The role of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas in meditation
I can explain the aims, methods and significance of visualising Buddhas and Bodhisattvas through meditation.
The role of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas in meditation
I can explain the aims, methods and significance of visualising Buddhas and Bodhisattvas through meditation.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- Visualisation is most commonly practiced in Mahayana schools of Buddhism.
- Visualisation in Buddhism involves a Buddhist seeing or imagining an object in their mind.
- Some Buddhists visualise a Buddha or a Bodhisattva to help develop a characteristic or quality such as compassion.
- Visualisation is significant to many Mahayana Buddhists because they believe it awakes the Buddha-nature within them.
- 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 - historically the Buddha (Siddhartha Gautama); 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: The role of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas in meditation, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 10 religious education lesson on: The role of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas in meditation, 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.
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