This introduction to meditation in education is written as a resource for class teachers and educators as a practical guide. Parents will also find it valuable, though its main focus is in using meditation in schools. The purpose of the book is to inspire and to provide concise, practical and general information, and techniques that can be considered and explored before introducing primary or secondary students to meditative experience.Meditation in schools covers such topics as:o information on schools where meditation is practiced, and the perceived resultso issues and concerns involved with introducing meditation in schoolso the relationship between mediation and other relaxation quieting techniqueso experiential learning and a holistic approach to educationThis essential guide is written from the contributors' personal and professional practice experience and emphasizes how meditation can contribute to the school environment and to the curriculum, as well as developing the positive potential of students' hearts and minds. It includes a useful section on further reading.

Spirituality can be understood within both a religious and secular context. Fuelled by the controversy that surrounds different understandings of human identity and notions of progress, knowledge and truth in modernist and postmodernist contexts, the concept of spirituality is a hotly contested topic of debate as to its relevance within contemporary culture and its meaning within religious traditions. This book aims to inform readers on this debate and contextualize it within these different frames of reference. It approaches the topic of spirituality with an identification of the major influences on contemporary thinking and presents a coherent framework of understanding that links divergent thinking into a common goal. Writings range across different thinkers and practitioners within established religious tradition, contemporary movements and those who operate within psychological and 'secular' understandings. Focusing on the question 'what does it mean to be human?' this engaging study attempts to overcome the divide between secular and religious understandings of spirituality.

The place of religion in the modern world has changed significantly over the past two decades. This has been partially reflected in the academic study of religion, but little, if at all, in religious education. In addition, the place of RE in schools has been the subject of intense debate due to changes to the curriculum and school structure, as well as being part of wider debates on religion in the public sphere.

Written by two highly experienced leading practitioners of RE, Does Religious Education have a Future? argues for a radical reform of the subject based on principles of pedagogy set free from religious concerns. It challenges teachers, researchers and educators to rethink their approaches to, and assumptions about, religious education, and enables them to see their work in a larger context that includes pedagogical ideas and political forces.

The book offers readers fresh, provocative and expertly informed critical perspectives on:

• the global context of RE, debates about religion in public places, religion s response to modernity, violent extremism, science and secularism;
• the evolving educational rationale for RE in schools;
• the legal arrangements for RE and their impact on the teaching of the subject;
• the pedagogy of teaching approaches in RE and their effect on standards and perceptions of the subject;
• the educational commitment of faith/belief communities, and how this influences the performance of RE.

Does Religious Education have a Future? proposes a new attitude to the subject of religious education, and a new configuration of both its role and content. This book is essential reading for academics, advisers and policy makers, as well as teachers of RE at primary and secondary levels and trainee and newly qualified teachers.

The role of Religious Education within the primary school and how it should be implemented has been the subject of worldwide debate. Responding to the delivery of the non-statutory framework for RE and the recent emphasis on a creative primary curriculum Primary Religious Education - A New Approach models a much needed pedagogical framework, encouraging conceptual enquiry and linking theory to its implementation within the wider curriculum in schools. The book outlines this new conceptual approach to Religious Education and is based upon the Living Difference syllabus successfully implemented in Hampshire, Portsmouth, Southampton and Westminster. It demonstrates how to implement the requirements of the new QCDA curriculum and Ofsted criteria for effective RE and is rapidly gaining both national and international support. Through this approach, Religious Education is discussed within the larger context of primary education in the contemporary world. This book will help you to teach RE in a creative way in the primary classroom by providing: historical commentaries an overview of existing approaches case studies based upon developments in religious literacy connections to initiatives such as Every Child Matters and cross-curricular links to other areas of the curriculum, including PSHE. With an all-encompassing global context, this book provides tutors, students and practicing teachers with a firm basis for developing their thinking about the subject of RE, how it is placed in the primary curriculum and how it may be successfully implemented in schools.

The role of Religious Education in secondary schools is the subject of national and international debate. This book examines the current debates surrounding RE and puts forward a new approach to teaching the subject that is non-faith based and focused on conceptual enquiry and the development of a clear pedagogy. The book is based on the Living Difference learning model developed in Hampshire and adopted in other parts of the UK, which is sparking international discussion and provides an effective approach to implementing the new secondary curriculum.

The chapters include examinations of:

• religious education and the curriculum
• an interdisciplinary approach to religious education
• the significance of pedagogy and learners? development
• planning, progression, assessment and delivery
• specific case studies and examples of good practice in schools
• theoretical grounding and the future of RE
• the effects of globalisation, post-modernity and multiculturalism.

Providing a basis for developing thinking about Religious Education, its place in the curriculum and how it can be delivered effectively in schools, this book is essential reading for tutors, students and teachers.

The role of Religious Education in secondary schools is the subject of national and international debate. This book examines the current debates surrounding RE and puts forward a new approach to teaching the subject that is non-faith based and focused on conceptual enquiry and the development of a clear pedagogy. The book is based on the Living Difference learning model developed in Hampshire and adopted in other parts of the UK, which is sparking international discussion and provides an effective approach to implementing the new secondary curriculum.

The chapters include examinations of:

• religious education and the curriculum
• an interdisciplinary approach to religious education
• the significance of pedagogy and learners development
• planning, progression, assessment and delivery
• specific case studies and examples of good practice in schools
• theoretical grounding and the future of RE
• the effects of globalisation, post-modernity and multiculturalism.

Providing a basis for developing thinking about Religious Education, its place in the curriculum and how it can be delivered effectively in schools, this book is essential reading for tutors, students and teachers.

Religious Education is now identified as a shortage subject as a growing number of pupils in schools opt for it. The growing emphasis on children's moral and spiritual education, the DfEE's hunt for new teachers, OFSTED's calls for improvement and reinforced links with philosophy have pushed the subject into the spotlight.
Based on research and partnership with schools this book examines and explains :
*the role of Religious Education in the curriculum
*the role of spirituality in children's lives
*better teaching practice, giving practical examples.

Religious Education is now identified as a shortage subject as a growing number of pupils in schools opt for it. The growing emphasis on children's moral and spiritual education, the DfEE's hunt for new teachers, OFSTED's calls for improvement and reinforced links with philosophy have pushed the subject into the spotlight.
Based on research and partnership with schools this book examines and explains :
*the role of Religious Education in the curriculum
*the role of spirituality in children's lives
*better teaching practice, giving practical examples.

The place of religion in the modern world has changed significantly over the past two decades. This has been partially reflected in the academic study of religion, but little, if at all, in religious education. In addition, the place of RE in schools has been the subject of intense debate due to changes to the curriculum and school structure, as well as being part of wider debates on religion in the public sphere.

Written by two highly experienced leading practitioners of RE, Does Religious Education have a Future? argues for a radical reform of the subject based on principles of pedagogy set free from religious concerns. It challenges teachers, researchers and educators to rethink their approaches to, and assumptions about, religious education, and enables them to see their work in a larger context that includes pedagogical ideas and political forces.

The book offers readers fresh, provocative and expertly informed critical perspectives on:

• the global context of RE, debates about religion in public places, religion s response to modernity, violent extremism, science and secularism;
• the evolving educational rationale for RE in schools;
• the legal arrangements for RE and their impact on the teaching of the subject;
• the pedagogy of teaching approaches in RE and their effect on standards and perceptions of the subject;
• the educational commitment of faith/belief communities, and how this influences the performance of RE.

Does Religious Education have a Future? proposes a new attitude to the subject of religious education, and a new configuration of both its role and content. This book is essential reading for academics, advisers and policy makers, as well as teachers of RE at primary and secondary levels and trainee and newly qualified teachers.

This volume provides a key text for debates on spiritual education in the 21st . It presents spiritual education as a distinctive field of academic enquiry in its own right.The strengths of the book lie in its international appeal, research based orientation, and interdisciplinary character, and is divided into three main sections: religious and theological approaches; psychological and anthropological approaches; and pedagogical approaches. Issues of cultural, religious, gender and social difference are addressed in research and pedagogical terms, and the ways in which faith traditions and secular stancescontribute to values and understanding of human purpose are explored.

This volume provides a key text for debates on spiritual education in the 21st . It presents spiritual education as a distinctive field of academic enquiry in its own right.The strengths of the book lie in its international appeal, research based orientation, and interdisciplinary character, and is divided into three main sections: religious and theological approaches; psychological and anthropological approaches; and pedagogical approaches. Issues of cultural, religious, gender and social difference are addressed in research and pedagogical terms, and the ways in which faith traditions and secular stancescontribute to values and understanding of human purpose are explored.

The role of Religious Education within the primary school and how it should be implemented has been the subject of worldwide debate. Responding to the delivery of the non-statutory framework for RE and the recent emphasis on a creative primary curriculum Primary Religious Education - A New Approach models a much needed pedagogical framework, encouraging conceptual enquiry and linking theory to its implementation within the wider curriculum in schools. The book outlines this new conceptual approach to Religious Education and is based upon the Living Difference syllabus successfully implemented in Hampshire, Portsmouth, Southampton and Westminster. It demonstrates how to implement the requirements of the new QCDA curriculum and Ofsted criteria for effective RE and is rapidly gaining both national and international support. Through this approach, Religious Education is discussed within the larger context of primary education in the contemporary world. This book will help you to teach RE in a creative way in the primary classroom by providing: historical commentaries an overview of existing approaches case studies based upon developments in religious literacy connections to initiatives such as Every Child Matters and cross-curricular links to other areas of the curriculum, including PSHE. With an all-encompassing global context, this book provides tutors, students and practicing teachers with a firm basis for developing their thinking about the subject of RE, how it is placed in the primary curriculum and how it may be successfully implemented in schools.

Buddhism: A Complete Introduction is a comprehensive and easy-to-use introduction, designed to give you everything you need to succeed, all in one place. Written by a leading expert, this book will help you if you are studying for an important exam or essay, or if you simply want to improve your knowledge. It is structured to mirror the way in which Buddhism is usually taught, starting with the life of the Buddha through to the prospects of Buddhism for the next generation. The book covers all the key areas that are considered central to Buddhism, including the Buddha's teachings, the scriptures and schools, the role of meditation and the moral and ethical context. It uses jargon-free English and includes features such as guided further reading and end of chapter questions to ensure that you understand all the concepts covered. Buddhism: A Complete Introduction includes: Chapter 1: Buddhists and Buddhism Who are Buddhists? The Three Jewels The Three Refuges Buddhist Practice In conclusion Chapter 2: The life of the Buddha The Buddha's significance The Four Sights Going forth Self-mortification The enlightenment Turning the wheel of the dharma The mission The growth of the Sangha Paranirvana In conclusion Chapter 3: The Buddha's teaching The first Nobel Truth: all is suffering (dukkha) The second Noble Truth: the origins of suffering (samudaya) The third Noble Truth: the cessation of suffering (nirodha) The fourth Noble Truth: the path to the cessation of suffering (magga) Chapter 4: Buddhist scriptures and schools The Theravada Scriptures The Mahayana Scriptures Pure Land Buddhism The Ch'an and Zen Schools The Tibetan Scriptures In conclusion Chapter 5: Meditation and devotion 1 Mind and heart 2 Heart and mind 3 Devotion as homage 4 Salvific devotion In conclusion Chapter 6: Ethical conduct Sila skilfulness The practicality of buddhist ethics Working on yourself and others The precepts and the dharma Renunciation In conclusion Chapter 7: Moral Issues The natural world Human society In conclusion Chapter 8: The social order Ordination Celibacy Weddings and marriages Family life Death and dying In conclusion Chapter 9: Festivals and ceremonies Theravada festivals Tibetan festivals Japanese and Chinese festivals Western Buddhist festivals In conclusion Chapter 10: Budhist today: East and West The spread of Buddhism Buddhism in India The revival of Buddhism Buddhism in South-East Asia Missionary activity Tibetan Buddhism Buddhism in the West In conclusion Chapter 11: Transition, adaptation and influence: prospects for Buddhism in the twenty-first century Into the twenty-first century Views from the West Transmitting Buddhism to a new generation In conclusion Learn effortlessly with a new easy-to-read page design and added features:Not got much time? One, five and ten-minute introductions to key principles to get you started. Author insights Lots of instant help with common problems and quick tips for success, based on the author's many years of experience. Test yourself Tests in the book and online to keep track of your progress. Extend your knowledge Extra online articles to give you a richer understanding of psychology. Five things to remember Quick refreshers to help you remember the key facts. Try this Innovative exercises illustrate what you've learnt and how to use it.

Spirituality is most often understood as a religious term remote from the social interactions of everyday life and from political motivations. This volume seeks to show that this is an erroneous view and that, unless we attend to the spiritual as a motivating force in the lives of individuals and communities, we shall misconceive the nature of social change and political complexity and lack awareness of the value of writing and thinking on the subject in relation to contemporary issues. In a world dominated by globalization and late-capitalist free-market economics we face a situation of increasing complexity in human affairs. In this context, diverse notions of the spiritual in relation to culture and identity are critical forces that require careful attention. Contemporary Spiritualities is an innovative study based on research into the significance of influential writers and thinkers and diverse communities. It seeks to map influences on the notion of the spiritual in relation to the cultural and religious plurality of contemporary society. It also promotes the importance of attending to spirituality in both academic and a socio-politcal context. Clive Erricker is Reader in the Study of Religions at University College Chichester. Jane Erricker is Principal Lecturer and Director of Research in the School of Education at King Alfred's College, Winchester.

This introduction to meditation in education is written as a resource for class teachers and educators as a practical guide. Parents will also find it valuable, though its main focus is in using meditation in schools. The purpose of the book is to inspire and to provide concise, practical and general information, and techniques that can be considered and explored before introducing primary or secondary students to meditative experience.Meditation in schools covers such topics as: o information on schools where meditation is practiced, and the perceived resultso issues and concerns involved with introducing meditation in schoolso the relationship between mediation and other relaxation quieting techniqueso experiential learning and a holistic approach to educationThis essential guide is written from the contributors' personal and professional practice experience and emphasizes how meditation can contribute to the school environment and to the curriculum, as well as developing the positive potential of students' hearts and minds. It includes a useful section on further reading.