"Picking a flower shakes the stars" Subject

“Picking a flower shakes the stars” – a phrase used in Thailand similar to ‘butterfly effect’ – is the name of an ‘integrated studies’ subject at Panyaprateep School that weaves together the students’ learning journey from Grade 7 (Mathayom 1) through Grade 12 (Mathayom 6). The aim is to help students develop the ability to think, reflect, and analyze causes and effects through the lens of the Four Noble Truths (Ariya Sacca 4).

"Eat Well, Live Well" (Grade 7)
 The curriculum begins with "Eat Well, Live Well", inspired by the teaching of Phra Brahmagunabhorn (P.A. Payutto), who said, “Education begins when a person knows how to live and eat wisely.” As a first step into the Panyaprateep community, students explore their relationship with food—learning to choose nutritious options, appreciate the true value of food beyond its appearance or taste, and even try designing menus and cooking simple dishes. They also reflect on how eating affects their body and mind.



"Caring for the planet" (Grade 8)
 Students learn how to live sustainably with nature and use resources wisely. The school’s natural surroundings support this learning as students develop awareness and appreciation for the environment. They study environmental changes, climate change, waste management, and more. Each semester includes a “Learn about the world outside” trip, offering hands-on experiences in natural and community settings.

Grow Before Growing Up" (Grade 9)
 Students engage in short-term internships with companies or organizations based on their interests. This experience helps them reflect on whether they are truly passionate about a certain career or field of study and what preparation is needed to achieve their goals. They complete a project alongside this, practicing planning, goal-setting, self-monitoring, and self-reflection. > Visit the “Grow Before Growing Up” Facebook page.

"Skillful Communication" (Grade 10)
 This subject focuses on developing students’ communication skills for mutual benefit, rooted in empathy and understanding of both self and others. It starts with “inner communication” – using wisdom, mindfulness, and concentration – and extends to “external communication” such as listening, speaking, reading, writing, and emotional awareness.
 Drama is used as a tool to help students step into other people’s shoes, explore characters, and better understand themselves. Students also meet people from diverse backgrounds—for example, former juvenile offenders, sex workers, people living with AIDS—to widen their perspective. Additional activities include visits to observe autopsies and silent retreats in forest monasteries, encouraging deep inner reflection.


"Skilful business" (Grade 11)
 Students step into the world of social entrepreneurship while cultivating social responsibility. They study how social enterprises work and conduct project-based learning to address real societal issues. Using design thinking, students create a business model, investigate stakeholders’ perspectives through observation and interviews, conduct root cause analysis, and develop insights. They brainstorm and generate ideas for solutions, then design and test prototypes. Feedback helps refine their approach until they find effective and meaningful solutions. They also learn to build a Theory of Change and align their goals, outcomes, indicators, and methods in an Impact Value Chain.

"Carving my life path" (Grade 12)
 In their final year of secondary school, students prepare to transition to the next chapter of life. They compile personal portfolios and strengthen skills essential for their chosen paths. This subject offers space for students to explore their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors—both internally and externally—for deeper self-understanding. Teachers support students in developing intrinsic motivation and skills to lead themselves with care and wisdom. They learn to let go of habits or mindsets that hinder their growth, foster meaningful connections with others, and contribute positively to others as spiritual friends.
 A key practice here is “Passing on the light.”


Passing on the light
“Pass on the light” or Pay It Forward is a deeply rooted cultural practice at Panyaprateep. It involves sharing useful knowledge, skills, or values—passed from seniors to juniors, teachers to students, and students to families. This act of “creating benefit for others” focuses on giving from the heart, thinking beyond oneself, and illuminating others’ lives just as one candle lights another.

Spiritual Friends (Kalyanamitta)
A kalyanamitta, or spiritual friend, is one of the most important factors in the development of each person’s life. A kalyanamitta supports, advises, guides, and gently corrects us with compassion. If we were to compare a kalyanamitta to an environment, they would be like a nurturing and supportive one—helping those surrounded by such friends grow and develop along a path of goodness. Communicating with others in the spirit of kalyanamitta is a vital skill that all members of the Panyaprateep community are encouraged to cultivate.

The “Circle of Kalyanamitta” is a process of gathering to exchange ideas and communicate creatively through the simple acts of saying “thank you” and “sorry.” This activity opens a safe space for honest and heartfelt communication and helps members of the Panyaprateep community practice key communication skills: expressing opinions, listening to others, and learning to let go of ego.

Love to do good
To cultivate chanda—a heartfelt desire and joy in doing good, which brings benefit both to oneself and to others—Panyaprateep School encourages students and all community members to recognize the importance of using their talents, skills, and energy to serve the greater good. This could take the form of community service projects or even small, everyday actions that bring a quiet smile to someone’s heart.

LOVE TO DO GOOD is a shared cultural value at both Panyaprateep School and Thawsi School (which offers a similar Buddhist wisdom-based curriculum at the preschool and primary level). It serves as a source of encouragement for students of all ages—children and adults alike—to engage in doing good. Those interested in seeing projects born from this spirit can follow the hashtag #LoveToDoGood on social media.



Awake and Aware Studies and PPS Boost Camp
The subject of “Awake and Aware” is part of the curriculum for students in Grades 7–9 at Panyaprateep. Its primary aim is to develop students’ inner lives—their minds and hearts—through daily learning and practice. The subject includes classroom lessons as well as activities embedded in daily school life, such as chanting, mindfulness, listening to Dhamma talks, and taking dhamma talk notes.

Venerable Ajahn Jayasaro, the school’s chief spiritual advisor, plays a central role in leading these practices and offering teachings and guidance. In addition to his involvement, the subject is also taught by assigned subject teachers, with lesson formats tailored to the developmental stage of each student. Students learn that spiritual training and Dhamma practice are not limited to religious classes, but are present in every breath and moment of daily life.



To deepen this experience, the school also organizes PPS Boost Camp—an intensive program designed to nurture students’ motivation and joy in cultivating mindfulness and inner development. These camps typically run for several days (e.g., 3 days and 2 nights) and include both structured and creative forms of practice. Activities range from morning and evening chanting, sitting and walking meditation, and Dhamma talks by Ajahn Jayasaro, to innovative mindfulness exercises designed by the teachers.

During camp, students are given the opportunity to turn inward and observe their thoughts and emotions more clearly. They learn to live and eat simply and come to understand more deeply the meaning of life. Accommodations are separated by gender. Unlike their usual comfortable dorm life with warm showers and soft beds, students sleep alone in small canvas tents on rough ground with only a thin mat.

Boys may also train to endure the elements by bathing under the moonlight in cool weather. Comfort is intentionally minimized, and meals are simple—yet not easy—as students follow the 8 Precepts and eat only two vegetarian meals a day. This provides a full-on training experience in renunciation, perseverance, patience, and building long-term inner strength and discipline.


Run for Life
Another unique activity at Panyaprateep School is “Run for Life.” Students rise early and begin their day with a run—not as a strict daily routine, but as an optional, goal-oriented practice. Each student is responsible for completing a set number of laps each term, managing both the big picture and the details of their own schedule.

Run for Life is designed to develop time management skills while simultaneously strengthening the body and mind. Students also learn responsibility, perseverance, punctuality, discipline, and self-management. The physical activity improves health and resilience, while the mental aspect helps cultivate inner strength.

When students learn to push themselves, to act against their impulses, and to face challenges with determination, they begin to develop qualities and life skills that will stay with them long into the future. This activity supports the holistic development of body, morality, heart, and wisdom—while the body runs, the mind learns to be still.