MEDITATION BUDDHISM - KS2 This presentation aims to introduce KS2 children to the idea of meditation in Buddhism. Explain to children that, in general, meditation is about changing how the mind works and helping it to grow and develop. In Buddhism, meditation is used to understand the world and yourself better, leading to an ‘awakening’ or enlightenment. Meditation in everyday life It is useful to be able to explain to children how meditation can relate to everyday life so they can engage with it through the context of their own experiences. One way to do this is to use the elements of mindfulness. Walking – being aware of what you see, hear and feel while walking outside but letting each one pass over you. Sitting – this can be through the breathing exercises detailed in this topic. Everyday – choose an activity such as writing your name and try to focus attention on only that.

Why do Buddhists meditate? The Big Question Why do Buddhists meditate? Image: http://www.letstravelsomewhere.com/travel-inspiration/keven-osborne-tibet/attachment/keven-osborne-tibet-1/ Image - Buddhist monks using prayer beads. Our big question is ‘Why do Buddhists meditate?’ Use the picture as a stimulus for discussion, starting with the children’s own interpretations. Ask them: What do you think these people are holding? What do you think they might do with them? Do they remind you of anything? Explain that these are prayer beads – used by many people in different religions to help them concentrate on their prayers or meditations. But what what exactly IS meditation? And why is it important in Buddhism?

Buddhist meditation Meditation is used to help enlightenment. Prayer beads are often used in Buddhist meditation and are called malas. Sometimes Buddhists will chant phrases repeatedly called mantras. Show pupils this slide and explain the terms being used: enlightenment, mala and mantra. Enlightenment: in Buddhism this can refer to the gaining of insight and understanding into yourself and the ways things really are. The ‘Buddha’ means ‘the one who is enlightened and awake’ – that is the person who has realised the truth about people and the nature of everything. Mala (prayer beads): explain that Buddhists sometimes use prayer beads to focus their minds (concentrate) while meditating because we can all get distracted by things around us. The prayer beads are called Malas. Many religions use prayer beads as a focus but today we are just thinking about how they are used in Buddhist meditation. Another way that Buddhists meditate is to chant phrases over and over again. These are called mantras. They are often focused on good will towards others and the environment. Meditation with Children The most important point to emphasis here is that children will NOT be taking part in Buddhist meditation. The following is just a ‘stilling’ exercise used to allow children to have a meditation-like experience but without a religious focus. This is a suggested script for use with children: Sit on a chair so your back is straight and you are comfortable. Put both feet flat on the floor. Relax your shoulders. Place your hands in a comfortable place on your lap. [There is no need for them to close their eyes] You are relaxed but alert. Now think about your breath.... How it goes in through your nose and out through your mouth. Keep concentrating on your breathing...relax. Now we are going to breathe in for 3...1..2..3 and out for 3...1..2...3.. [Repeat breathing in and out for 3] Now, I am going to count from 5 to 0. When I get to zero you're going to stretch your fingers, look around and then slowly stretch you arms and legs. 5...4...3...2...1...0. Following the stilling exercise, always allow the pupils to express thoughts and feelings about it, and be prepared to talk over any concerns with individual children.  

Our positive thoughts.... A thought to make me a better person Before showing this slide ask the children if they can remember what the three key terms on the previous slide mean: enlightenment, malas and mantras. (The previous slide is designed to only reveal one point at a time). Explain that the next exercise will help pupils understand more about why Buddhists meditate. Ask the pupils to create their own mantra, bearing in mind the idea of becoming more ‘awake’ to themselves and to the realities of life. Ask the pupils to choose how to produce their mantras, e.g.: On paper with three thought bubbles On a mini whiteboard On paper with an outline of three beads Show this slide and explain that each bubble/bead of the pupils’ mantras should contain a positive thought about the following: The world around us (environment). A thought for others. A thought for ourselves (to help us become better people). A thought for others A thought for the world around us

What does Buddhist meditation sound like? This video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WF7n1yGTB8U contextualises the idea of meditation for the children by allowing them to see for themselves what meditation in a temple looks like and what a mantra sounds like. Explain that the video they are about to watch shows a kind of Buddhism that started in Tibet. Click on the link in the picture and play the first 1’ 48” of the video. Ask them to listen very carefully – what can they hear? What can they see? After showing the clip ask the pupils what they notice about the monk in the video? (For example, he is using prayer beads.) What questions would they like to ask about the film, for example about: The monks clothing? – The robes represent may ideas including: As a reminder that they are part of a larger community. As a way to reflect – the robes have to be worn in a certain way. As a reminder of commitment. The images? – These are all the teachers/leaders (lamas) who have taught people about this kind of Buddhism going back to the 14th century. The beads? – He kisses the beads as a mark of respect. Optional: Ask the children to close their eyes and play the clip again. When they open their eyes ask them to reflect on how it made them feel.

Children Talking...... Explain that the photograph is of children who attend a Buddhist School in the UK. They have made a podcast to help others understand about their faith. You are going to play the children one they have written and recorded all about what meditation means to them. Click on the link in the picture: http://meditationandmindfulnessforchildren.blogspot.co.uk/p/podcasts.html Scroll down until you see the pink box with the podcasts. Click on number 1 which is ‘What is meditation’ It is 5 minutes long. After the podcast ask the children to reflect on any questions they may have about what it means to meditate for a Buddhist. Learning Outcomes: Ask important questions about the practice of faith and compare some different possible answers.

Where next? Muddy Water This is an activity for children aged 7-11 as a whole class and then as individuals. It is designed to get children to consider what it would be like to have a clear mind for meditation.   Resources Jar of muddy water with the dirt settled. What to do The children would need some prior understanding of Buddhist meditation and about trying to still the mind. Play some calming music in the background and ask the children to sit quietly and watch. Shake the jar wait until all the dirt has settled. Ask the children to describe what they have just seen. How does this relate to Buddhist meditation? Clearing the mind, letting it settle. Let's try to do that now. Ask the children what was in their mind, did they have 'muddy water'? What thoughts were stopping their mind from being still? Image: https://philinmotion.wordpress.com/2012/05/24/pure-mind/