A Holistic Approach to Education
Vision, Mission and Values
I consider education to be an instrument. Whether that instrument is used rightly or wrongly depends on our basic human motivation.
Our school emphasises teaching the noble qualities of loving kindness and universal responsibility based on Buddhist principles. We are not trying to change our students, but to awaken and nurture their deepest qualities—their innate sense of loving kindness and compassion and their natural tendency towards positive behaviour.
Vision
Our vision is of a flourishing school community, nurturing each child’s capacity to contribute with wisdom and compassion to the world they live in.
Live to be kind, Learn to be Wise.
Mission
The Daylesford Dharma School’s mission is to share a Buddhist educational philosophy that promotes educational excellence, with wisdom and compassion at its core and generosity at its heart, to grow a more mindful and sustainable world.
Our Values
Generosity – Holding an attitude of giving, sharing and open-heartedness.
Ethical conduct – Acting by our principles of interdependence, non-harm, sustainable coexistence, and universal responsibility.
Patience – Developing a calm and compassionate mind as an antidote to frustration and impatience.
Joyful Effort – Approaching obstacles and challenges with enthusiasm and commitment.
Concentration – Practising single-pointed focus to develop insight.
Wisdom – exploring the nature of all things to cultivate a deeper understanding of ourselves, our community, and the environment.
Read more about how Buddhist principles are reflected in our teaching and learning program.
School Founding Statement
“The main principles guiding the Daylesford Dharma School are the two views that are fundamental to Buddhism. They are like the two wings of a bird. On one side are the method teachings and on the other are the wisdom teachings.
The method teachings include the principles of non-harm and loving-kindness and guide the cultivation of behaviour. They form the basis of ethical behaviour and as principles, are shared in common with all other religions.
On the other side are the wisdom teachings. These teachings are particular only to Buddhism. The wisdom teachings hold with the view of interdependence. They are a tool to see how phenomena exist, especially when viewed in relationship to difficulties. They are a framework for understanding our present and unpleasant situations. The wisdom-view teachings promote the efficient use of our intelligence to overcome the difficulties, rather than to be overcome by our difficulties.
What sets the Daylesford Dharma School apart from other schools (and there are many excellent schools in existence that train the child with external skills and objectives), is the attention being paid to the inner resources of each child, without ignoring the external aspects.
If in the formative years of a child’s education, the focus is strongly on how to get ahead in this life and achieve, without the focus on inner development, then there is not much chance of these inner qualities of compassion and kindness coming to the fore. Children who fully develop their inner qualities through balanced education with attention to both inner and outer development will influence their life choices because of these qualities. Compassion is more likely to be in their motivation even when engaging in business. There is a greater chance that they will engage in ethical business development that will take into account the potential effects on the environment and the impact on others.”
BOOK A TOUR OF DHARMA
Choosing Daylesford Dharma School means embracing an environment that prioritises kindness, compassion, individuality, creativity, resilience, and a vibrant sense of community. Our innovative approach, coupled with a steadfast dedication to student wellbeing and academic achievement, guarantees that your child will not only excel but flourish, fully prepared to make a positive difference in the world.