This Religion and worldviews video supports teachers delivering a unit on the origins of Buddhist belief and the life of Siddhartha Gotama, known as the Buddha. It outlines how the Buddha, once a prince living in luxury, left palace life after encountering suffering in the world. His spiritual journey led him to try different approaches, from meditation to extreme self-denial, before discovering the Middle Way, a balanced lifestyle avoiding both indulgence and hardship. Through deep meditation under the bodhi tree, he achieved enlightenment, leading to the foundational teachings of Buddhism.

This video is part of Kapow Primary’s Religion and worldviews resources – peace. It introduces teachers to the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path, key teachings that help Buddhists reduce suffering and avoid the three poisons: hatred, greed, and ignorance. The video supports the teaching of core concepts like Samsara (the cycle of life, death, and rebirth) and Nirvana (freedom from this cycle), helping children explore Buddhist beliefs about life’s challenges, moral choices, and the pursuit of wisdom and inner peace.

Religion and worldviews, key stage 2, Year 6, Why is there suffering? (Part 2), Lesson 2: What can cause suffering?