The six perfections in the Mahayana tradition: generosity and morality
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain the six perfections: generosity and morality and how these teachings can be developed.
Key learning points
- Each perfection develops a particular aspect of a Buddhist’s character or understanding.
- Generosity includes time, possessions or skills.
- The aim is to give willingly with no expectation of praise or reward.
- Morality includes following the Dhamma consciously, aware of the moral decisions you're making.
Keywords
Bodhisattva - an enlightened, who postpones their final escape from samsara in order to help living beings
Generosity - the sincere and selfless desire to benefit others with no expectation of reward
Morality - principles or beliefs about what is right and wrong; includes following the Five Moral Precepts
The six perfections/paramitas - ethical principles in Mahayana Buddhism to lead a being to enlightenment
Common misconception
Generosity and morality are qualities solely focused on external actions or rituals.
It is also about cultivating a selfless mindset. True generosity transcends material things and is rooted in an attitude of openness and kindness. Morality is about acting in a way which includes mental discipline and mindfulness.
Teacher tip
Teach the perfections/paramitas: patience, energy, meditation and wisdom, to consolidate the learning in this lesson.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Speaking an statement goes against the moral precept on falsehoods.
Q2.What is the purpose of the five moral precepts in Buddhism?
Q3.Why do Buddhists avoid intoxicants like alcohol?
Q4.What does the precept “do not misuse the senses” relate to?
Q5.Which action breaks the precept about falsehoods?
Q6.How do the precepts help Buddhists progress spiritually?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.The six perfections guide a Bodhisattva on the to enlightenment.
Q2.What is the main goal of a Bodhisattva in Mahayana Buddhism?
Q3.What is a key aspect of practising generosity (dana)?
Q4.What does morality (sila) involve in Mahayana Buddhism?
Q5.What do the six perfections help a Buddhist develop?
Q6.Which of the following best describes generosity in Buddhism?
To help you plan your 10 religious education lesson on: The six perfections in the Mahayana tradition: generosity and morality, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 religious education lesson on: The six perfections in the Mahayana tradition: generosity and morality, 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: Practices unit, dive into the full secondary religious education curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.