library: 08 World Religions: A Lesser known religion: Buddhism

Understanding World Religions. What is Buddhism?

What is Buddhism? 2003. Clickview video. Duration: 24 mins.

Take a detailed look at this religion, its history and how it is practiced in families, and through interviews with monks and nuns.

From the Web

Basic Buddhism guide – Buddhanet (Buddha Darma Education Association)
Outlines and summaries of the basic concepts and teachings of Buddhism. More detailed information can be found on other pages of the website.
Buddhism - BBC Bitesize (KS3 level - Junior secondary)
Key facts about Buddhism, and the events that bring a Buddhist community together (practices and belonging).

Buddhist imagery

Buddhism: Basic Beliefs - URI Kids (United Religions Initiative)
The origins and concepts of Buddhism, Buddhist imagery, celebrations and festivals, and sacred spaces and places.
Buddhism – BBC Religion website
Overview of Buddhism, its beliefs, history, holy days, ethics, customs and subdivisions.
Buddhist meditation and chant – The British Library
A description of the key aspects of Buddhist meditation and chant, such as the use of Buddha images and visualisation.
The Buddah and Buddhist sacred texts – The British Library
The life and teachings of the Buddha, the role that the Buddha plays in the different branches of Buddhism and how his teachings have been collected.

Places of Worship. Inside a Buddhist Temple

Inside a Buddhist temple. 2019. ClickView video. Duration: 7 min.

Gain an understanding of the core beliefs of Buddhism and the importance of temples in worship and devotion.

Library eResource - Britannica School

Buddhism - Britannica School entry
Outlines the principles of Buddhism, its influence and practice in Asia and the West.

Library eBooks on Buddhism

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Buddhism by Katy Brennan Built around the teachings of the Buddha, who lived in modern-day Nepal about 2,500 years ago, Buddhism is one of the world's largest and oldest spiritual traditions. In addition to its adherents in southern, central, and eastern Asia, today Buddhism has many followers in the Western world who seek through it a peaceful mind, freedom from expectations, and spiritual enlightenment. In this accessible text, the basic beliefs of Buddhism, including the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, are presented in concise language accompanied by sidebar features defining key vocabulary terms and encouraging readers to think critically beyond the text.
Publication Date: 2018
Religions around the world: Buddhism pages 42-46
Publication Date: 2012
These pages provide information about Buddhism: its history and development, sects, basic beliefs, sacred writings, sacred symbols, worship, observances and pilgrimages, everyday living and the influence of Buddhism.

Discovering Sacred Texts. Buddhism

The British Library 2019. Discovering sacred texts: Buddhism. Online video, 2 October. Duration: 9 mins.

Find out how different Buddhist traditions practices their faith through the concept of the Three Jewels: the Buddha; Buddhist teachings (Dharma); and Sangha, the religious communities that practice Dharma.