New
New
Year 10
AQA

Vipassana meditation

I can explain the nature, purpose and significance of vipassana meditation for Buddhists today.

New
New
Year 10
AQA

Vipassana meditation

I can explain the nature, purpose and significance of vipassana meditation for Buddhists today.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Vipassana meditation is one of the two main methods taught by the Buddha.
  2. Vipassana helps Buddhist gain insight into the true nature of reality as characterised by the three marks of existence.
  3. In the Yuganaddha Sutta, four possible paths to enlightenment are discussed.
  4. Vipassana was used by the Buddha as a way of eliminating ignorance and suffering (dukkha).
  5. Practising vipassana is a way to achieve enlightenment and attain Nibbana/Nirvana.

Keywords

  • Meditation - a spiritual experience that opens a person up to the highest state of consciousness

  • Samatha - a method of meditation; a state of calmness

  • The three marks of existence - the belief that all life involves/is marked by three features: dukkha, anicca, anatta

  • Vipassana (insight) - a method of meditation focused on insight into the true nature of things

Common misconception

Vipassana meditation is primarily about relaxation or stress relief.

Vipassana meditation is aimed at cultivating insight into the nature of reality, specifically the impermanent, unsatisfactory, and non-self characteristics of all phenomena, known in Buddhism as the three marks of existence.


To help you plan your year 10 religious education lesson on: Vipassana meditation, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Teach samatha meditation to consolidate the learning in this lesson.
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Equipment

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

Prior knowledge starter quiz

Download quiz pdf

6 Questions

Q1.
Meditation was the method used by the to achieve enlightenment.
Correct Answer: Buddha
Q2.
What is mindfulness of breathing used for in samatha meditation?
Correct answer: to calm and focus the mind
to recall past lives
to chant Buddhist scriptures
Q3.
Which of the following is true about kasinas?
they are sacred texts
Correct answer: they are focus objects used in meditation
they are special prayers
Q4.
Why do some non-Buddhists also practise meditation today?
to earn religious merit
to reach enlightenment
Correct answer: to manage stress
Q5.
What is the main purpose of samatha meditation?
Correct answer: to prepare the mind for deeper understanding
to teach the Dhamma
to end suffering instantly
Q6.
Which statement reflects a common misunderstanding about samatha?
it is one of the Six Perfections in Mahayana Buddhism
it uses kasinas
Correct answer: it directly leads to enlightenment

Assessment exit quiz

Download quiz pdf

6 Questions

Q1.
It was under the Bodhi that the Buddha achieved enlightenment.
Correct Answer: tree, Tree
Q2.
Vipassana helps Buddhists to gain insight into the three of existence.
Correct Answer: marks, Marks
Q3.
What is the main goal of vipassana meditation?
to reduce stress
Correct answer: to develop insight
to repeat mantras
Q4.
What are the three marks of existence?
attachment, joy, peace
truth, knowledge, kindness
Correct answer: suffering, change, no-self
Q5.
What does the Yuganaddha Sutta teach about meditation?
that only samatha leads to enlightenment
that meditation must follow a strict order
Correct answer: that different paths to enlightenment are valid
Q6.
What is a common misconception about vipassana meditation?
Correct answer: it is mainly used for insight
it only brings relaxation
it’s a path to enlightenment
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