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The Three Jewels
Questions
1. What are the three Jewels? Write a
short paragraph for each.
2. The three Jewels are thought of as refuges. Why
would this be?
Did you know, that in order to become a buddhist, you
just have to recite the following: I take refuge in the
Buddha, I take refuge in the Dhamma, I take
refuge in the Sangha
The Buddha
He is a refuge because he provides an example of how to live,
be free of suffering and achieve enlightenment.
There are different views about the Buddha after he died.
Theravada: Buddha
Mahayana: Buddha wouldn’t leave
passed in to final Nibbana them and would remain in contact
in some way.
The Buddha
There are of course other
reason why the Buddha is
important;
1. Role model/Set Example
2. Show that enlightenment
is possible
3. Started the Sangha
4. Founder of the religion
Dhamma
1. Written record of all the Buddha’s teachings
2. Collection of all teachings about Buddhism by
other Buddhists
3. The Buddhist way of life
Think!!!
Why is the Dhamma compared to a raft?
Different Views on the Dhamma
Theravada – They believe
that they adhere most
closely to the teaching of
the Buddha. They stress
the importance of the
Tripitaka, the three
baskets which contain
important parts of the
Dhamma.
Mahayana’s believe in
the Tripitaka too, but
they also accept
teaching’s which
didn’t come straight
from the Buddha.
The Vinya Pitaka – Rules for monks
The Sutta Pitaka – More detailed explanations of the Buddha’s
teachings.
Abhidhamma Pitaka – The philosophical teachings.
The Dhamma
So why is the Dhamma important?
1.Life today is full of desire so need to know
how to let go
2.Suffering still a problem – so gives path to
Nibbana
3. Dhamma is universal and can be discovered
by anyone
4.Without Dhamma – no point in Buddha or
Sangha
The Sangha
The community of Buddhists
Two main groups – Lay Buddhists and monks
AryaSangha – Those who have achieved
enlightenment (Arhats or Bodhisattvas).
The Sangha
Sanghas in the West
FWBO – Friends of the Western
Buddhist Order
This is a community that encourages
Buddhist belief, teachings and practices
without having to adopt an ‘Eastern’ way
of living (wearing robes, or speaking pali).
Samye Ling
This is a temple in Dumfriesshire
Why is the Sangha Important?
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Preserves the Dhamma and keeps it pure
Provides facility to pass on message of the Dhamma to Lay
Buddhists
Monastic sangha provides opportunity for monks to devote all
their efforts to gain enlightenment
Monastic sangha gives opportunity for lay Buddhists to gain
merit though supporting monks
Education
Sets an example
“The Buddha is the most important of the
Three Jewels (refuges).” Would a Buddhist
agree?
8AE
Remember:
- Be clear about the argument and what is required
-See how many marks you have/need
- Avoid writing information that will not get you marks