Study Guides

Unit Summary

In this unit pupils will examine key beliefs in Buddhism. They will examine key concepts such as dhamma and the idea of the human condition. They will gain an understanding of Buddhist ideas about suffering and the way to end it. They will also examine the story of Gautama Buddha.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to explain the Mahayana beliefs about the Six Perfections, why they are important and how they influence Buddhists.

Key Notes

• The Six Perfections (paramitas) must be cultivated to realise one's Buddha-nature.
• The Six Perfections can help a Buddhist live as a Bodhisattva, realise their Buddha-nature and attain enlightenment.
• The Mahayana school of Buddhism focuses on achieving enlightenment by becoming a Bodhisattva.
• The Six Perfections are: generosity, morality, patience, energy, meditation and wisdom.
• The Six Perfections influence many Buddhists to lead a good ethical life.

Vocabulary To Learn

• Mahayana: this school of Buddhism focuses on achieving enlightenment for the sake of all beings
• The Six Perfections: ethical principles to lead a being to enlightenment
• Buddha-nature: this refers to the fundamental nature of all beings, which means that all beings can become enlightened
• Bodhisattva: a being destined for enlightenment, who postpones their final escape from samsara in order to help living beings

Common Mistakes To Avoid

• The Six Perfections (paramitas) is a set of steps to be followed in a strict, linear order.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

More Lessons In This Unit

• Arhat ideals Study Guide
• Bodhisattva ideals Study Guide
• Human personality Study Guide
• Karma and rebirth Study Guide
• The Buddha Study Guide
• The Buddhist Threefold Way Study Guide
• The Dhamma Study Guide
• The Four Noble Truths: suffering Study Guide
• The Four Noble Truths: the Eightfold Path Study Guide
• The Four Noble Truths: the Three Poisons Study Guide