This is a detailed text about the Hindu God, Vishnu, with comprehension questions to test understanding, finishing with a summary task. It worked well with able students in Year 8, but due to its detail it could be used with Year 9 or even 10.

What are the Three Marks of existence? Buddhism Lesson, Religious Studies, Key Stage 3 or Key Stage 4. This lesson pitched at KS3, but could also be used with KS4, teaches the concepts below: Dukkha – first seen in 4 sights, then preached about in 4 Noble Truths. Types of Dukkha: Plain ordinary suffering, suffering due to anicca, and dissatisfaction. Anicca – everything is impermanent and in a constant state of flux. Examples: ageing, declining health, growing bored with things over time. Anatta – no self – the belief that there is no soul, as only the 5 skandhas make up a human and these things are all impermanent – when they are subtracted, nothing is left that constitutes a soul – Chariot Analogy. Lesson Structure Below: Do now: recall quiz testing their previous learning.  Explain the concept of the three marks of existence briefly to the class. Present the key terms. Write down the key terms in their booklets Read through the text together and then attempt the comprehension questions. Students to complete the learning check table in their booklets as a colouring match up. Pair then class discussion of the question: How might learning about Anicca, Dukkha and Anatta help Buddhists to a better understanding of human life? How could it help Buddhists to lead a better life? Mind map ideas on the board and leave them up there to help students to structure their own written answers. Plenary quiz at the end.

A lesson pitched at Key Stage 3 teaching the basics of Hindu wedding rituals and traditions, as well as a workbook complete with reading comprehensions. Thanks to other contributors for the pictures and the texts that were used to create the comprehension activities. I found that it worked well with an able Year 8 group. Enjoy guys! For more resources check out my shop: https://www.tes.com/teaching-resources/shop/piensomas

A full lesson on the topic of the Sikh virtues, including a detailed reading text with comprehension questions and lesson slides with discussion tasks, explanations and explanations. Sikh Virtues Sat (Truth), Santokh (Contentment), Daya (Compassion), Nimrata (Humility) and Pyare (Love).: truth and truthful living. compassion and patience. contentment. humility and self-control. love. wisdom and courage. This lesson worked well with Year 9, and would also be great for Key Stage 3 (Year 7 and Year 8 too).

This lesson is about a sect and temple in Thailand called Wat Phra Dhammakaya which has been in the media due to its modern take on Buddhism. Wat Phra Dhammakaya has attracted a lot of attention for its modern methods of spreading Buddhist teachings, which go against traditional teachings of Buddhism. They raise money through marketing campaigns, subscriptions to their Sangha, and use it to give to good causes, even though financial gain is considered to be unethical for Buddhist communities or Sanghas which should exist only to teach about the message of the Buddha. It is also considered unethical for monks to handle money. It caused particular controversy when money they received once was found to be from the proceeds of a money laundering scheme. They have also created a searchable CD of the Pali cannon, the Buddhist scripture, which goes against the Buddhist view that using modern technology for holy means is wrong. They also offer distance learning, and a more secular approach to teaching about Buddhism. You can only access the community if you pay a subscription fee, which, although very small, goes against the teachings of the Buddha. With a huge number of followers, Wat Phra has at times caused the military government to feel threatened, resulting in the attempted arrest of the Abbott, and to Buddhist monks preventing the police from entering the temple, in a non-violent stand off. The aim of this lesson is to give students the opportunity to reflect on how the teachings of the Buddha are being interpreted in modern society, and to learn about the changing attitudes towards spiritual life in cultures beyond our own western ones.