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Introduction to Buddhism

infoWhy this? Buddhism offers a distinctive, non-theistic account of suffering, impermanence, conduct, and liberation, while still valuing scriptures, teachers, and the Sangha. The Buddha’s life, the Four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Path, and the Five Precepts show how understanding and disciplined practice are intended to reduce suffering and cultivate wisdom and compassion.

scheduleWhy now? Following the study of philosophical and ethical questions, Buddhism provides a developed worldview through which to reconsider happiness, desire, identity, and moral action. It also enables precise comparison with earlier Hindu ideas about karma and samsara while introducing the distinct Buddhist teachings of anatta, rebirth, and nirvana.

neurologyYou need to know

  • Buddhism originated in the 5th–6th century BCE in what is now Nepal and India, founded by Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha).
  • The Buddha was born as a prince in Lumbini, encountered the Four Sights (old age, sickness, death, and a holy man), and subsequently renounced his royal life in search of enlightenment.
  • The Four Sights revealed to Siddhartha the realities of suffering and impermanence, prompting his quest for spiritual understanding.
  • The Three Marks of Existence are: Anicca (all things are impermanent and constantly changing), Dukkha (life involves suffering, dissatisfaction, or unsatisfactoriness), and Anatta (there is no permanent, unchanging self or soul).
  • The Three Marks of Existence form the foundation of Buddhist understanding of reality and the path to enlightenment.
  • The Four Noble Truths are that dukkha exists, craving or tanha causes dukkha, dukkha can cease, and the Noble Eightfold Path leads to the cessation of dukkha.
  • The Noble Eightfold Path is the Buddhist path towards the cessation of dukkha and enlightenment.
  • The wisdom elements of the Noble Eightfold Path are Right View and Right Intention.
  • The ethical conduct elements of the Noble Eightfold Path are Right Speech, Right Action, and Right Livelihood.
  • The mental discipline elements of the Noble Eightfold Path are Right Effort, Right Mindfulness, and Right Concentration.
  • Samsara is the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth in which beings experience dukkha.
  • Karma is the principle that intentional actions have consequences that influence future experiences and rebirth.
  • Rebirth is the Buddhist belief that, after death, beings are born into a new existence influenced by karma.
  • Nirvana is liberation from craving, ignorance, dukkha, and the cycle of rebirth.
  • The Five Precepts are basic ethical guidelines for lay Buddhists: refrain from killing living beings, refrain from taking what is not given, refrain from sexual misconduct, refrain from false speech, and refrain from intoxicating drinks and drugs that lead to carelessness.
  • The Five Precepts support other Buddhist teachings by encouraging moral conduct, reducing suffering, and aiding the development of wisdom and compassion.
  • The importance of the Five Precepts lies in their role as the foundation for ethical behaviour and spiritual progress in Buddhism.
  • Buddhism does not centre on belief in an omnipotent creator God.
  • Buddhist traditions use scriptures and value the Buddha, the Dhamma or teachings, the Sangha or community, and spiritual teachers as sources of guidance.

rocket_launchYou must be able to

  • Describe the key events in the life of the Buddha, including his birth, the Four Sights, his renunciation, enlightenment, and teaching.
  • Analyse the link between desire and suffering.
  • Explain why the Buddha left his life as a prince, linking this to his experiences and the teachings that followed.
  • Explain the meaning and significance of anicca, dukkha, and anatta, and illustrate their relevance using real-life or hypothetical scenarios.
  • Explain how the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path guide Buddhists towards the cessation of dukkha and enlightenment.
  • Explain how samsara, karma, rebirth, and nirvana are linked in Buddhist teachings.
  • Identify and explain the Five Precepts, and assess their importance in Buddhist practice and how they support other Buddhist teachings.


Revision Quiz

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