Buddhist festivals in Britain
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain the importance of Buddhist festivals for Buddhists living in Britain today.
Key learning points
- The 2021 census shows the number of individuals identifying as Buddhist in England and Wales has increased since 2011.
- Wesak and Parinirvana Day are the two principal festivals observed by Buddhists, including those residing in Britain.
- The Sangha, or Buddhist community, plays a significant role in the lives of Buddhists living in the United Kingdom.
- The Triratna community are dedicated to practising the teachings of the Buddha within the context of western society.
- The Buddhafield Festival offers a meaningful opportunity for individuals to engage with community and nature.
Keywords
Festival - a day or period of celebration
Parinirvana Day - a festival which marks the Buddha’s death and when he achieved Nirvana/Nibbana
Sangha - the Buddhist community, including monks and nuns
Triratna community - trying to practise the Buddha’s teachings in the conditions of the modern world
Wesak - a Buddhist festival celebrating the Buddha's birth, enlightenment and death
Common misconception
Buddhist festivals are only celebrated by Theravada and Mahayana Buddhists.
There is a diverse and growing community of Westerners who are converts to Buddhism, including the Triratna Buddhist Community.
Teacher tip
Teach Buddhist festivals and retreats to consolidate the learning in this lesson.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Buddhists might go on a to focus on meditation and deepen their understanding of the Dhamma.
Q2.During the ‘Bathing the Buddha’ ceremony, is poured over the statue’s shoulders to symbolise cleansing the mind.
Q3.What can Buddhists gain by making donations during Kathina?
Q4.Which festival marks the end of the rainy season?
Q5.What does the festival of Wesak celebrate?
Q6.What is Parinirvana Day focused on?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.The 2021 census shows the number of individuals identifying as Buddhist in England and Wales has .
Q2.Why is the Sangha especially important for Buddhists living in Britain?
Q3.The Buddhist festival of celebrates the Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and death.
Q4.What is the Triratna community known for?
Q5.What happens at the Buddhafield Festival?
Q6.Buddhist festivals are only celebrated by Theravada and Mahayana Buddhists.
To help you plan your 10 religious education lesson on: Buddhist festivals in Britain, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 religious education lesson on: Buddhist festivals in Britain, 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.
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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.