Year 9 RE

Year 9 are currently studying Buddhism. The students have been exploring the life of Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha and how his life changed after he witnessed suffering in the world.  Once Siddhartha found out about the suffering, it consumed him for the rest of his life. Siddhartha’s obsession with suffering eventually caused him to become the original Buddha.

The first thing Buddha sees outside the palace is an old person. Though this is something normal people see every day, Buddha is shocked by this. He realises that old age is unavoidable and all people eventually lose their youth.

Buddha then sees an ill person and again, he is shocked. This makes him realise that suffering is part of life.

Buddha then sees a dead body being carried as part of a funeral procession. He realises that death is inevitable and life is impermanent.

Finally, he sees a holy man. Holy men at that time, lived simple lives without money or many possessions. Buddha realises living this life may offer him a way to resolve the problems of human suffering.

After reading the Buddha’s story, the students wondered what sights and examples the Buddha might have seen if he existed today. This inspired the students to write a diary entry or story board from a modern perspective, questioning what four sights would be in modern times. Here are some of their examples:

Miss Hollier

RE Department

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