Buddhist Compassion and Non-Violence

The Metta Sutta• Read the Metta Sutta.• How is it different from prayers

you are familiar with?– What does it do/ ask for ?– What doesn’t it do/ ask for?

Explain how the Metta Sutta Buddhist prayer is different from other prayers.

**Do you think such a prayer can be effective? ie make a difference?

• Not specifically directed to any supreme deity. • Not for any personal purpose. • Not a request for me personally for either health,

wealth, or any other advantage. • It is a practice to awaken inner capacities of strength,

compassion and wisdom. • It points to the blessings of Life and how to live a pure

life.

Shrines & Temples

House Shrine Temple Offerings &

Chanting

Temple Prayer Wheels & Flags

Use the information on your card to make notes about this type of worship.

After 2 mins, swap papers.

HW Is Buddhism a religion ?

Yes• Explain what deities and

boddhisattvas are. Show how they are divine beings

• Describe how buddhists show worship: – offer food & incense,– show respect and honour

to divine boddhisattvas– spin prayer wheels, – fly prayer flags.

No• Explain that religions believe in a creator God

who can help and save people. Buddhists don’t believe such a God exists or that there is anything “out there” that can help.

• Explain what Buddhist teachings are about – Aims to escape from rebirth, not “heaven” with God– purifying your mind by 4 Noble truth & 8fold path, – enlightenment/ nirvana,

• Explain how Buddhist worship– not about asking for help – Buddhist Gods are not really gods