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Year 8 - Religious education

Sangha - monks and nuns

Buddhism: how significant are the three jewels to Buddhists?

Unit Summary

In this unit pupils study the life of Siddhartha Gautama and reflect on his significance as a figue for devotees. They build on their understanding of dharma by examining dharma as skilful action. Finally they examine diversity in monastic life.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to describe the Sangha as a global Buddhist community and explain the significance of Buddhist monks and nuns.

Key Notes

  • The third jewel is the Sangha, the wider Buddhist community, which includes Buddhist monks and nuns.
  • The two main forms of Buddhism are Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism.
  • Some Buddhists do not accept nuns.
  • There are Buddhist monasteries all around the world, including in the UK.
  • Monks and nuns commit their lives, or some of their lives, to learning and practising Buddhism.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • Sangha: the wider Buddhist community, including monks and nuns
  • monk: a man who dedicates himself to a simple life of devotion to Buddhism
  • nun: a woman who dedicates herself to a simple life of devotion to Buddhism
  • monastery: a place where Buddhist monks and nuns live

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • All Buddhist monks are male.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain the lesson in two key points.

The third jewel is the Sangha, the wider Buddhist community, which includes Buddhist monks and nuns. The two main forms of Buddhism are Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism.

2. What does this key word mean in this lesson? 'Sangha'

the wider Buddhist community, including monks and nuns.

3. Correct this common mistake.

Mistake: All Buddhist monks are male. Correction: Some schools of Buddhism ordain women, known as Buddhist nuns.

More Lessons In This Unit

Browse all guides in the Year 8 Religious education guide library.