Exploring for Ways to Build Character Through Dhammapada: Targeting Early Childhood Teachers

ABSTRACT

This study was conducted to explore for ways in which early childhood teachers could build character through Dhammapada. To this end, the theoretical background behind Dhammapada, a global guide on character that contains humanity’s universal wisdom and transcends generations and religions, was explored. Next, for literature review, Dhammapada by Jeon Jae-seong was examined. Through a two-tiered analysis, the following conclusion was drawn. First, by maintaining composure, one must practice examine self everyday, becoming a teacher who is also an unyielding guardian of self. Second, by nurturing flexibility in the heart, and through histrionic insight, a teacher must be able to share with anyone the scent of true love. The direction for early childhood teachers to build character should be focused on implementing mercy for oneself and others. Such a Buddhist approach to build character in early childhood teachers is a paradigm for bringing about a better future, and has meaning in suggesting such a directionality.