Are there any buddhists on mumsnet? Can I ask a question?

[peachygirl]

I have to teach buddhism this year. I am working with a group of children with quite severe autism and learning difficulties.

This half term I am concentrating on the Buddha statue, a bit of quiet time (meditation) and the stories of the birth of the Buddha and Buddha under the bhodi tree.

Often with our children I have made up songs about subjects to get messages and information across in an easy to remember way.

Would it be considered blasphemous (to a Buddhist) if I made up songs telling these two stories about Buddha?

Thanks in advance

[Boco]

I'm not a buddhist, but I very much doubt it, don't seem to get riled by blasphemy like some other religions, quite a laid back religion, i would have thought it'd be fine.

Markstretch's cousin is a buddhist, can contact her to make sure if you like.

[peachygirl]

Thanks, The songs would be respectful

[NinaInCognito]

Hi peachygirl, I am just starting to study to become a Buddhist, I know there might be others on here that are fully-fledged ones, but I think it would be perfectly alright for you to do that, actually I think it's a great idea.

Like boco said, buddhism is not concerned with blasphemy or anything like that, and is mainly concerned (in my interpretation) about being good to people, finding enlightenment within yourself and looking after the environment etc.

As I said I am only just starting to look into it, so I might be wrong about some things, but I am sure your teaching method here will be fine.

[peasholme]

I teach Buddhism to BA and MA students. I think this would be absolutely appropriate. I did some work in Thailand, and remember a radio show which was presented by the former PM with lots of songs about Buddhism.

[peasholme]

this page is very respected and has a range of useful resources.

[peasholme]

Some nice stuff for primary and secondary students here Plus some jataka stories, which are a great way to introduce the cultural context, and good stories too. And traditionally jataka stories are used in Buddhist societies to teach children, too, so would be appropriate.

[peachygirl]

Thank you soooo much everyone.

I admit the song will probably be to the tune of another familiar one .. wheels on the bus or something like that.

Thank you for the website links too, we have to do 2 half terms so I may return to those when the children have settled down.

I'll post the song up if you like!!

[GrimmaTheNome]

Sounds great! My DH has got interested in Buddhism (actually he's off on a week's meditation at the moment, hence my MN binge). They seem like they all have a GSOH and, being non-theistic, blasphemy just wouldn't come into it.

[noonki]

my mum is a buddhist and she says it sounds like a lovely idea, but she is not a strict Buddhist (ie follows the philosophy but not the religion!)

would love to hear the song

[ummadam]

I'm muslim not buddhist but I think it is a lovely idea. I used to do similar to teach the children at sunday school at the mosque and I can't think of any religion that would object to respectful songs like you plan to do.

[peachygirl]

Just thought about posting my songs. here are the first two

A song before meditation
Tune Frere Jacques

A long time ago, a long time ago
Buddha lived, Buddha lived
He was a very wise man;
He was a very wise man
Clever and kind, clever and kind.

We can be quiet, We can be quiet
Look at the Buddha look at the Buddha
Think quiet thoughts, Think quiet thoughts,
Shhh shhhh

The birth of the Buddha
Tune the wheels on the bus

The king and queen lived in a palace
Lived in a palace
Lived in a palace
The king and queen lived in a place
They were very happy

Queen Maya had a dream
Had a dream
Had a dream
Queen Maya had a dream
About a beautiful lake

She was going to have a baby
Have a baby
Have a baby
She was going to have a baby
And he would be special

Queen Maya went for a walk
For a walk
For a walk
Queen Maya went for a walk
It was a special night

A special baby was born that night
Born that night
Born that night
A special baby was born that night.
They called him Siddhartha

The baby grew up to be a good boy
be a good boy
be a good boy
The baby grew up to be a good boy
The king and queen were happy