Learning outcomes – I will be able to identify what is written on a prayer flag –L4 I will be able to describe why Buddhism use prayer flags – L5 I will be able to explain why they are important to the Buddhist faith – L6-7

Where is Tibet?

 Nirvana means to extinguish.  It is the final state the soul reaches on its journey through different lifetimes.  These lifetimes are pictured as a series of lamps, one being lit by another, until the final lamp goes out.  Extinguishing all our desires in life stop the cycle of rebirth.

Video Clip: Tibetan Prayer FlagsTibetan Prayer Flags Watch the prayer flags video clip. Write down one thing you have learnt about the prayer flags on the post it you have been given. Activity:

SPACE FIRE WATER EARTH AIR

Buddhism divides the world into five basic energies. In our physical world these are earth, water, fire, air and space. On a spiritual these basic energies correspond the 5 Wisdoms. On a spiritual basis these basic energies can be used to help us understand the difference between suffering and an enlightened approach.

Mantra Printed on prayer flags the mantra sends blessings of compassion. It is a 6 syllable phrase with the capacity of influencing certain energy dimensions. Continuous repetition of the mantra is practiced as a form of meditation. OM MANI PADME HUNG OM MANI PADME HUNG

Task A prayer flag is a colourful panel or rectangular cloth often found strung along mountain ridges and peaks high in the Himalayas to bless the surrounding countryside or for other purposes. Prayer flags are decorated with symbols, prayers, and mantras. Each colour has a particular significance - Blue (symbolizing sky/space), White (symbolizing air/wind), Red (symbolizing fire), Green (symbolizing water) and Yellow (symbolizing earth). On a piece of coloured card appropriate to what you would like to symbolise, design a prayer flag using the levelled guideline below. You write about something which is important to you. For example, friends, family, sport and/or hobbies. You must include the mantra and symbols used on the prayer flags.

Plenary On the back of the prayer flag write the level you believe it has reached. A few of you are going to read out your flags and as a class guess the level you originally gave it.