Download The Buddha - Southwark Schools

Buddhism Part 1 Statutory Content
BUDDHA
The Buddha
 The Buddha was a human being, not a
God.
 Stories from the life of the Buddha which
show.
 His concern to find an answer to
problem of suffering and dissatisfaction
in life.
The Buddha Image
 The values it communicates, e.g.
tranquillity and compassion.
BUDDHIST TEACHING
THE BUDDHIST COMMUNITY
Compassion
 The importance of compassion.

Respect for all living things and the intention
not to harm them.

The importance of being generous, kind,
truthful, helpful and patient.

Actions have consequences.
The Buddhist community
 Made up of monks, nuns, priests and lay
people.
 All Buddhists try to follow the example of the.
Buddha’s life and live by his teachings.
Awareness (mindfulness)
 The importance of awareness.

The importance of reflection and meditation.

Being aware of thoughts, feelings and how
they lead to actions.
Beliefs

All things change.
Southwark Education Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education
Life of a monk, nun or priest
 A brief description of the life of ordained & lay
people – how they support each other .
Symbol
 Monk/nun’s robe, bowl, shaven head.
The Three Jewels
 The Buddha.
 The Dhamma .
 The Sangha (Buddhist Community).
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Buddhism Part 2 Statutory Content
BUDDHA
Stories about Gotama Buddha
 His concern in finding an answer to the
problem of suffering and unsatisfactoriness
in life, e.g.:
 his restlessness and the four sights;
 years spent in the forest learning
meditation.
 His Enlightenment.
 His teaching of the Middle Way.
 How suffering can be eased e.g. the
Buddha & Angulimala.
Festivals
 Wesak – a festival that celebrates the birth,
Enlightenment and passing away of the
Buddha.
The Buddha image
 It is not worshipped as an idol.
Symbol
 The Bodhi tree.
 The Lotus Flower - symbol of
enlightenment.
BUDDHIST TEACHING
The Buddha teaches about only two things –
suffering and the ending of suffering
The Five Moral Precepts
 Important in forming attitudes of mind and as
guidance for living.
 Buddhists should refrain from:
 Harming and killing living beings;
 Sexual misconduct;
 Taking drugs or drink that impair clarity of
mind;
 Taking what is not freely given;
 Wrong speech.
(There is a positive aspect of each precept, e.g. it is
not enough not to harm – one should show
compassion for all living things)
The Four Noble Truths
 Life involves suffering.
 The origins of suffering lie in greed, hatred &
ignorance.
 The ending of suffering is possible.
 The Noble Eightfold Path is the way to end
suffering and become enlightened.
Continued on the next page
Southwark Education Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education
THE BUDDHIST COMMUNITY
The Buddhist community
 Made up of ordained (e.g. monks, nuns and
priests) and lay people.
 All Buddhists try to follow the example of the
Buddha’s life and live by his teachings.
The Buddhist Temple or Centre
 Used for worship, meditation or ceremonies
 Significant features and objects - e.g. water
offering bowls, image of Buddha, incense,
flowers, bell / gong.
 Mala of 108 beads, used when chanting.
Bodhgaya
 An important place for Buddhhists
worldwide.
 A place of pilgrimage.
The Three Jewels
 Buddhists ‘seek refuge’ in the three jewels or
triple gem.
Continued on next page
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Buddhism Part 2 Statutory Content
BUDDHA
BUDDHIST TEACHING
THE BUDDHIST COMMUNITY
Continued from previous page
Continued from previous page
The Noble Eightfold Path (The 8 spoked wheel)
 Right Understanding (seeing the world as it is, in
terms of the Four Noble Truths).
 Right Thought (commitment to follow the path).
 Right Speech (truthfulness; gentle and useful
speech).
 Right Action (following the Five Precepts with
love and compassion).
 Right Livelihood (avoiding work that causes harm
or injustice, choosing one which is beneficial to
others).
 Right Effort (avoiding bad thoughts, encouraging
good).
 Right Mindfulness (attentiveness and
awareness).
 Right Meditation (training the mind in meditation).
 (When people follow the path, the wheel turns in
a positive direction (traditionally clockwise
symbolising development).
Helping to alleviate suffering
 Things Buddhists do to try to alleviate
suffering:
 Practice the Dhamma;
 Be sympathetic and kind to others,
including animals;
 Give generously of time, food and
abilities;
 Teach by example.
Stories
Stories that exemplify values, e.g. The Monkey
King, The Hunter and the Monkeys, Prince
Vessantra
Southwark Education Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education
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