Pattaya-area students competed to see how well they know their Buddhist dharma – and how well they listen – at a competition organized by the Diana Group.
Hotel group Managing Director Sopin Thappajug opened the June 20 Dharma Online contest at the Diana Garden Resort. Wannaporn Wannasri, head supervisor at the Pattaya Education Department, welcomed teachers and students from city schools while senior monks lectured on various subjects to prepare the youths to understand Buddha’s principles and teachings.
Competitors were split into three groups, who listened to lectures on virtue, concentration and discernment. Afterward, the youths were tested on listening comprehension by writing essays on what they heard and understood.
Competing on virtue was Pattaya schools 5 and 11, plus Photisampan School and Banglamung schools. Concentration essayists included youths from Pattaya schools 7-9 and the Redemptorist Vocational School for Persons with Disabilities. The final bracket included Pattaya schools 2, 3, 4, and 6; plus Srisuwit School.
Each team then made up a side in a dharma quiz. The preliminary round was held June 21 and the final round the next day. Subjects included dharma conduct, dharma studies curriculum and the “Golden Microphone Dharma Lecture”.
This year, the team from the Redemptorist School Pattaya took top honors with a staggering result of 80.60 out of 100 points. Second place went to Srisuwit School at 78.60 points, with third place earned by Pattaya School 11 with 77 points. Prizes included certificates and scholarships as well.
