Dhamma Music and the MWL Model for Promoting Children’s Emotional Well-Being at the Buddhamahametta Foundation
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Abstract
This research article examines the role of Dhamma music and the Mindfulness, Wisdom, and Loving-Kindness (MWL) model in promoting children’s emotional well-being at the Buddhamahametta Foundation. The study has three objectives: 1) to examine the role of Dhamma music in enhancing children’s meditation engagement; second, 2) to analyze Buddhist peaceful means integrated into the MWL model for promoting children’s emotional well-being; and 3) to evaluate the effectiveness of the MWL model with Dhamma music in improving children’s emotional well-being. The study employed a mixed-methods research design, combining documentary analysis, focus group discussion with meditation instructors, a pre-test and post-test evaluation using the WHO-5 Well-Being Index, and follow-up interviews with children after home-based practice.
The findings reveal that Dhamma music functions as more than a background auditory aid; it serves as a pedagogical and contemplative tool that strengthens attention, relaxation, emotional regulation, and sustained engagement in meditation. The study also shows that Buddhist peaceful means, particularly mindfulness, loving-kindness, wisdom, gratitude, and ethical reflection, support children’s emotional awareness, prosocial behavior, compassion, and inner calm. Quantitative findings from the WHO-5 Well-Being Index indicate improved children’s well-being after participating in the MWL meditation course, while qualitative findings show better sleep quality, reduced anxiety, increased mindfulness, and greater motivation to continue meditating at home.
The article concludes that the MWL model with Dhamma music offers a culturally rooted and developmentally appropriate framework for promoting children’s emotional resilience, ethical awareness, and holistic well-being. The study contributes to Buddhist education, child mindfulness training, and applied Buddhist peaceful means by demonstrating how music-enhanced meditation can support children’s emotional and spiritual development.
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