Year 10 - Religious education
Buddhist festivals in Britain
Buddhism: Practices
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This pupil-friendly study guide includes a unit summary, clear notes, common mistakes, and quick questions with answers.
Unit Summary
In this unit pupils will examine practices in Buddhism such as puja and meditation. They will understand the considerable diversity of these practices among Buddhist adherents. Following that they wil look at the role of precepts and how these look different in Therevada and Mahayna Buddhism.
Lesson Summary
You will learn to explain the importance of Buddhist festivals for Buddhists living in Britain today.
Key Notes
- The 2021 census shows the number of individuals identifying as Buddhist in England and Wales has increased since 2011.
- Wesak and Parinirvana Day are the two principal festivals observed by Buddhists, including those residing in Britain.
- The Sangha, or Buddhist community, plays a significant role in the lives of Buddhists living in the United Kingdom.
- The Triratna community are dedicated to practising the teachings of the Buddha within the context of western society.
- The Buddhafield Festival offers a meaningful opportunity for individuals to engage with community and nature.
Vocabulary To Learn
- festival: a day or period of celebration
- Parinirvana Day: a festival which marks the Buddha's death and when he achieved Nirvana/Nibbana
- Sangha: the Buddhist community, including monks and nuns
- Triratna community: trying to practise the Buddha's teachings in the conditions of the modern world
- Wesak: a Buddhist festival celebrating the Buddha's birth, enlightenment and death
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Buddhist festivals are only celebrated by Theravada and Mahayana Buddhists.
3 Quick Questions (With Answers)
1. Explain the lesson in two key points.
The 2021 census shows the number of individuals identifying as Buddhist in England and Wales has increased since 2011. Wesak and Parinirvana Day are the two principal festivals observed by Buddhists, including those residing in Britain.
2. What does this key word mean in this lesson? 'festival'
a day or period of celebration.
3. Correct this common mistake.
Mistake: Buddhist festivals are only celebrated by Theravada and Mahayana Buddhists. Correction: There is a diverse and growing community of Westerners who are converts to Buddhism, including the Triratna Buddhist Community.
More Lessons In This Unit
- Buddhist temples in Britain and globally Study Guide
- Death and mourning in Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism Study Guide
- Devotional practices Study Guide
- Features and functions of Buddhist places of worship Study Guide
- Festivals and retreats Study Guide
- Forms of meditation: samatha and mettabhavana Study Guide
- Forms of meditation: vipassana Study Guide
- Puja and mudras Study Guide
- The role of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas in meditation Study Guide
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