a being destined for enlightenment, who postpones their final escape from samsara to help others

the Fourth Noble Truth, known as ‘The Middle Way’

liberation from the cycle of birth, death and rebirth

a state of wisdom that enables total clarity and understanding of the truths of existence

the cycle of birth, life, death and rebirth

Nibbana and the end of suffering

Religious education

Gautama Buddha's life and its significance

The concept of Dhamma

The concept of dependent arising

The three marks of existence

The Four Noble Truths

Suffering and its causes

The three poisons

The Eightfold Path

The Threefold Way

Human personality in Theravada tradition

Human personality in Mahayana tradition

Human destiny: the Arhat and Boddhisatva ideals

Buddhahood and the Pure Land

Meditation and wisdom

In this unit pupils will examine key beliefs in Buddhism. They will examine key concepts such as dhamma and the idea of the human condition. They will gain an understanding of Buddhist ideas about suffering and the way to end it. They will also examine the story of Gautama Buddha.

Islam and Buddhism: beliefs

Subjects which particular individuals may be sensitive to, eg, adoption, migration, bereavement or death, divorce, poverty, deprivation.

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

The {{}} Path is also known as The Middle Way, as it avoids extremes of self-indulgence and self-denial.

Nibbana means liberation from {{}}, the cycle of birth, death and rebirth.

Which Buddhist text contains teachings on Nibbana?

A Bodhisattva postpones their own enlightenment to help others.

A Bodhisattva immediately escapes samsara.

A Bodhisattva rejects the idea of Nibbana.

How does a Bodhisattva relate to Nibbana?

It shows Buddhists how to escape suffering.

What is the role of the Eightfold Path in reaching Nibbana?

According to the Dhammapada, how should hatred be overcome?

Match each category of the Threefold Way to one of its practices.

a simplified version of the Eightfold Path

It helps Buddhists act in a moral and peaceful way.

It is the only way to reach enlightenment.

It allows Buddhists to ignore wisdom and meditation.

Why is ethics (sila) important in the Threefold Way?

It allows them to avoid ethical behaviour.

How does meditation (samadhi) help Buddhists?

The belief in {{}} is that individuals can achieve a state of perfect peace, free from suffering and rebirth.

Nibbana and the end of suffering

Lesson outcome

Content guidance