Buddhist Monks

Some people in our community wear uniforms.​ They do this​ for​ various​ reasons.​ It​ could​ be​ to​ identify​ who​ they​ are​ or​ it​ could​ be​ to​ help​ them​ complete​ their​ job.​​ In​ South​-East​ Asia,​ Theravada​ Buddhist​ monks​ and​ nuns​ wear​ saffron​ coloured​ robes.​ The​ traditional​ uniform​ of​ a​ Buddhist​ monk​ or​ nun​ is​ a​ saffron​ coloured​ robe,​ no​ shoes​ and​ shaved​ head.​ The​ uniform​ identifies​ the​ person​ a​s​ a​ monk/nun​ and​ represents​ what​ they​ believe​ in​ which​ is​ simplicity​ and​ detachment​ of​ materialism.​

This unit is part of Trio’s Cultural Perspectives lesson series. It consists of a single lesson suitable for early to lower primary grades and is particularly supportive for EAL students. The lesson can be taught in isolation or provide a cultural perspective when completing units on South-East Asia, role of religion and religious people in our society, Buddhism, colours as symbolism  and uniforms. All resources (lesson plan, online link and photographs) are included.