Devotional practices
I can explain the role and significance of chanting and mantras in devotional practices for Buddhists today.
Devotional practices
I can explain the role and significance of chanting and mantras in devotional practices for Buddhists today.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- Chanting and mantra recitation are ways of learning and showing devotion to the Buddha's Dhamma.
- Chanting the Three Jewels (Triratna) is common to many schools of Buddhism.
- Many Buddhists use malas to count mantras or breaths in meditation.
- Mantra recitation is believed to evoke enlightenment.
Keywords
Chanting - singing or rhythmic repetition of a word, prayer, or sound
Malas - strings of beads used as a prayer aid
Mantra recitation - a short sequence of words or syllables chanted repetitively as a form of meditation
The Three Jewels (Triratna) - refers to the Buddha, the Dhamma and the Sangha
Common misconception
Chanting and mantras in Buddhism bring instant blessings or results just by saying the words.
Chanting and mantras help Buddhists to focus the mind, develop qualities like compassion and evoke enlightenment.
To help you plan your year 10 religious education lesson on: Devotional practices, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 10 religious education lesson on: Devotional practices, 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.
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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.
Equipment
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
a being who delays enlightenment to help others
an awakened or enlightened being
a sacred, circular pattern used in meditation