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 meaning, importance and influence of dependent origination and the Three Marks of Existence.

Key Notes

• Dependent origination is one of the key principles of the Buddha's Dhamma (teachings).
• The Three Universal Truths are three fundamental marks (or signs) of reality, sometimes also called lakshanas.
• The impermanence of existence (anicca) means that pleasant experiences do not last.
• The story of Nagasena and the Chariot is used to explain the idea of having 'no self'.
• The Dhamma is important as it influences Buddhists to avoid attachments and to be kind and compassionate to all.

Vocabulary To Learn

• Dhamma (Dharma): the teachings of the Buddha
• Dependent origination: everything 'exists' only because of the 'existence' of other phenomena.
• dukkha: suffering/unsatisfactoriness
• anicca: the impermanent nature of all things
• anatta: no independent or permanent self

Common Mistakes To Avoid

• The three marks of existence, in particular dukkha, only describe negative aspects of life.

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
• Mahayana: the Six Perfections Study Guide
• The Buddha Study Guide
• The Buddhist Threefold Way 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