S2: Introduction to Buddhism

At the start of the lesson, the class were re-introduced to OMAK (Observe Merits and Appreciate Kindness), where they were encouraged to share their observations of what good acts people around them or themselves have done during subsequent lessons. Next, some youths were nominated to demonstrate the alternative way of peeling the banana from the bottom. Some shared that they still prefer peeling the banana from the top. After this, they were presented with different perspectives of looking at the same cylinder, and the resulting shapes were different (Square and Circle). Both the Banana peeling and the cylinder observation activities made the youths aware that there are different ways of looking at or doing things. Thus, they can keep an open mind when learning about the Buddhist concepts that may seem inconceivable.

Next, we showed the youths a video on Shakyamuni Buddha, and they played a kahoot game to debunk some common Buddhist myths. This was followed by watching a video “The Monk who became a bug”. Then they were being asked on their understanding of the video and we also explained why we need to learn Buddhist Teachings.

Subsequently, some Buddhist Teachings were introduced to them, such as Making Offerings, Ten Non-Virtuous Deeds, Karma and Merits Dedication. Afterwards, we played Buddhist Bingo where the youths have to guess the answers to the questions we make. From there, the youths will strike off matching words on their bingo cards, and the youth with the most bingos (3) was named the winner.