New
New
Year 10
Eduqas

Buddhist temples in Britain and globally

I can explain the role and significance of Buddhist temples in Britain and globally.

New
New
Year 10
Eduqas

Buddhist temples in Britain and globally

I can explain the role and significance of Buddhist temples in Britain and globally.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. According to the 2021 Census, 272,508 individuals in England and Wales identified as Buddhist.
  2. Some Buddhist temples and monasteries (viharas) in the United Kingdom are purpose-built, but the majority are adapted.
  3. Temples hold significant importance in the UK, serving as places of belonging.
  4. In nations with large Buddhist populations, temples often play a central role in daily life.

Keywords

  • Bhikkhu - a Buddhist monk

  • Monastery (vihara) - a building that houses monks and nuns; it may have space for study, as well as accommodation

  • Temple - a structure/building for religious or spiritual activities, such as meditation

Common misconception

All Buddhist temples and monasteries (viharas) are purpose-built.

Many Buddhist temples and monasteries in the UK are buildings that were originally used for something else.


To help you plan your year 10 religious education lesson on: Buddhist temples in Britain and globally, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Ask pupils to research the nearest Buddhist temple or monastery. Find out the history of the building and which Buddhist tradition it belongs to.
Teacher tip

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

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Prior knowledge starter quiz

Download quiz pdf

6 Questions

Q1.
What does the word 'dukkha' refer to in Buddhism?

happiness
meditation
Correct answer: suffering

Q2.
Which of the following is not one of the Five Moral Precepts?

Correct answer: going to the temple every day
avoiding harm to living beings
avoiding alcohol and intoxicants

Q3.
What is the goal of a Buddhist following the Eightfold Path?

to gain wealth
Correct answer: to escape samsara
to become a priest

Q4.
What is anicca?

the belief in a permanent soul
Correct answer: the idea that everything changes
a form of meditation

Q5.
Which scripture contains the teachings of the Buddha?

The Torah
The Qur’an
Correct answer: The Tipitaka

Q6.
What is the significance of the story of Prince Siddhartha seeing the Four Sights?

Correct answer: it inspired him to leave palace life and seek truth
it led to his desire to conquer other kingdoms
it helped him become a king

Assessment exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
A bhikkhu is a Buddhist who has committed to the path of the Buddha.

Correct Answer: monk, Monk

Q2.
Temples are important for Buddhists all over the .

Correct Answer: world, World

Q3.
Why are Buddhist temples important in the UK today?

they are tourist attractions
they are used as libraries
Correct answer: they offer space for community and meditation

Q4.
What is the significance of the Buddhapadipa temple?

it was the first vihara in Scotland
Correct answer: it was the first Thai purpose-built temple in the UK
it was built by the British government

Q5.
What helped Buddhism reach Britain in the 19th century?

Correct answer: translations of scriptures
trade agreements
TV documentaries

Q6.
True or false? All Buddhist temples and monasteries are purpose-built.

Correct answer: false – many temples in the UK were originally other buildings
true – all temples are built specifically for Buddhism
false – most temples are temporary festival spaces