhaps a big part of the school.

I have also heard say that during morning assembly, children will be doing buddhist chants on a daily basis. I'm bringing this out for your consideration.

[eteely]

My kid is currently attending MBS. I can confirm that it indeed has a buddhist studies program. Parents have the choice to opt out of the program if they do not want their kids to attend (see screenshot from Parent Gateway below). Students whom opt out would then be attending life skills lessons instead, which I heard teaches very useful life skills.


I also know that the sch do not force the student to bow to Lord Buddha. For example, during orientation we bowed to Lord Buddha before Ven. Seck Kwang Phing gave his speech. Some non buddhist parents just stood still when this happened.

I personally feel the sch do not force buddhist practises upon non-buddhist students, which should be good news for parents who are worried.

However, MBS is buddhist sch after all, exposure to some religious elements would be unavoidable, so non buddhist parents should be more open minded if they want to send their kids to this sch. Afterall, all religions teach us to be a kind and good person. Just my personal opinion as this is a sensitive topic.



https://postimg.cc/jL41kZm8

[Chill_Spider]

Hello Eteely, thanks for the colour. I appreciate it.

Yes I agree for non-Buddhist families who may be considering MBS, have to accept some form of religious influence which is reasonable given the background. More like deciding what’s the comfort level.

eteely\" post_id=\"2108772\" time=\"1684203236\" user_id=\"194355:

My kid is currently attending MBS. I can confirm that it indeed has a buddhist studies program. Parents have the choice to opt out of the program if they do not want their kids to attend (see screenshot from Parent Gateway below). Students whom opt out would then be attending life skills lessons instead, which I heard teaches very useful life skills.

I also know that the sch do not force the student to bow to Lord Buddha. For example, during orientation we bowed to Lord Buddha before Ven. Seck Kwang Phing gave his speech. Some non buddhist parents just stood still when this happened.

I personally feel the sch do not force buddhist practises upon non-buddhist students, which should be good news for parents who are worried.

However, MBS is buddhist sch after all, exposure to some religious elements would be unavoidable, so non buddhist parents should be more open minded if they want to send their kids to this sch. Afterall, all religions teach us to be a kind and good person. Just my personal opinion as this is a sensitive topic.



https://postimg.cc/jL41kZm8