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      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can explain the term Buddha and the fact that Buddhists can be found throughout the world.

      Key learning points

      1. The term Buddha means 'enlightened one'.
      2. Many Buddhists trace their tradition back to Siddhartha Gautama, often called 'the Buddha'.
      3. Buddhism originated in India and spread into Asia and around the world.
      4. We can better understand the diversity in Buddhist worldviews by looking at different photographs.

      Keywords

      • Buddha - refers to the 'enlightened one'

      • Enlightened one - a person who has been freed from ignorance

      • Siddartha Gautama - the founder of Buddhism; he became known as 'the Buddha'

      Common misconception

      Buddhists can only be found in Asia.

      Buddhism started in Asia, but there are Buddhists throughout the world today.

      Teacher tip

      Find out if there is a Buddhist temple or community in your area or research whether there are any Buddhist activities locally.

      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

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      According to the Bible, who taught using parables?

      Abraham
      Moses
      Correct answer: Jesus
      Buddha

      Q2.
      The Mool Mantar is a statement of belief for which religion?

      Islam
      Hindu Dharma
      Correct answer: Sikhi
      Buddhism

      Q3.
      Who do Muslims believe the Qur'an was revealed to?

      Correct Answer: Prophet Muhammad, Muhammad, the Prophet Muhammad

      Q4.
      Which of the below was a key message in the ancient Hindu story of the Ramayana?

      Correct answer: good winning over evil
      God creating the universe
      how to care for the environment

      Q5.
      Match the names given to God or the supreme being with the correct religions.

      Correct Answer:Allah,Islam
      Correct Answer:God,Christianity
      Correct Answer:Brahman,Hindu Dharma
      Correct Answer:Waheguru,Sikhi

      Q6.
      Match the holy texts below to the correct religions.

      Correct Answer:Guru Granth Sahib,Sikhi
      Correct Answer:Bible,Christianity
      Correct Answer:Qur'an,Islam
      Correct Answer:Torah ,Judaism
      Correct Answer:Dhammapada,Buddhism

      5 Questions

      Q1.
      Who is the historic founder of Buddhism?

      Guru Nanak
      Correct answer: Siddhartha Gautama
      Jesus
      the Prophet Muhammad

      Q2.
      The title 'Buddha' means the ' one'.

      Correct Answer: enlightened

      Q3.
      What does the term 'enlightened one' mean?

      a person who has been chosen by God
      a person who knows the truth about God
      Correct answer: a person who is free from ignorance

      Q4.
      Other than a Buddhist temple, where might you see statues of the Buddha in the UK?

      Correct answer: in someone's home
      Correct answer: in a Buddhist-owned shop or business
      in a Hindu mandir (temple)
      Correct answer: in a garden or garden centre
      in a Sikh gurdwara

      Q5.
      How do Buddhists see the Buddha?

      Correct answer: as a historical figure
      as God
      as a messenger of God

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