Recognizing and Accepting Differences (MS/HS)

Title: Recognizing and Accepting Differences

Status: Moderated

Grade Level: MS, HS

Keywords: Accepting, Diversity

Objective:

• After this lesson, the student will be: 1) able to recognize differences 2) know how to make others feel accepted

Materials:

• Copy of "The Berenstain Bears: New Neighbors" by Stan & Jan Berenstain. Alternately, "Sitter", "Trick or Treat" (Please note that there are YouTube videos of readings of these books which can be used instead of reading them in person).

• Drawing: "Showing your Buddha-Nature through Dana" (below)

Preparation:

• Obtain clay and portion into individual amounts (sufficient for 1 clay "person")

• Alternatively, a document reader camera, to make showing the book on a monitor easier. (This would be required for online lessons).

  • Copies of the Drawing: "Showing your Buddha-Nature through Dana"

    • Alternatively, a laptop to display the Drawing on a monitor

Method:

1. Opening Gassho

2. Discuss with the students how we all have some things that we all have some things that are the same and other things that are different amongst us. Cite examples.

   1. 1. Despite these differences, the Buddha is wise and kind and and accepts and loves everyone just as they are. (From the Kyogyo Shin Sho, Chapter 4 on Realization: "Although there are initially nine grades among those aspiring for birth [in the Pure Land], now [in the Pure Land] there are no distinctions whatsoever. It is like the waters of the Tzu and Sheng becoming one in taste upon entering the sea.)

      2. We should be grateful for this and try to do the same by treating all people with kindness and trying to be friends.

      3. Sometimes it is difficult to do this because some people are different than you are, and it makes you uncomfortable or afraid to be friends with them. This can happen to anyone, whether you are a child or grown up. It is sometimes helpful to think of how the person might feel. Maybe they are feeling what you are.

      4. But if you learn more about the other person, you will understand more about them, and that will make you less afraid.

3. Read the book to the students - the book "New Neighbors"  is about a new family that moves next door to the Berenstain Bears family. Papa Bear is uncomfortable about making friends with the family because they are so different from them.

4. Discuss with the students how Mama, Brother, and Sister Bear reacted to the new family. Ask the following questions:

   1. 1. How did Papa Bear react?

      2. What happened in the story to make Papa Bear more comfortable and able to make friends with the new family?

5. Discuss Buddha-nature and how you can use it to accept all different kinds of people and to make friends using the drawing (below).

   1. 1. Have you ever been around those who are a lot different from you?

         1. Different culture and/or race

         2. Different interests

         3. Different personality

      2. Have you been around someone who is new to your neighborhood or school?

      3. Have you ever been the new person or the one who is different from the rest?

         1. How did you feel?

         2. Did you have difficulties?

         3. Did anyone help you make friends or fit in?

         4. What did you do to make friends? Discuss how important it is to have Buddha-nature?

6. Discuss diversity issues today, both in our country and around the world

   1. 1. How can we resolve these issues to create more acceptance?

      2. Talk about ways to further understanding amongst others and for yourself and how Buddha's wisdom and compassion promotes acceptance.

7. Activity 

   1. 1. Do something new from another person's culture:

         1. Try a new food

         2. Learn a few words from another language

         3. Learn about other custom and traditions

         4. Share something about your culture

      2. Learn more about people from other demographic groups, i.e., differnt age groups, gender identity groups different ways of life, etc.

8. Summary & Review

   1. 1. Ask the students what they have learned today?

      2. What is the thing that they will remember?

      3. Afterwards, summarize the key point: Education (Learning) and kindness are the keys to acceptance. This is embodied in Amida Buddha's all-embracing wisdom and compassion.

Evaluation:

• During the Review, the students will have an opportunity to express their understanding

Note:

A version of this lesson exists for Preschool/Kindergarten and MS/HS. 

Doctrinally, "Buddha-nature" is the innate potential in all sentient beings for enlightenment. However at this grade level, exhibiting accepting behavior is one important introduction to the concept.  Please note that at this grade level, we do not define the term.

Author:

Southern District, Presented at the 2025 FDSTL Conference