Bodhisattva ideals
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain Buddhist beliefs on Bodhisattva ideals, why the beliefs are important, and how they influence Buddhists today.
Key learning points
- Mahayana means ‘great vehicle’, which refers to the idea of the Bodhisattva path as a ‘vehicle’ to Buddhahood.
- A Bodhisattva is an enlightened being who remains in the cycle of samsara in order to help others achieve enlightenment.
- Pure Land Buddhism follows the teaching of Amitabha (Amida) Buddha.
- Amitabha (Amida) Buddha features in Mahayana texts.
- Alongside other Buddhist teachings, Pure Land Buddhists follow Amitabha (Amida) as a role model.
Keywords
Enlightenment - a state of wisdom that enables clarity and understanding of the truths of existence
Buddhahood - reaching enlightenment
Bodhisattva - an enlightened being who remains in the cycle of samsara in order to help others achieve enlightenment
Pure Land - a form of Mahayana Buddhism, based on a belief in Amitabha Buddha
Amitabha (Amida) - the Buddha worshipped by Pure Land Buddhists
Common misconception
The Pure Land is Nirvana.
Some Pure Land Buddhists may believe this, while others believe it is a place to be reborn. The Pure Land is a land free from suffering and distractions, making it a more accessible place to attain enlightenment and achieve Buddhahood.
Teacher tip
Watch a video clip about the Bodhisattva monk, Dharmakara, later known as Amitabha (Amida) Buddha. This will help develop pupil understanding of the history of Pure Land Buddhism.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.The goal of human destiny for many Theravada Buddhists is to become an ...
Q2.What is the main goal of an Arhat?
Q3.What is Nirvana in Theravada Buddhism?
Q4.Which of these is a key focus of the Arhat path?
Q5.Why do many Theravada Buddhists follow the Eightfold Path?
Q6.Theravada Buddhists seek to escape the of birth, life, death and samsara.
Assessment exit quiz
5 Questions
Q1.Some Buddhists believe that Sukhavati is a land without suffering and distractions.
Q2.What is the main goal of a Bodhisattva?
Q3.Which Buddha do Pure Land Buddhists follow?
Q4.What do Pure Land Buddhists believe about Sukhavati?
Q5.How can Pure Land Buddhists be reborn in Sukhavati?
To help you plan your 10 religious education lesson on: Bodhisattva ideals, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 religious education lesson on: Bodhisattva ideals, 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: Beliefs and teachings unit, dive into the full secondary religious education curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.