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 […]

In our CPD webinar held on 3rd February we explored the extent to which it is possible to see the Buddha as a philosopher. Recording of the webinar (without the Q&A session): Powerpoint file for images and with additional information in the notes: Who is the Buddha – SESSION 2

In this CPD session on 27th January 2022 we explored some of the stories told about the Buddha’s life, and how they relate to both Buddhist teachings and evidence about the Buddha’s time. We learn about his quest and his teaching career, and the importance he holds for the Buddhist community. Powerpoint slides (for images […]

In this series of webinars we explore some key aspects of Buddhism through the figure of the Buddha. Who was the Buddha? A philosopher or a divine saviour? A unique figure, or an example of a goal available to all Buddhists? How does his person relate to his teachings and to Buddhist beliefs and practices? […]

In the last session in the Key Concepts in Buddhism for RMPS teachers series we discuss two important Buddhist practices, and explore how they relate to other concepts from earlier sessions. The recording captures the presentation part of the session (not the Q&A) and the Powerpoint file contains additional resources and links in the notes. […]

Here is the recording of the fourth presentation in our series on key concepts for RMPS teachers of Buddhism National 5 and Highers qualifications. Our theme this month was the eightfold path and five precepts, and we particularly focused on issues of ethics or good conduct (sīla). As always, the powerpoint file contains additional resources, […]

Here is a story that I find useful when discussing the five precepts (against killing, stealing, sexual misconduct, lying, and taking intoxicants). This story is number 459 in a large collection of past-life stories of the Buddha (the Jātakatthavaṇṇanā) found in Pali and preserved by the Theravada school of Buddhism. The text was probably composed […]

Our third session in the Key Concepts series for RMPS teachers explored understandings of kamma and rebirth, and of the attainment of nibbāna, the exit from the cycle of rebirth altogether. Here you can find a recording of the presentation part (though not the Q&A) and the powerpoint file. The latter contains links to additional […]

Many teachers use images of the bhavacakra (wheel of rebirth, also referred to sometimes as samsāra-cakra) in class as way to prompt discussion. Here is a story of how these images came to exist. Note that it refers to a fivefold wheel, excluding the realm of the asuras (antigods, demons, demigods) that is sometimes added […]