Class Puzzle

Title: Class Puzzle

Status: SUBMITTED

Grade Level: 1-5

Keywords: Acceptance, Interdependence/Interconnectedness, Emptiness

Objective:

• The student will know that we are all interdependent,  interconnected and accepted by Amida Buddha.

Materials:

• Blank puzzle pieces or a template to make. Cut or separate the pieces.  Blank puzzles are available on Amazon, Staples and Michaels.

• Colored markers and/or pencils

• Double sided tape or glue if the pieces will be permanently affixed.

• Poster board (or other hard paper surface) that is larger than the completed puzzle if the pieces will be permanently affixed.

• Temporary adhesive if the pieces will be temporarily affixed.

Preparation:

• If needed, trim the poster board to the appropriate size

• Separate out the puzzle pieces

Steps:

1. Ask the students the following questions

   1. 1.  Do they know what it means to be accepted and loved by the Buddha just as they are.

      2.  Do they think they will still be accepted even f they are filled with the 3 Poisons (Greed, Anger, Stupidity/Ignorance) Can discuss the 3 Poisons if needed.

      3. Discuss how everyone whether young/old rich/poor, girl/boy, tall/short, etc. is embraced by the Buddha's wisdom and compassion, even those filled with the 3 Poisons, as long as they entrust in the Amida's Vow (18th Vow in the Larger Amida Sutra). Can discuss parts of Ju Sei Ge, the Contemplation or Amida Sutra that demonstrate Amida's acceptance of all. (This question maybe skipped if the students have not yet been exposed to these sutras.)

      4. Ask the students why they think it is important to understand that Amida Buddha accepts everyone just as they are. Have the students reflect on how that makes them feel.

      5. Ask the students how we show thanks or gratitude for the Amida Buddha saving all of us just the way we are. Discuss the Nembutsu.

2. Pass out a puzzle pieces (1 per student). Have the students draw their face and/or what their talent or hobby is on a puzzle piece. 

3. (1-2 Grades) The teacher writes the student's name on the puzzle piece. (3-5 Grades) The student writes their name.  It may be in the front or the back per your preference.

4. Have the students put the puzzle together.

5. If desired, put temporary adhesive or glue on the backs of the puzzle pieces, and adhere to the poster board to hang the completed puzzle in the classroom 

6. Review how everyone is accepted and respected by the Buddha no matter what they look like, etc. and that we should try to be like the Buddha and accept, understand and respect all even those that look different or have different interests than us.

Evaluation:

• During the review step, ask the students what they found memorable.

Note:

There are PreK/K and high school  versions of this lesson.

Author:

Southern District, Presented at the 2025 FDSTL Conference.