Impermanence Man

Impermanence Man

About This Resource

Summary Here is a fun approach to Impermanence, one of the thoughts that turn the mind. Kids really get into this. Make a man out of natural materials and observe how it changes over time.
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Here is a fun approach to Impermanence, one of the thoughts that turn the mind. Kids really get into this. Make a man out of natural materials and observe how it changes over time.

BIG IDEA

Causes and conditions come together to create all compounded forms, including our body, that themselves are dependent on the causes and conditions of multifarious processes to function as a perceived “whole.” All compounded phenomena ultimately fall apart

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS

  1. What is permanent?
  2. How is your body put together?

MATERIALS

Wigs, stones, leaves, sand, shells, seaweed etc. accessible in a natural environment.

ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION

  1. Have the kids feel their own bones in arms, legs and hands. Ask them how their limbs are put together, exploring the long bones, muscles and joints etc.

  2. Create a person with natural elements, doing the best they can to replicate the anatomy they have felt in themselves with a little more detail added by instructor’s sense of anatomy. You could use stone for organs and leaves and grass for skin etc. The person can be big or small.

  3. When the person is complete, sit around him (or her) and talk about how these natural elements that came together will remain for a while and then change.

CLOSING CONTEMPLATION

Asks the students for their thoughts and reflections with, “How might the person change after we leave, in different seasons for example? Might animals find some of the elements useful and take them away?” After all the children’s thoughts are heard, conclude with a short meditation session. Dedicate the merit of this activity for the benefit of all beings.

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About The Author

Bodhi Kids

Bodhi Kids is an education program for children and families that employs storytelling, the arts, and environmental awareness activities.