Buddhist Dhamma
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain the meaning of the Buddhist Dhamma and why it is important for Buddhists.
Key learning points
- The Buddhist Dhamma is the universal truth common to all individuals, at all times.
- The Universal Truths are anicca, anatta and dukkha.
- This truth was proclaimed by Siddhartha Gautama.
- Dhamma is contained within the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path.
Keywords
Buddha - refers to the historical Buddha who achieved enlightenment
The Eightfold Path - the practices that can lead to the end of suffering and rebirth
The Four Noble Truths - explanation of the Buddha’s teachings on suffering
The Universal Truths - refers to a truth or belief that relates to all beings within the world and beyond
Common misconception
The Buddha is God.
The Buddha is a historical figure.
Teacher tip
Sensistive content: This lesson makes reference to the lack of a permanent self (anatta) and suffering (dukka), which could raise questions or discussions around death.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is the Hindu term for a person's soul or spirit?
Q2.What is the Hindu term used to describe the cycle of birth, life and death?
Q3.Which definition best describes the meaning of the dharmic term 'karma'?
Q4.What is the name of the life aim in Hindu Dharma that means success, wealth and prosperity?
Q5.In Buddhism, how is 'Dhamma' interpreted?
Q6.Siddhartha Gautama was born into which religious royal family?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of these is not one of the three Universal Truths?
Q2.What does the Buddhist term 'dukkha' mean?
Q3.How many Noble Truths are there?
Q4.What does the second Noble Truth identify?
Q5.Fill in the gap to complete this Buddhist term: the ' fold Path'.
Q6.The practice of speaking truthfully is linked to which part of the Eightfold Path?
To help you plan your 7 religious education lesson on: Buddhist Dhamma, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 7 religious education lesson on: Buddhist Dhamma, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 3 religious education lessons from the Dharma: how is this interpreted and put into action? unit, dive into the full secondary religious education curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.