Buddhism
In this lesson, students will be able to
identify significant beliefs of the
Buddhist religion.
Students will be able to identify and/or
define the following terms:
The Four Noble Truths
The Noble Eightfold Path
Nirvana
DO NOW:
•In complete silence, answer one of the
following questions in your notebook:
•Why do religions form?
•What advice would you give to someone who
wanted to be successful in life? Provide
examples.
Key Point #1: Origins
• Siddhartha Gautama was an
Indian prince who longed to
see the world beyond the
palace that he lived in.
• Upon leaving the palace,
Siddhartha discovered the
existence of suffering. He
discovered that we are born
only to age and die.
Siddhartha wanted to
discover the cessation
(end) of suffering.
He sat under the
Bodhi tree and
meditated until
he became
enlightened.
When Siddhartha
achieved
enlightenment,
he became
the Buddha or
the Enlightened
One.
Key Point #2: The Four Noble Truths
•Siddhartha’s answer to the cause and
cessation of suffering can be found in his
Four Noble Truths.
The Four Noble Truths
Life is suffering.
Desire and attachment cause suffering.
Suffering can end.
Follow the Noble Eightfold Path
Turn and Talk:
ALL LIFE IS SUFFERING.
DO YOU AGREE OR
DISAGREE? WHY?
Life is suffering but suffering can end.
Key Point #3: The Noble Eightfold Path
•The Buddha encouraged his followers to
follow the middle path or to avoid extremes
such as eating too much or eating too little.
•The Eightfold Path are eight actions designed
to help followers achieve enlightenment.
•They are right view, right intention, right
speech, right action, right livelihood, right
effort, right mindfulness, right concentration.
The Noble Eightfold Path
Key Point #4: Nirvana
•Nirvana is the end of suffering.
•By achieving nirvana, a person escapes
samsara or the cycle of reincarnation.
•Siddhartha achieved nirvana when he
became enlightened.
Nirvana is the end of suffering.
Questions for Reflection:
• Who was Siddhartha Gautama?
• Why did Siddhartha leave his palace?
• Explain the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path.
• What is samsara?
• Define nirvana.
• How does Buddhism differ from Hinduism?
How Can Buddhism be considered a reaction
to the beliefs of Hinduism?