KS3 Buddhism: the Sangha

A lesson on belonging in Buddhism - the sangha

Objectives:

• to know some of the different types of Buddhist sangha
• to understand what it means to be a Buddhist monk and to consider how Buddhist beliefs are reflected in the monastic life
• to know what happens during initiation into the monastic sangha

Students start by looking at pictures and trying to work out what sangha means, then are introduced to what sangha means and discuss what they think life as a monk/nun would be like, trying to link their ideas to Buddhist concepts. Students then watch a video on ‘a day in the life of a monk’ and learn about what it means to be a monk/how a person becomes a monk. After this students watch a video introducing a person’s 10 day stay with monks in Thailand. Students then have to write a postcard as though they are this person explaining about their stay, making sure to include everything on a check list. Students then complete mini quiz style 1 and 2 mark exam questions. An extension activity is included if need be for students to complete an information sheet about the worldwide sangha, for which they would need ‘The Buddhist Experience’ textbook.

Resources included: PPT, lesson plan, videos linked on PPT, worldwide sangha double sided worksheet
Resources needed: ‘The Buddhist Experience’ textbook (if you want students to complete the extension activity and worksheet)