回顧與前瞻馬來西亞佛教：第一屆馬來西亞佛教國際研討會論文集=Retrospective and Perspective of Malaysian Buddhism: Proceeding of the 1st International Conference on Malaysian Buddhism
The objective of this case study is to investigate the development and ecology of Dhamma classes organised by Buddhist Association. The study focuses on the problem faced by these Dhamma classes and their prospect. Buddhism is not merely emphasizes faith but also practice, therefore believein Buddhism also known as learning Buddhism. Buddhism spreading process cannot be separated from Buddhist education. Buddhism in Peninsula Malaya has gone through different stages of development since brought in during Asoka era. Currently, Buddhism in Malaysia has emerged in multifaceted appearance; Buddhist association also has been founded throughout the nation. Some of the Buddhist associations organise Dhamma classes to attract younger generation. Normally, the daily activities in Buddhist association are tailored for adults and elderly people, therefore Dhamma classes become an important channel for children and teenager to join the association. The samples for this study consisted of Jimah Buddhist Association and Sitiawan Buddhist Association. Investigation has been done to reveal the development process, problem faced, solution and prospect in future for Dhamma classes. Interviews and data analysis was used to describe the development of Dhamma classes. The findings will help to improve the operation of Dhamma classes in future. Two approaches, namely, curriculum and time-serial were used to investigate the development of Dhamma classes. These approaches were used as measure for the improvement of Dhamma classes and their main problems faced.
