Buddhism KS3 5-week Introduction

Prepared by a Japanese-speaking teacher with a PhD comparing Shin Buddhist and Christian doctrine, this resource offers a brief but insightful and accurate introduction to Buddhism in its richness and variety for KS3 pupils. Includes a GCSE-style end of unit assessment and guidance on writing evaluative essays.

Topics include:

• The life and Hindu origins of the historical Buddha
• The origins and history of Buddhism
• Differences between Mahayana and Theravada Buddhism
• Samsara, Nirvana and the Four Noble Truths
• The Three Jewels
• Buddhism in practice: Zen versus True Pure Land Buddhism

Pupils will understand that the extinguishing of the cycle of death and rebirth is at the heart of Buddhist teaching, and some of the varied ways that Buddhists have sought to realise this aim (or perhaps “non-aim!”): Buddhism can be more than just meditation!