Buddhism: The principle beliefs
The three crown jewels and the four noble truths
GOAL!
You should now have a stronger understanding of one of the key religious traditions; Buddhism.
What examples did you come up with?
Learning and teaching strategy
- Students need to go into groups of 4
- Each group will have a worksheet with the Four Noble truths and space for contemporary examples.
- Each member of the group needs to read the Four Noble truth, and discuss it with their group.
- They will then need to devise a contemporary example of one of the four truths each.
- Students are able to use their smart devices if available to specifically research an example of suffering
Eg. For the first noble truth an example of Dukkha is depression.
On average 1 in 6 people experience depression at some point in their life. Whilst sometimes it is attached to a trauma, it can also be experienced without a catalyst, but as a general unsatisfied feeling as the Buddha describes
P4 Students examine significant aspects of religious tradition
Youtube meditation clip here
1. The first truth is that life always incorporates suffering, or dukkha as it was called then.
2. The second truth is that suffering comes from desire, specifically desire for meeting our expectations and self fulfilment as we see it.
3. The third truth tells us that if we let go of desire, then our suffering will also end.
4. The fourth truth tells us how to end suffering. The Buddha says that to cease suffering you are to follow the middle way, the eightfold path, which are Buddhist guidelines to day to day living.
Buddha (Yellow)
- Historical Buddha and ideal of Buddahood
- The whole of Buddhism surrounds the historical Buddha and schools regard him as their founder, guide and inspiration
- The Buddha is the ultimate teacher and spiritual example
The Dharma (Blue)
- The teachings of the Buddha, or the truth to be understood
- It is the path which follows the teachings of the Buddha and ultimately leads to awakening
- It teaches us compassion for others and ourselves through the four noble truths
- leads to a release from fear and ignorance
Sangha (Red)
- Spiritual community
- Guidance of people who are further along the path to Buddhism than we are
- In the broadest sense, Sangha refers to all the Buddhists in the world; past and future.
What does anyone already know about Buddhism?
Learn about:
Learn to:
A principle belief about Buddhism was summarised by shakyamuni in the dhammapada:
Principle beliefs
- The three jewels
- Buddha
- Dharma
- Sangha
Define the three jewels
Describe the significance of the four noble truths
Buddha is a title, meaning
"one who is awake"
Not to do any evil,
To cultivate good,
To purify one's mind ,
This is the teaching of the Buddhas