We are happy to work with you to design a programme appropriate to your Learning Objectives and Key Stages, but here are some examples of popular themes and workshops that we can offer:
Tour of Sheffield Buddhist Centre
Take in the sights, sounds and smells of our atmospheric and vibrant Buddhist Centre. How does a Buddhist Centre compare to other places of worship? Includes any of the below activities.
The Three Jewels of Buddhism
We often theme our tours and visits around the Three Jewels of Buddhism – The Buddha, The Dharma and The Sangha. Find out why the Three Jewels are common and central to all schools of Buddhism.
Stilling Exercises
Learn how to be still and calm. Very popular with both students and teachers. Learn some techniques from experienced Buddhist meditators that you can use every day to stay calm, grounded and positive.
The King and the Buddha Drama
One of our most popular activities. Kate and Allan dress up and act out a story from the Buddha’s life, about the Buddha’s message on where happiness comes from. A fun pantomime-style drama, which ends up being a bit different every time we do it!
Different Types of Buddhists
Look at a slideshow of photographs of different Buddhists. What do the monks have in common? What about Buddhist nuns? Do you have to be a monk or nun to be a Buddhist? Learn about life as a Buddhist and the different types of Buddhism around the world.
Ethics and Karma
We have a range of exercises and activites, depending on ages and ability levels, exploring Buddhist ethics and their implications for how we might live as Buddhists. What are the five precepts? Can you match the behaviour with the precept? Do you agree with the Buddha? What did the Buddha mean by skilful and unskilful action? What is karma and what are the common misconceptions about karma?
Guess the Artefact
A fun activity for all ages. We’ll pass you a range of artefacts that are used in our Buddhist Centre. Can you guess what they might be used for?
Buddhist Images, Mandalas, Statues and Artwork
The Buddhist tradition is full of vivid artwork, images and symbols and our Buddhist Centre is full of interesting and beautiful paintings, statues and shrines. Explore stories associated with the images. What do these paintings and symbols say to us? Learn about Buddhists mandalas and then create your very own school (or personal) mandala.
Buddhist Shrines and Mantras
What is a Buddhist shrine? Why do we have one? What are the traditional offerings? Can you build your own class shrine at school? Hear Kate and Allan chant Buddhist Mantras. How do they sound and feel?
The Thousand-Armed Avalokitesvara
Hear the story about the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara, the embodiment of compassion. How could we do something to help somebody today? Make a promise and decorate a paper hand and then put them all together to create your own thousand-armed Avalokitesvara at school.
Questions and Answers
Ask us anything you want about what it is like to be a Buddhist. We promise to answer openly and candidly about our experience and lives as Buddhist Practitioners. What is it like to be a Buddhist?
