Y9 - The First Buddha (PPT and Worksheet Pack)

This lesson introduces pupils to the origins of Buddhism through the life of Siddhartha Gautama. The PowerPoint guides students through Siddhartha’s early royal upbringing, exploring how a life of luxury shaped his understanding of the world before he encountered suffering for the first time. Learners analyse the Four Sights and their profound impact, recognising how these experiences sparked Siddhartha’s search for truth.

Students then examine Siddhartha’s decision to renounce his royal life, understanding why he chose a path of discipline, meditation and self‑discovery. The lesson concludes with an exploration of his enlightenment under the Bodhi tree, helping pupils understand how this moment transformed him into the Buddha. The worksheet supports sequencing, analysis and reflective explanation.

Lesson Objectives:

Describe the early royal life of Siddhartha Gautama.

Analyse the impact of the Four Sights on Siddhartha’s worldview.

Explain why Siddhartha chose renunciation over royal privilege.

Understand how enlightenment was achieved under the Bodhi tree.