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Year 10 - Religious education

The Four Noble Truths: suffering

Buddhism: Beliefs and teachings

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 different types and causes of suffering, why this is important and how it influences Buddhists today.

Key Notes

  • The Sermon at Benares was a teaching point used by the Buddha to help people understand suffering.
  • The nature of life, including old age, sickness and death contributes to suffering.
  • Change and impermanence are also significant contributors to the suffering we experience.
  • Many Buddhists believe suffering is essential to help us understand ultimate reality and choose how to live.
  • The Buddha's teachings on the causes of suffering influence Buddhists e.g. to stop cravings and avoid the three poisons.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • dukkha: a belief that all life includes suffering and unsatisfactoriness
  • craving: the ongoing state of desire which causes suffering; grasping at things we enjoy/want
  • the three poisons: causes of dukkha that affect all beings: ignorance, greed and hatred
  • anicca: one of the three marks of existence, meaning nothing is permanent
  • tanha: a cause of suffering meaning 'thirst' or 'craving'

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Buddhism teaches that suffering is inherently bad or to be avoided at all costs.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain the lesson in two key points.

The Sermon at Benares was a teaching point used by the Buddha to help people understand suffering. The nature of life, including old age, sickness and death contributes to suffering.

2. What does this key word mean in this lesson? 'dukkha'

a belief that all life includes suffering and unsatisfactoriness.

3. Correct this common mistake.

Mistake: Buddhism teaches that suffering is inherently bad or to be avoided at all costs. Correction: Buddhism views suffering (dukkha) as an essential part of life. It's not about denying suffering but understanding its nature and learning to live in a way that reduces unnecessary suffering.

More Lessons In This Unit

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