Lesson video

Hello, my name's Ms. Rammelli and welcome to today's RE lesson, which forms part A unit on Buddhism practises.

In today's lesson, we're going to be exploring the role of Buddhist temples in Britain and globally.

Okay, let's start today's lesson.

Today's lesson outcome is I can explain the role and significance of Buddhist temples in Britain and globally.

To help guide us through today's lesson, there are three key words, Bhikkhu, monastery, also known as a vihara, and temple.

Bhikkhu refers to a Buddhist monk.

A monastery is a building that houses monks and nuns.

It may have space for study as well as accommodation.

And temple, a structure or building for religious or spiritual activities, such as meditation.

Today's lesson on Buddhist temples in Britain and globally takes two parts.

So first we'll begin by exploring the role of Buddhist temples in Britain, and then we move on to consider the role of Buddhist temples globally.

Buddhism primarily found its way into Britain around the 19th century.

This was through translations of scriptures from different Buddhist schools across Asia.

This inspired some to practise Buddhism as a way of life.

One British man, Allan Bennett, went to Sri Lanka in 1898 to learn more about Buddhism.

He returned as Anando Metteyya, an ordained Bhikkhu, or Buddhist monk.

The last census in England and Wales was carried out in 2021.

And here on the screen you can see some of the results from that census.

According to the 2021 census data, has the population of Buddhists increased or decreased since 2011? Pause the video.

Press play when you're ready to check your answer.

Well done if you identified that the Buddhist population since 2011 has increased from 0.

4% to 0.

5%.

In 2021 census 272,508 people in England and Wales identified as Buddhist, this was an increase from 144,453 Buddhists in 2011.

There are limitations with this data.

For example, it doesn't tell us which school of Buddhism people are affiliated with, but it does show an increase of people identifying as Buddhist in the population.

True or false? The population of Buddhist living in Britain has increased.

Well done if you said that statement is true.

According to the census data 2021, the number of Buddhists has increased from 0.

4% of the population 0.

5%.

Buddhist temples can be found all across Britain.

For example, the Buddhapadipa temple in London, the Buddha vihara in Wolverhampton, and the Samye Ling Tibet monastery in Scotland.

There were more than 60 Buddhist monasteries in the UK.

Some of them are purpose built, but most the buildings that were originally used for something else.

This is a Buddhist monastery situated in the southeast of England.

The monastery was converted from an old oak coach house.

Buddhist monks and nuns can now train here and follow the Buddha's Dharma.

Laura is confused about monasteries and temples.

She speaks to Linn, a Theravada Buddhist.

"Linn, what is the difference between a Buddhist monastery and a temple?" Linn replies, "A monastery or vihara is primarily for monks or nuns who have devoted themselves to the Buddha's path.

A temple is a building where the Sangha come together to meditate, learn, and offer devotions.

The temple I attend contains a shrine and space for community activities." Okay, let's pause and complete a check for understanding.

Select the correct definition of a monastery.

A, a building that houses monks and nuns, B, a structure or building for religious or spiritual activities, or C, a Buddhist monk? Pause the video, and press play when you're ready to see the correct answer.

Well done if you selected A.

A building that houses monks and nuns is a definition of a monastery or vihara.

Laura has a question for Linn.

"Linn, which Buddhist temple do you attend?" Linn responds, "I attend the Buddhapadipa temple in London.

I've been coming here with my mum since I was a baby.

My mum brought me to the temple when I was born and one of the Bhikkhus helped choose my name." The Buddhapadipa Temple was the first high purpose-built Buddhist temple in the UK.

It is a Buddhist centre which aims to teach the Buddha's Dhamma according to the Theravada tradition.

Okay, let's pause and complete a check for understanding.

Select the first purpose-built Theravada Buddhist temple in Britain.

Is it A, B, or C? Pause the video and press play when you're ready to see the correct answer.

Well done if you selected picture B as the correct answer.

Laura asks, "Is attending the temple significant to you, Linn?" Linn replies, "Yes.

I usually attend the temple to celebrate Buddhist festivals such as Wesak.

I will make offerings to the Buddarupa to show respect and gratitude for his teachings.

The temple is significant as it is an opportunity to meet with other members of the Sangha.

It is a place where I feel I belong and when I cannot get to the temple, I perform puja at home." Laura wants to learn about the role of the Buddhist temple in Britain.

She interviews Lee from the Triratna Buddhist community.

"Lee, do you attend a Buddhist temple?" Lee replies, "I attend the Buddhist centre in my hometown of Brighton.

I visit the centre each week.

I often attend the meditation class held on a Wednesday lunchtime, and this helps me practise mindfulness of breathing." The Buddha taught about the importance of meditation in the Dhammapada.

So in the Dhammapada verse 282, it says, "Wisdom springs from meditation; without meditation, wisdom wanes.

Having known these two paths of progress and decline, let a man so conduct himself that his wisdom may increase." What does this verse teach about the significance of meditation? So now what I'd like you to do is spend some time reflecting on that question or speak to your partner.

Press play when you're ready to reflect on your answer.

Okay, welcome back.

So what do you think this verse teaches about the significance of meditation? Well, meditation is significant because, if it's practised regularly, it develops wisdom.

Laura asks, "Is the Buddhist centre significant to you, Lee?" He replies, "Yes, Gatherings at the Buddhist centre are significant to me because they are a time to come together with the Sangha and practise ritual and devotion.

We meditate and chant mantras together.

This practise is significant in helping me develop a calm and peaceful mind.

Okay, let's complete a check for understanding.

Select three reasons a British Buddhist may visit a temple.

A, to attend a meditation class, B, to celebrate a festival, C, to show respect towards the Buddha, or D, to pray to God? Remember, for this check for understanding, you're looking to select three reasons.

Pause the video, and press play when you're ready to see the correct answers.

Well done if you selected answers A, B, and C.

Three reasons a British Buddhist may visit a temple is to attend a meditation class, to celebrate a festival, and to show respect towards the Buddha.

Okay, now we're gonna pause and complete our first practise task.

Describe the importance of the temple for Buddhist living in Britain today.

And here is some guidance that you might find beneficial to follow when answering the question.

So you need to make two points and develop each point.

And for each part of your answer, you should include a range of religious and specialist terms. For at least one part of your answer, you should use a source of wisdom and authority.

So this could be an exact or paraphrase quote or a general teaching from a named source.

And remember to accurately apply this to the point and question.

Good luck completing the practise task.

Pause the video and press play when you're ready to reflect on your answers.

Okay, welcome back everybody.

So you were asked described the importance of the temple for Buddhist living in Britain today.

So your answer might be similar to this.

One reason the temple is important for Buddhist living in Britain today is because it offers a place for meditation.

In the Dhammapada, it states, "Wisdom springs from meditation," which demonstrates that Buddhists must spend time meditating to grow in their understanding of the Buddha's Dhamma.

Another reason the temple is important is because it offers a space to celebrate Buddhist festivals, for example Wesak, and a place for the Sangha to gather and spend time together.

So here you can see that there has been reference to a source of wisdom and authority, and that has actually been applied to the point and the question.

Well done on completing the first practise task.

So that moves us on to the second part of our lesson on Buddhist temples in Britain and globally: to consider the role of Buddhist temples globally.

So wherever it's in the world and whatever features it has, a Buddhist temple is often the centre of the Buddhist community, also known as the Sangha.

In countries where there is a larger Buddhist population, temples and monasteries are likely to be purpose built.

So here we have an example of a Buddhist temple in Myanmar and a Buddhist temple in Thailand.

Both temples have been purpose built.

According to data carried out by Pew research in 2010, the following countries have the highest population of Buddhists: Cambodia, 96.

9% of the population, Thailand, 93.

2% of their population, and Myanmar, 80.

1% of the population.

What do you notice about where these countries are located in the world? Well done if you identify that these countries are located in South Asia.

There are over 40,000 temples in Thailand compared to approximately 190 in the UK.

True or false? There are 4,000 temples in Thailand.

Pause the video and press play when you're ready to see the correct answer.

Well done if you said that statement is false.

There are over 40,000 temples in Thailand.

Buddhist temples are found across the world.

They're found in Thailand.

They're found in Japan.

And they're found in Sri Lanka.

Just three examples of where Buddhist temples are found across the world.

True or false? Buddhist temples are only found in Thailand.

Pause the video.

Press play when you're ready to see the correct answer.

Well done if you said that statement is false.

Buddhist temples are found globally.

Linn wants to learn about the different roles of temples.

She interviews Niti, a Theravada Buddhist monk living in the UK.

"What is the role of a temple for you, Niti?" Niti replies, "A Buddhist temple has many roles.

One of the roles is to allow the Sangha to come together, learn the Buddha's Dhamma, and spend time meditating.

It also offers a space to celebrate and offer devotions to the Buddha.

When I lived in Thailand, some people would visit daily." "Why do some Buddhists in Thailand visit the temple daily, Niti?" Niti replies, "As Buddhists, we believe members of the community earn positive karma from supporting the bhikkhus at the monastery.

In return, bhikkhus in the monastery support the community with their spiritual growth.

One way that this happens is by offering Dhamma talks and teaching people how to live a good life." Niti explains his experience of living as a bhikkhu in Thailand's and in the UK.

"It was easier in many ways living as a bhikkhu in Thailand.

The culture is founded on Buddhism.

If I walk down the street in my robes in Bangkok, people took no notice of me.

When I do this in the UK, people often stare.

The Buddha taught through the Eightfold Path that we must make the right effort and I know that enlightenment is not easy.

I enjoy living in the UK and preaching the dharma to those who may not be familiar with it.

I believe this helps reduce suffering for others." Laura asks, "Do you think temples play a less significant role in Britain, Niti?" Niti replies, "No, I think the temple plays a vital role for Buddhist wherever they live in the world.

Due to the number of temples in some countries, it is easier to practise Buddhism.

The culture in Thailand means that the community attends the temple regularly, often for celebrations and to give dana, meaning generosity or charity, but the temple plays a significant role wherever you live." True or false? Temples are significant for most Buddhists.

Pause the video and press play when you're ready to check your answer.

Well done, if you said this statement is true, Buddhist temples are significant for most Buddhists wherever they live in the world.

Okay, so now we're gonna pause and complete our second practise task.

Here we have the statement, temples are less important for Buddhist living in the UK.

Discuss this statement showing that you have considered more than one point of view.

You must refer to religion and belief in your answer.

Laura has written the first part of this answer.

You need to provide an alternative view.

Laura has said, "Some Buddhists would agree with this statement because in the UK, there are less Buddhist temples and monasteries.

Therefore, people are less likely to live near a temple and may prefer to perform puja at home.

The culture in the UK is also not Buddhist, therefore, the temple has a less important role." Okay, over to you.

So remember, you are gonna provide an alternative view to the one that Laura has given.

Good luck completing the practise task.

Pause the video here and press play when you're ready to check your answer.

Okay, welcome back everyone.

So just a reminder of the statement, temples are less important for Buddhist living in the UK.

Discuss this statement showing that you have considered more than one point of view.

You must refer to religion and belief in your answer.

Your answer may include these points.

Many Buddhists would disagree with this statement because temples play a significant role for many Buddhists, even if they do not live close by to one.

Many Buddhists attend meditation classes at temples.

In the Dhammapada, the Buddha teaches that meditation is significant to build wisdom of the Dhamma.

The temple for Buddhist living in the UK offers a place of belonging and an opportunity to spend time with the Sangha.

Fantastic.

Well done on completing the second and final practise task.

So that brings us to the end of today's lesson on Buddhist temples in Britain and globally.

And here is a summary of our key learning points in the 2021 census, 272,508 people in England and Wales identified as Buddhists an increase from 2011.

Some temples and monasteries in the UK are purpose built, but most are buildings that were originally used for something else.

Temples are important in the UK as they offer a place of belonging and for the Sangha to gather and spend time together.

There are over 40,000 temples in Thailand compared to approximately 190 in the UK.

Living as a bhikkhu can be easier in a Buddhist country, and in countries with a large Buddhist population, the temple can form part of daily life.

Fantastic.

Thank you for all of your hard work in today's lesson.

Thank you for joining me.

Goodbye.