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Milo is smiling in the temple gardens.
Image caption,
Milo is smiling in the temple gardens.

Buddhists are people who follow the teachings of the Buddha. They believe it's important to show kindness to all living things.

Following the Buddha's teachings is called Buddhism.

Many Buddhists try to live a peaceful life and help others at their temple, at their home, in their community and anywhere else they go.

Milo is smiling in the temple gardens.
Image caption,
Milo is smiling in the temple gardens.

Watch: Find out how Milo shows care in his community

Video about the different ways Buddhists show care.

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A school visit to a Buddhist temple
Image caption,
A school visit to a Buddhist temple

What do Buddhists believe?

  • Buddhists do not worship a god.

  • They try to learn lessons from the Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama, a spiritual leader. He lived over 2,500 years ago.

  • Buddhists believe the Buddha is an important person, who helps them understand how to live a good and peaceful life.

A school visit to a Buddhist temple
Image caption,
A school visit to a Buddhist temple
Following the Buddha's teachings is called Buddhism.
Milo and two other people are putting up a Vesak sign outside the Buddhist temple.
Image caption,
Milo is helping put up a sign for the Buddhist religious festival, Vesak, outside the temple.

How Buddhists show care

  • Buddhists learn and practise metta. This means showing loving-kindness to all living things and helping them not to get hurt.

  • Many Buddhists also practise dana, which means showing generosity. They do this by giving to other people.

  • The temple is a place where Buddhists and other people go to meet, and learn about Buddhism.
    Here are some examples of how Buddhists do this:

    • reading the
    • meditating with others
    • practising dana
    • looking after the temple gardens
    • attending classes and community groups
    • helping to organise community events.
Milo and two other people are putting up a Vesak sign outside the Buddhist temple.
Image caption,
Milo is helping put up a sign for the Buddhist religious festival, Vesak, outside the temple.
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Story

Watch the story about how the Buddha showed loving-kindness.

Watch the video to find out more about the Buddhist religious story.

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Quiz

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Activities

Download the story and read along.
Download the colouring sheet.
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