Mahayana: the Six Perfections
I can explain the Mahayana beliefs about the Six Perfections, why they are important and how they influence Buddhists.
Mahayana: the Six Perfections
I can explain the Mahayana beliefs about the Six Perfections, why they are important and how they influence Buddhists.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- The Six Perfections (paramitas) must be cultivated to realise one's Buddha-nature.
- The Six Perfections can help a Buddhist live as a Bodhisattva, realise their Buddha-nature and attain enlightenment.
- The Mahayana school of Buddhism focuses on achieving enlightenment by becoming a Bodhisattva.
- The Six Perfections are: generosity, morality, patience, energy, meditation and wisdom.
- The Six Perfections influence many Buddhists to lead a good ethical life.
Keywords
Mahayana - this school of Buddhism focuses on achieving enlightenment for the sake of all beings
The Six Perfections - ethical principles to lead a being to enlightenment
Buddha-nature - this refers to the fundamental nature of all beings, which means that all beings can become enlightened
Bodhisattva - a being destined for enlightenment, who postpones their final escape from samsara in order to help living beings
Common misconception
The Six Perfections (paramitas) is a set of steps to be followed in a strict, linear order.
The Six Perfections are interconnected qualities that a Buddhist develops simultaneously throughout their life and practice.
To help you plan your year 10 religious education lesson on: Mahayana: the Six Perfections, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 10 religious education lesson on: Mahayana: the Six Perfections, 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: Beliefs and teachings unit, dive into the full secondary religious education curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
a being who stays in samsara to help others
the Buddha worshipped in Pure Land Buddhism
the Pure Land where Amitabha Buddha resides
a branch of Buddhism that emphasises the Bodhisattva path