New
New
Year 8
Sangha - monks and nuns
I can describe the Sangha as a global Buddhist community and explain the significance of Buddhist monks and nuns.
New
New
Year 8
Sangha - monks and nuns
I can describe the Sangha as a global Buddhist community and explain the significance of Buddhist monks and nuns.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- The third jewel is the Sangha, the wider Buddhist community, which includes Buddhist monks and nuns.
- The two main forms of Buddhism are Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism.
- Some Buddhists do not accept nuns.
- There are Buddhist monasteries all around the world, including in the UK.
- Monks and nuns commit their lives, or some of their lives, to learning and practising Buddhism.
Keywords
Sangha - the wider Buddhist community, including monks and nuns
Monk - a man who dedicates himself to a simple life of devotion to Buddhism
Nun - a woman who dedicates herself to a simple life of devotion to Buddhism
Monastery - a place where Buddhist monks and nuns live
Common misconception
All Buddhist monks are male.
Some schools of Buddhism ordain women, known as Buddhist nuns.
Use a virtual tour of a monastery to learn more about the key features or arrange a trip to a local Buddhist monastery or temple.
Teacher tip
Equipment
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on
Open Government Licence version 3.0
except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).Lesson video
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Starter quiz
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6 Questions
Q1.
What is a precept?
a resistance to doing something
a concern with the principles of right and wrong behaviour
Q2.
How many moral precepts did the Buddha teach?
three
four
six
eight
Q3.
Which of these is not one of the five moral precepts?
refrain from taking life
refrain from the misuse of the senses or sexual misconduct
refrain from wrong speech
refrain from intoxicants that cloud the mind
Q4.
How many precepts do Buddhist monks and nuns need to follow?
five
eight
twelve
Q5.
Which of these is not one of the ten precepts followed by Buddhist monks and nuns?
refrain from dancing, singing and music
refrain from luxurious beds or chairs
refrain from entertainment and beautification
refrain from possessing money, silver and gold
Q6.
Match each precept to the correct example.
avoid harm
avoid stealing
avoid overindulgence
avoid lying
avoid alcohol and drugs
Exit quiz
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6 Questions
Q1.
What is the Sangha?
the wider Buddhist community
Buddhist monks and nuns only
Q2.
Theravada Buddhism is practiced by the majority of people in which of these countries?
Japan
Q3.
Which form of Buddhism emphasises living a monastic lifestyle?
Mahayana Buddhism
Zen Buddhism
Q4.
What might Buddhist monks and nuns not do on a daily basis?
live simply
teach the Buddha's Dhamma
meditate
Q5.
Which of these countries was the first to ordain Theravada nuns?
Thailand
India
Q6.
Why are Buddhist monks and nuns significant for the Sangha?
they refrain from attaining enlightenment