Buddhism

Objectives
Students will
 explore the teachings of the Dalai Lama, and

 apply these teachings to situations that could take place in their own lives.
Materials
 Computer with Internet access

 Paper and pencils
Procedures
1. Begin the lesson with a discussion about the Dalai Lama, the spiritual leader of the Tibetan people. Tell
students that he escaped from Tibet in 1959 after the Chinese invaded Tibet and he has lived in India
ever since. In 1989, he received the Nobel Prize for Peace in recognition of his efforts to negotiate peace
between Tibet and China.

2. Hold a discussion about the teachings of the Dalai Lama. Explain that his message is to promote
compassion, tolerance, and a sense of internal peace. Emphasize this point with video segments of the
Dalai Lama discussing his philosophy. Point out how his teachings draw from the teachings of Buddhism.

3. Divide students into pairs. Have the pairs find out more about the Dalai Lama and his teachings. Suggest
that they refer to the following Web sites:
 http://www.gluckman.com/DalaiLama.html
 http://www.dalailama.com/html/training.html
 http://www.beliefnet.com/story/31/story_3167_1.html

4. Allow students enough time to become more familiar with the Dalai Lama's teachings. Ask whether his
ideas could be applied to the students' lives. On the board, write the situations listed below. Have
students discuss how these teachings could guide them in resolving these dilemmas.

 How could the teachings of the Dalai Lama help if a student gets a "D" on a report card?
 How could his teachings help if students are teasing another student because of the way
he or she looks, talks, or dresses?
 How could his teachings help a student in a situation in which everyone else is drinking or
smoking?
 How could his teachings help students come to terms with the potential of terrorist attacks
in their own country?
 How could his teachings help students address the needs of someone in their community
who has lost a job and is having financial trouble?

5. Give students enough time in class to think about these situations. Then have each student write a brief
summary of their findings and conclusions and present a report to the class. Did most students reach
similar conclusions?

6. End the lesson by discussing other ways the Dalai Lama's ideas could be applied to the students' lives.
Ask students if they feel they could use the ideas in difficult situations. Ask if they think the ideas have
particular relevance in the uncertainty in the world.
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Evaluation
Use the following three-point rubric to evaluate students' work during this lesson.
 Three points: Students were highly engaged in class discussions, fully grasping the
teachings of the Dalai Lama; reports indicated that they found interesting ways to apply his
teachings to different situations.
 Two points: Students participated in class discussions and had some understanding of the
teachings of the Dalai Lama; reports indicated they were able to apply his teachings to
different situations.
 One point: Students participated minimally in class discussions and had little
understanding of the teachings of the Dalai Lama; reports indicated they had difficulty
applying his teachings to different situations.
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Vocabulary
Buddhism
Definition: A religion of eastern and central Asia that emerged from the teachings of Gautama Buddha,
who said that suffering is a part of life and can be overcome through mental and moral self-purification
Context: The Dalai Lama has elaborated upon the teachings of Buddha and has used them in his search
for world peace.
compassion
Definition: The ability to consider other people's well-being as well as our own
Context: The Dalai Lama teaches that we should always consider the effect of our actions on other
people and to show compassion for all living things.
Dalai Lama
Definition: The spiritual leader of the Tibetan people
Context: In addition to being a strong leader, the Dalai Lama is mischievous and has a good sense of
humor.
dharma
Definition: The essence of the teachings of Buddha; a religious, as opposed to a secular, approach to life
Context: By living a noble life and developing an optimistic mental attitude, people can bring dharma into
their lives.
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Standards
This lesson plan addresses the following standards from the National Council for the Social Studies:
I. Culture
IV. Individual Development and Identity
V. Individuals, Groups, and Institutions
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Credits
Marilyn Fenichel, education writer and editor

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Objectives

 explore the teachings of the Dalai Lama, and

 Computer with Internet access

Marilyn Fenichel, education writer and editor

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