Buddhahood and the Pure Land
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain the history and nature of the Pure Land and how it influences Buddhists today.
Key learning points
- Pure Land Buddhism follows the teaching of Amitabha (Amida) Buddha.
- Amitabha (Amida) Buddha features in Mahayana texts.
- He was a king who achieved enlightenment and created a kingdom free from suffering (a pure land).
- A goal of Pure Land Buddhists is to be reborn here.
- Alongside other Buddhist teachings, Pure Land Buddhists follow Amitabha (Amida) as a role model.
Keywords
Amitabha (Amida) - the Buddha worshipped by Pure Land Buddhists
Pure Land - a form of Mahayana Buddhism, based on a belief in Amitabha Buddha
Sukhavati - a place of paradise where Pure Land Buddhists wish to be reborn and the place where Amitabha Buddha resides
Buddhahood - reaching enlightenment
Common misconception
The Pure Land is nibbana (nirvana).
Some Pure Land Buddhists may believe this, while others believe it is a place to be reborn. The Pure Land is a land free from suffering and distractions, making it a more accessible place to attain enlightenment and achieve Buddhahood.
Teacher tip
Research the history of Pure Land Buddhism in Japan by exploring the teachings of Honen (1133-1212) and the developments made by his disciple Shinran (1173-1263).
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match each keyword to the correct definition.
a state of wisdom that enables total clarity and understanding
a perfected person who has reached enlightenment in Theravada Buddhism
an enlightened being in Mahayana Buddhism who remains to help others
the path a Buddhist will take to achieve enlightenment
Q2.What does the word ‘Mahayana’ mean?
Q3.What is the goal of an Arhat in Theravada Buddhism?
Q4.What is the key difference between an Arhat and a Bodhisattva?
Q5.Which Buddhist tradition places more emphasis on the Bodhisattva path?
Q6.Which of the following is not a characteristic of an Arhat?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What do Pure Land Buddhists believe the Pure Land is free from?
Q2.According to Pure Land Buddhism, what is a key way for Buddhists to be reborn in the Pure Land?
Q3.What is the name of the vow in which Amitabha promises that those who call on him will be reborn in his Pure Land?
Q4.Why do Pure Land Buddhists want to be reborn in the Pure Land?
Q5.Amitabha Buddha made a vow that anyone who recites his name with faith will be in his Pure Land.
Q6.Pure Land Buddhists believe that Sukhavati is a place of where they wish to be reborn.
To help you plan your 10 religious education lesson on: Buddhahood and the Pure Land, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 religious education lesson on: Buddhahood and the Pure Land, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 religious education lessons from the Buddhism: beliefs unit, dive into the full secondary religious education curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.