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 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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

We very much enjoyed this session, the first in our series of events for teachers of RMPS in Scotland, exploring the three jewels or refuges. We here share the powerpoint slides, which also contain – in the notes area – additional information and links. We also have a recording of the presentation (though not the […]

Buddhism through 108 objects in Scotland: Object 3 – Amida Buddha Statue in the National Museum of Scotland This statue in the collection of the National Museum of Scotland is a Japanese depiction of the Amida Buddha. It was bought in 1902 by the Scottish trader James Douglas Fletcher to decorate his large estate, Rosehaugh, […]