Vipassana meditation
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain the nature, purpose and significance of vipassana meditation for Buddhists today.
Key learning points
- Vipassana meditation is one of the two main methods taught by the Buddha.
- Vipassana helps Buddhist gain insight into the true nature of reality as characterised by the three marks of existence.
- In the Yuganaddha Sutta, four possible paths to enlightenment are discussed.
- Vipassana was used by the Buddha as a way of eliminating ignorance and suffering (dukkha).
- 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.
Teacher tip
Teach samatha meditation to consolidate the learning in this lesson.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Meditation was the method used by the to achieve enlightenment.
Q2.What is mindfulness of breathing used for in samatha meditation?
Q3.Which of the following is true about kasinas?
Q4.Why do some non-Buddhists also practise meditation today?
Q5.What is the main purpose of samatha meditation?
Q6.Which statement reflects a common misunderstanding about samatha?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.It was under the Bodhi that the Buddha achieved enlightenment.
Q2.Vipassana helps Buddhists to gain insight into the three of existence.
Q3.What is the main goal of vipassana meditation?
Q4.What are the three marks of existence?
Q5.What does the Yuganaddha Sutta teach about meditation?
Q6.What is a common misconception about vipassana meditation?
To help you plan your 10 religious education lesson on: Vipassana meditation, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 religious education lesson on: Vipassana meditation, 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.