Shakamuni Buddha Timeline

Objective

After this lesson, the student will know 3 facts about Shakamuni Buddha's life.

Materials

• Make sufficient copies of the life story of Shakamuni Buddha Ex. From BCA's curriculum guide for 8th Grade

OR

• YouTube video of life of Shakamuni Buddha Ex. Introduction to Buddhism - Life of Shakyamuni Buddha: https://youtu.be/viyQ7G4IvzY

• Website detailing history of the world

• Markers/Crayons

• Pens

• Yard Ruler

Preparation

• Obtain a large sheet of butcher paper at least 3 feet.

• Layout the markers/crayons

• If there is no internet access, then make a printout of the

Method

1. Opening Gassho

2. Introduce the topic

3. Ask the class for facts about Shakamuni Buddha that they remember. Write it down.

4. Present the life of Shakamuni Buddha by either reading the Life

5. Draw a line down the middle (lengthwise). Leave space at the ends.

6. Mark the Birth of Shakamuni Buddha at one end of the line. Mark the Paranirvana (Entered Nirvana) at the other end.

7. Space off the decades between the two marks. Have students put marks at the major life events of Shakamuni Buddha and label them.

8. Put in major world events during Shakamuni Buddha's life

9. Have the students draw to illustrate the various events

10. After complete, have the students sign the timeline.

Notes

This is typically at least a 2 weeks lesson although it might be longer depending on the degree of detail.

This can be used as a display at Temple events. Finally, a time-lapse video makes for an interesting viewing.

Author

Ed Nodohara, Apala Eagan, San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin, 2010