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      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can tell you how Buddhists practice in different ways today.

      Key learning points

      1. There are different forms of Buddhism in the world today.
      2. Most practice Buddhism while in their everyday lives. Some become monks or nuns.
      3. Buddhists are present throughout the UK and meet together in temples and communities.
      4. There are monks and nuns in Buddhism and Christianity but they have different beliefs.

      Keywords

      • Monk - a man who dedicates himself to a simple life and devotion to Buddhism or another religion

      • Nun - a woman who dedicates herself to a simple life and devotion to Buddhism or another religion

      • Shrine - a focal point in a temple, often with statues or other gifts and decoration

      • Vihara - a Buddhist temple or monastery

      Common misconception

      All Buddhists tend to believe and practice in the same way.

      Although there are many common features, there are different forms and expressions of Buddhism in the UK and throughout the world.

      Teacher tip

      Pupils could research to find out the nearest Buddhist temple or centre.

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      What do Buddhists do to clear their minds and focus?

      Correct Answer: meditate, they meditate, they do meditation

      Q2.
      Buddhists try to follow a path that falls between the two extremes of luxury and poverty. What is this called?

      The Meditation Way
      The Mysterious Way
      Correct answer: The Middle Way
      The Mantra Way

      Q3.
      Which of these might you expect to see in an image of Siddhartha meditating?

      Correct answer: sitting cross legged
      sitting under a pine tree
      raising his arms in praise
      Correct answer: wearing an orange robe
      Correct answer: a halo around his head

      Q4.
      Match the word to the correct definition.

      Correct Answer:craving,longing for something or someone
      Correct Answer:impermanence,nothing remains the same for ever
      Correct Answer:enlightenment,waking up to a deeper understanding of life and the world around you
      Correct Answer:fasting,doing without food or drink

      5 Questions

      Q1.
      Match the word to the correct definition

      Correct Answer:lay Buddhist,someone who follows Buddhist teachings in their everyday life
      Correct Answer:Buddhist monk,man who dedicates himself to a simple life and devotion to Buddhism
      Correct Answer:Buddhist nun,woman who dedicates herself to a simple life and devotion to Buddhism

      Q2.
      What is the name for the focal point in a Buddhist temple, decorated with statues and gifts?

      Correct Answer: shrine, a shrine

      Q3.
      Which of these things would often be true for a Buddhist monk or nun?

      Correct answer: lives in a monastery
      chooses fashionable clothes
      Correct answer: spends time in meditation
      goes to work in an office or factory

      Q4.
      Which of these are branches of Buddhism?

      Catholic
      Correct answer: Mahayana
      Shi'a
      Correct answer: Theravada
      Protestant

      Q5.
      Which of these statements is the most accurate about Buddhists in the UK?

      All Buddhists in the UK have come from Buddhist countries.
      All Buddhists in the UK became Buddhist but originally had a different worldview
      Correct answer: Some UK Buddhists come from Buddhist countries. Others changed their worldview.

      To help you plan your 5 religious education lesson on: Buddha for Buddhists today, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...