Year 7 – RE : Lesson 4- What did the Buddha teach?
The Buddha’s Enlightenment
As we saw last lesson, Buddha finally achieved enlightenment. He then went out teaching his message to others. Last time, you predicted what you thought Buddha’s teachings were. Can you remember what you thought his teachings would be?
Buddha’s first set of teachings are known as the ‘Four Noble Truths’. These set out the problems humans face and suggest how to solve them.
Read the information below and complete the poster on the Four Noble Truths
The Four Noble Truths are one of Buddha’s key teachings. They explain the problems humans face and why they face them. They also begin to offer an answer the question of how humans can escape these problems. This solution will be more fully explained in the Eightfold Path, which we will look at next.
The Four Noble Truths are:
1. All human life involves suffering. This is known as ‘dukkha’. This does not mean humans are never happy. However, even things that make us happy will eventually end. This is because the world is always changing (impermanent). 2. The root of suffering is craving. This is the idea that humans always want things; we are never satisfied. This leads to suffering as in an impermanent world we cannot get everything we want. 3. We can escape suffering if we learn to be contented and stop craving. This state is known as nirvana. Buddha achieved this through his enlightenment. 4. We can end suffering by following what Buddha described as the ‘middle way’. This involves living a life which is somewhere between the luxurious life Buddha
lived in the palace and the poor, difficult life he lived as a holy man. This is also known as the ‘Eightfold Path’. You will look at this in more detail in you next task.
The Eightfold Path
The Eightfold Path is the ‘middle way’ to escape suffering. It involves living a life which is not the luxurious one Buddha lived in the palace, or the ascetic one he lived as a holy man.
Sometimes the Eightfold Path is portrayed as a series of steps. However, this is not accurate as they are not things a Buddhist does one at a time. A Buddhist must work on all aspects of the path at the same time.
What is the Eightfold Path?
The Eightfold Path has eight parts. These can be divided into three categories of action: • Wisdom • Good behaviour • Mental strength
Sort the cards to link the titles of the parts of the Eightfold Path to their description.
When you have done this, put each part of the path into the categories, using the table that follows. Which of the parts of the Eightfold path do you think fall into the category of ‘Wisdom’, ‘Good Behaviour’ and ‘Mental Strength’.
You can check your work in the section at the back of the booklet.
Is it Easy to Follow the Eightfold Path?
Like Buddha’s journey to enlightenment, the Eightfold Path is challenging. Complete the activity below to show what challenges someone might face in following the Eightfold Path.
Is it possible to Follow the Eightfold Path in Today’s World?
Indicate on the arrow below how far you agree/disagree with the statement above. Write your reason to support where you have placed your answer.
No Yes
Year 7 – RE : Lesson 5- What did the Buddha teach? Recap
Complete the crossword to recap your work on Buddhism so far
As we saw last time, Buddha gave eight ways to develop ourselves to avoid suffering. These fell into three categories:
• Wisdom; • good behaviour; • mental strength. • However, Buddha also gave more specific guidance for how people should live. These are known as the Five Precepts.
Buddhist Monks
Some Buddhists decide to fully dedicate their lives to their religion by becoming monks.
As you can see from the picture, monks dress as simply as Buddha would have done. They also spend a lot of time meditating.
The Precepts of Buddhism
All Buddhists should follow five precepts. Monks must follow ten.
The precepts have been muddled up below. Using the activity below, you must sort these into two categories: those all Buddhists should follow; those only monks need to follow.
• Do not harm living beings. • Do not take things unless others give them to you. • Do not eat after midday. • Sleep on simple bed. • Avoid entertainment. • Do not be sexually inappropriate. • Speak truthfully. • Avoid wearing unnecessary items like perfume and jewellery. • Do not confuse your mind with drugs and alcohol.
• Avoid using money where possible.
The Life of a Monk When a Buddhist decides to become a monk, they will join a monastery. Traditionally, Buddhists aged around age 20 when they join a monastery. This means they are old enough to make the decision for themselves. However, some monasteries accept children.
When someone becomes a monk, they give up their possessions. This means they can focus fully on their religion.
Read the diary of a monk below.
Using the information above, complete the activity that follows to plan out your day compared to the day of a monk.
1. Describe the main similarities and differences between your day and a monk’s day.
2. Could you live as a monk? Explain your answer.
Could You Live as a Monk?
Yes No
Year 7 – RE : Lesson 6-Who is the Dalai Lama?
Dalai Lama means “Ocean of Wisdom”. He is the head monk of Tibetan Buddhism and in the past was in charge of ruling the country of Tibet.
Buddhists believe that the Dalai Lama is the reincarnation of the previous one, who is reborn to continue his work.
Tibet
The current Dalai Lama is the 14th and was born in 1935.
He was three years old when he was found and five when he enrolled at the local monastery.
Tibet was considered to be part of China by some and the Chinese government decided to bring it under their control.
When the army arrived, thousands of people protested and were killed. The Dalai Lama feared for his life, so he had to leave Tibet and move to India.
The Dalai Lama continues to work to free the Tibetan people, so they can rule themselves. He continues to spread the Buddhist message around the world and even has a Twitter account!
Try answer the questions below without looking back at the text.
1. Where was the Dalai Lama born?
2. How many Dalai Lamas have there been?
3. Who took control of Tibet?
4. How old was the Dalai Lama when he was found?
5. Where does he live now?
6. What social media account does he use?
7. When was the Dalai Lama born?
8. Where did the Dalai Lama enrol when he was five years old?
Putting beliefs into action
We have looked at what the Dalai Lama taught, but how does this mean that you should behave? Pick 5 teachings and explain how this would affect the way that someone should behave. Try to give an example to show what you mean. The first one is done for you.
What does the Dalai Lama believe? How does this suggest that you should act?
We can build a happier world through education You should make the most of your time in school and even when you leave school you should always keep learning, this helps us to understand the world an be happy.
Check your work
Lesson 5