CONTEMPLATIVE EDUCATION : CONCEPTS, GUIDELINES FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF DESIRABLE CHARACTERISTICS OF LEARNERS

Abstract

Contemplative education developed from the original concept of Buddhism and the concept of science into the modern concept that have been applied in human development. This was a learning process that aimed to fundamentally change from within oneself to create knowledge and understanding of oneself, others, and social consciousness through practicing a variety of activities. Contemplative education was important for self-development, the development of learners and the development of teaching and learning of teachers. The important principle was learning from practice and take it into contemplation as well as to promote awareness to make people love and be kind to each other. The goal was self-development to be a complete human being. Activities of contemplative education can be applied in learning to practice to change learners' behavior as well, such as praying, loving-kindness meditation, meditation, walking meditation, journaling, dialogue, drawing, inventions, volunteer spirit, and being mindfulness practice etc. Teachers and educators can apply these activities to stimulate thinking and develop the mental growth of learners which would result in the development of ideas and practices for changing things in society for the better as well as leading to the development of desirable characteristics of learners.