Noble Buddhist Education
The school that builds the heart
PBS teaches from Early Buddhism: the Buddha's teaching as preserved in the Pali Canon, the shared root of the Theravāda Buddhism practised in Cambodia. In the spirit of the Buddha's advice to the Kālāmas, students are encouraged to test the teachings in their own lives, not to accept them blindly. Come and see (ehipassiko).
At most schools, values are an extra. At PBS, Dhamma and Ethics is the most important subject. Every class, from Kindergarten to Year 12, studies the Dhamma each week, because without morality even the most intelligent person can cause harm.
Daily mindfulness (sati)
Students practise focusing, breathing and settling the mind every day. A mindful student becomes a mindful adult who makes wise decisions and manages stress.
Applying the Dhamma
Students test the teachings in real life through action and speech on the school's Training Grounds.
Strength through truth
We are open, honest and real with students. They learn to face hardship, accept setbacks and grow resilient.
Gratitude and generosity
Students honour parents, teachers and community, and often help and serve without being asked.
Hiri and Ottappa, our way of discipline ("H₂O")
When a student does wrong, we guide them with hiri (moral shame, the inner sense that "this is beneath me") and ottappa (moral fear, concern for the results of wrong action). The aim is not punishment but to help the student reflect, make amends and rebuild trust. Parents take a short course so home and school use the same approach.
10 Moral Codes of Conduct
The shared standards every Pal lives by. [list the 10 codes from the school's chart]
At PAL, success is not achieved through competition, but through collective upliftment. Once a Pal, always a Pal.