New
New
Year 10
AQA

Visualisation of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas

I can explain the aims, methods and significance of visualising Buddhas and Bodhisattvas through meditation.

New
New
Year 10
AQA

Visualisation of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas

I can explain the aims, methods and significance of visualising Buddhas and Bodhisattvas through meditation.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Visualisation is most commonly practiced in Mahayana schools of Buddhism.
  2. Visualisation in Buddhism involves a Buddhist seeing or imagining an object in their mind.
  3. Some Buddhists visualise a Buddha or a Bodhisattva to help develop a characteristic or quality such as compassion.
  4. A person's 'Buddha-nature' can be realised through the method of visualisation.
  5. Mandalas made of sand are a reminder of the impermanent nature of all things.

Keywords

  • Bodhisattva - a being destined for enlightenment, who postpones their final escape from samsara in order to help living beings

  • Buddha - an awakened or enlightened person

  • Buddha-nature - refers to the fundamental nature of all beings, which means that all beings can become enlightened/reach Buddhahood

  • Mandala - an intricate circle shaped pattern

  • Visualisation - imagining an image of a Buddha or Bodhisattva, focusing on their qualities

Common misconception

The Buddhas and Bodhisattvas visualised during meditation are merely imaginary or symbolic constructs rather than meaningful presences with deeper significance.

In Mahayana schools of Buddhism, visualising Buddhas and Bodhisattvas is seen as a method for connecting with enlightened qualities, purifying the mind, and realising one's own buddha-nature.


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

Teach Pure Land Buddhism to consolidate learning in this lesson.
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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

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Prior knowledge starter quiz

Download quiz pdf

6 Questions

Q1.
Many Buddhists practise samatha meditation first to develop a and concentrated mind.
Correct Answer: calm, Calm
Q2.
What does the word 'vipassana' mean in Buddhism?
Correct answer: insight
enlightenment
mindfulness
Q3.
What is one of the main focuses during vipassana meditation?
the sound of chanting
the movement of water
Correct answer: changing physical sensations
Q4.
What is the ultimate goal of practising vipassana meditation?
Correct answer: to achieve Nibbana/Nirvana
to connect with ancestors
to improve posture
Q5.
Which teaching is most closely linked to vipassana meditation?
the Five Precepts
the Four Noble Truths
Correct answer: the Three Marks of Existence
Q6.
What does the Buddha’s teaching in the Yuganaddha Sutta suggest about meditation?
that only vipassana should be practised
Correct answer: that there is some flexibility in the meditation path
that insight must come before calm

Assessment exit quiz

Download quiz pdf

6 Questions

Q1.
Some Buddhists create an intricate pattern called a as a reminder of the impermanence of all things.
Correct Answer: mandala, Mandala
Q2.
What is the purpose of visualisation in Buddhism?
to worship gods
to fall asleep
Correct answer: to develop spiritual qualities
Q3.
In which Buddhist tradition is visualisation most common?
Theravada
Correct answer: Mahayana
Zen
Q4.
What does Buddha-nature mean?
that only monks can become enlightened
that the Buddha lives in nature
Correct answer: that everyone can become a Buddha
Q5.
Why are sand mandalas destroyed after being made?
Correct answer: to teach about impermanence
to test the artist’s skill
to make space for a new one
Q6.
What is a common misconception about the practice of visualising Buddhas?
Correct answer: that it’s just imaginary
that it’s only for monks
that it’s done with closed eyes