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.
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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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