INTRODUCTION

BISDS was formed at the Buddhist Maha Vihara in 1929 by the Sasana Abhiwurdhi Wardhana Society with 12 students studying under the temple's Bodhi tree.This is in keeping with the ancient tradition where learned monks acted as teachers in the temple This highly organized and modern school is run by a large band of dedicated volunteer teachers, who also organize many extra curricular activities both within and outside the Vihara. In 1961 the Malaysian Government provided five fully furnished classrooms within the temple grounds. Since 1974, the student enrolment has been steadily increasing. To cater for the increasing number, the old school building was demolished in 1989 to make way for a 3-storey multipurpose building. Today, the Institute has 20 classes catering for 1,300 students, a well-equipped library and a resource centre.

The classes, library and resource centre are located on the 1stand 2nd floor of the Wisma Dharma Cakra and are fully air-conditioned.

OBJECTIVES

• To provide students with a comprehensive Buddhist educationbased on the Pali Canon

• To motivate lay people to become Dhamma teachers by providing them with on-going training programmes

• To provide assistance to other Sunday Dhamma Schools.

GENERAL INFORMATION

SCHOOL TERM

1 st Semester - 7 Jan. 2007 - 27 May 2007
2nd Semester - 10 June 2007 - 18 Nov 2007

TIME TABLE

School hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. every Sunday unless announced otherwise.

REGISTRATION

Student registration is conducted twice a year. Our counter is open from 9:30 to 11:30 on the first two Sunday mornings of the 1st semester and 2nd Semester.

Admission is open to all non-Muslims and is free of charge.

CLASSES

Dhamma Classes conducted in English and Mandarin.

ORIENTATION STREAM (English)

MANDARIN STREAM

ADULT CLASSES

LIBRARY

Students are encouraged to borrow books.

Library hours : 9.00 am - 12.30 pm

ATTENDANCE

Students who are absent for 4 consecutive Sundays are required to re-register at the next registration exercise unless prior notice have been given.

PROMOTION

This is based on students' age and discretion of the School administration.

EXTERNAL EXAMINATIONS

Students are encouraged to sit for Y.M.B.A. Colombo Examination

(Sri Lanka) or the MBE (Malaysian Buddhist Examination).

ATTIRE

Students are required to wear the Sunday School T-shirt and name-tag .

RULES AND REGULATIONS

All students must abide by the Sunday School Rules and regulations.

OTHER ACTIVITIES

EXTRA CURRICULUM CLASSES

The School organises extra curriculum classes to develop staff and students skills.

The School also organises Buddhist oriented activities to enhance religious education like Wesak Day celebration and welfare activities.

TEACHERS & STAFF RECRUITMENT

All Buddhist devotees including parents/guardians are urged to come forward to contribute voluntary services at the Sunday Dhamma School as administrative/teaching staff. Kindly give your name, address and contact telephone number to the BISDS Registrar/Recruitment Head.

Training will be provided.