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External and Internal Causes
In July 2001, at New Hamlet during the summer retreat, a young girl shared her suffering of being mistreated by her teacher every day, while her classmates were only occasionally scolded. When the girl truly opened her heart to her parents, friends, or asked a close friend to intervene, her friends could help her see what in herself might have made the teacher angry. Through this, we learn the lesson of self-observation, sincere sharing, and finding a way to liberate ourselves from suffering. The example of Sister Chan Khong, who as a child was visited by her siblings, given cakes, and engaged in conversation that changed her teacher’s attitude, shows the power of deep listening and sharing.
To resolve conflicts in the classroom, teachers and students practice compassion together, transforming the classroom into a large family. Teachers do not use violent punishment but instead make use of gentle loving speech such as:
- gentle words
- a poem sent to the teacher
- a love letter sharing difficulties
Teachers need to connect with parents to deeply understand the suffering of their students, while at the same time practicing to transform their own suffering and violence. When both teachers and students have insight, the classroom becomes a healing environment, filled with love and nourishing to the soul.