Introduction to the Larger Amida Sutra

Status:  MODERATED

Grade Level: 7, 8, High School, Young Adult, Adult

Keywords: Pure Land Buddhism

Objective:

• After this lesson, the student will know 3 facts about the Larger Amida Sutra

Materials:

• Worksheet Worksheet_Larger_Amida_Sutra.pdf

• Worksheet - Answer Worksheet_Larger_Amida_Sutra-Answer.pdf

• Scavenger Hunt Questions Scavenger_hunt_questions.pdf

Preparation:

• Make enough copies of the Worksheet for every student

• Let all students know that they should bring cameras/smartphones

• Make one copy of the Scavenger Item sheet and cut along the lines.

Method:

1. Opening Gassho

2. Ask class what they know about the Larger Amida Sutra

3. Read through the Answer Sheet. Explain terms. Students should fill the blanks on their Worksheet as you read.

4. Scavenger Hunt

   1. The students are to find items in the temple campus area that exemplify the concept.

   2. They need to take a picture using their camera and come back to show you what they have taken

   3. Write the first item on the white board.

   4. When the student shows the correct picture, then show the Scavenger Hunt questions sheet with the next question They may not repeat the picture/item..

   5. Questions

      1. Find 3 images of Amida Buddha

      2. Find 3 images of Amida's Name (Namo Amida Butsu)

      3. Find something that represents a vow (any vow)

      4. Find 3 images of Amida's disciples (any monk, Shinran, students, sangha)

      5. Find Amida Buddha (any light, any sign of enlightenment ex. book)

5. Discussion

   1. Ask what they think of Amida Buddha now?

   2. Ask what they think of Amida Sutra now?

6. Closing Gassho

Evaluation:

• Discussion

Note:

• This can be divided to two sessions

• For younger groups of students, it make sense to team the students into groups and/or you might need an adult chaperone for each student/group.

Author:

{One line: First & Last name, Email address(if you have one), Affiliated Temple/Church, Year written}

Mas Nishimura, nish221.at.gmail.dot.com, San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin, 2015