This worksheet combines a clear concise introduction to the three characteristics – impermanence, suffering and not-self – and four scriptural sources that help to explain them.  There are suggested discussion questions and further readings relating to each of the four sources. The Three Characteristics of Existence This worksheet was created by Naomi Appleton and Chris […]

The Buddha’s lifestory doesn’t begin with his birth in Lumbini in the fifth century BCE – it goes much further back, through countless lifetimes in which he was readying himself for the attainment of buddhahood. In this worksheet, you can find out about the encounter that is said in some sources to be the beginning […]

Is the Buddha a human or a god? There are many ways to answer this question, though the shortest answer might be a simple “no” since he does not fit easily into either category. In this worksheet, find out more about what the Buddha is considered to be. It includes an introduction, a translation of […]

This worksheet provides an introduction to Pure Land Buddhism, including a scripture about how Amitabha’s Pure Land came to be. Pure Lands This worksheet was created by Chris V. Jones as part of the Who is the Buddha? series.

This worksheet introduces a traditional way of telling the Buddha’s lifestory through four key events – birth, awakening, first sermon and death/parinirvana. The worksheet includes a general introduction, a short scriptural source in which the Buddha recommends pilgrimage to the four sites associated with the four events, and images depicting each. There are also suggested […]

An introduction to the five precepts, a traditional Buddhist story about their importance, some suggested discussion questions and further readings, all in a single downloadable pdf document: The Five Precepts This worksheet was created by Naomi Appleton as part of the Who is the Buddha? series.  

In the final webinar in our “Who is the Buddha?” series we explored the role of the Buddha in the UK, from the decorative use of Buddha-images, to the history of the various Buddhist movements present here, to the ways in which Buddhist groups have navigated British cultural dynamics. Powerpoint file, for images and additional […]

In the fifth session in our series “Who is the Buddha?” we explored how the Buddha of our time relates to other buddhas – past, future, and elsewhere. In addition, how do the buddhas of mandalas fit in, and what about bodhisattvas? Powerpoint file (including images and additional links and resources in the notes): Who […]

Our fourth session in this webinar series explored the Buddha’s place in Buddhist practices, including the role of stupas, and of images and visualisations of the Buddha. The powerpoint file, which includes further links and resources in the notes, and images that can be used in your teaching, can be found here: Who is the […]

At our third session in this series we asked to what extent the Buddha is viewed as a social reformer, including by Buddhist groups such as the Ambedkar movement and modern forms of Engaged Buddhism. The powerpoint slides (for images and also containing additional resources in the notes): Who is the Buddha – SESSION 3 […]