Compassion and loving-kindness
I can explain the significance of compassion and loving-kindness and how Buddhists might develop it today.
Compassion and loving-kindness
I can explain the significance of compassion and loving-kindness and how Buddhists might develop it today.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- Compassion (karuna) is a significant quality to develop and forms part of the four sublime states.
- Compassion is significant in Mahayana Buddhism because it's a quality Buddhists need to develop to become a Bodhisattva.
- Wisdom must be developed alongside compassion.
- Loving-kindness is known as 'metta' in Buddhism.
- Developing loving-kindness is important because it helps avoid greed and hatred, which form part of the three poisons.
Keywords
Compassion (karuna) - sympathy and concern for the suffering of others
Loving-kindness (metta) - a pure love which is selfless and not possessive
The four sublime states - four qualities the Buddha taught should be developed
Common misconception
Compassion (karuna) and loving-kindness (metta) are the same thing.
Loving-kindness is a pure love, selfless and not possessive. For example, wanting your friend to be happy without wanting anything in return. Compassion might arise if your friend is suffering and you want to help them and reduce their suffering.
To help you plan your year 10 religious education lesson on: Compassion and loving-kindness, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 10 religious education lesson on: Compassion and loving-kindness, 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.
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The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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Explore more key stage 4 religious education lessons from the Buddhism: Practices unit, dive into the full secondary religious education curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
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