Lesson: Origami Buddha on a Lotus      

Grade Level:  Grade 5 and up

Duration:  Two sessions of 40 -50 minutes each

Summary: This lesson plan includes everything needed to help children make an origami representation of the Buddha sitting on a lotus. Students can learn about and reflect on the significance of the Buddha and the Lotus, and set intentions to create paper models as offerings. 

Access the full lesson here.

And Then?  While this is primarily a craft experience that children can enjoy for its own sake, origami offers an opportunity to develop fine motor skills, practice awareness, and cultivate attention to detail with precision. Educators can weave in related stories and teachings, depending on what they would like to emphasize.

Guiding Questions:

• What does a lotus flower represent in Buddhism? 
• What does the Buddha represent in Buddhism? 
• What does a lotus flower represent to me? 
• What does the Buddha represent to me? 
• What does it feel like to make an offering to someone? Who does it benefit? 
• Why is it sometimes important to go step by step when accomplishing a task? 
• What happens if I skip steps? 

Materials Needed / Essential Links to Content

• 3 pieces of square paper (1 for the Buddha & 2 for the lotus)
• Glue
• Optional: markers or pencils to draw the Buddha’s face
• Optional: black paper to cut out the Buddha’s hair

Step-by-step folding instructions 

• Printable pdf (and/or the simplified version)
• Video tutorials: Lotus | Buddha ) 

ACTIVITY

Teacher Prep: Practice making the lotus and the Buddha in advance using step-by-step visual or video instructions (links above). 

Differentiation > If you find the Buddha too complicated for your age group, consider preparing this simplified two dimensional Buddha cutout that children can cut and sketch on.

Continue reading the full lesson here.

Other resources with Origami Lotuses:

The Lotus Effect: Make Your Own Lotus

Lotus Origami & Emotions as Wisdom