The Eightfold Path
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain the Eightfold Path, why it is important and how it influences Buddhists.
Key learning points
- The final Noble Truth is the path to enlightenment, called the Eightfold Path.
- The Eightfold Path is also known as the Middle Way by many Buddhists.
- Each part of the path can help a Buddhist end suffering.
- The eight stages are guiding principles which lead to enlightenment when simultaneously perfected.
Keywords
The Eightfold Path (magga) - also known as ‘The Middle Way', it includes the way to wisdom and mental training
The Four Noble Truths - an important part of the Buddha’s teachings, explaining the truth about existence
Enlightenment - a state of wisdom that enables total clarity and understanding of the truths of existence
Dhammapada - a source of wisdom and authority that includes some of the most famous teachings of the Buddha, including the Eightfold Path
Common misconception
The Eightfold Path is a set of steps to be followed in a strict, linear order.
The Eightfold Path is more like a guide that can be practiced simultaneously and in an integrated way. Buddhists don’t have to master one step before moving to another; instead, they work on all aspects together.
Teacher tip
The learning in this lesson links to the lessons on the Four Noble Truths and the Threefold Way.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of the following is the fourth Noble Truth?
Q2.The Buddha’s first sermon, which includes his teachings on the Four Noble Truths, is called …
Q3.According to Buddhist belief, what must be overcome to reach nibbana?
Q4.What does the term ‘nibbana’ mean for Buddhists?
Q5.Match each term to its correct definition.
Q6.The fourth Noble Truth teaches the path to ending suffering, which is called .
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is another name for the Eightfold Path?
Q2.The teachings on the Eightfold Path can be found in the .
Q3.According to Buddhist teachings, how are the stages of the Eightfold Path practised?
Q4.How does the Eightfold Path help Buddhists in their daily lives?
Q5.Buddhists aim to communicate truthfully and avoid gossip by following the teaching of 'Right '.
Q6.A Buddhist may choose a career that does not harm others because of the teaching of 'Right '.
To help you plan your 10 religious education lesson on: The Eightfold Path, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 religious education lesson on: The Eightfold Path, 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 4 religious education lessons from the Buddhism: beliefs unit, dive into the full secondary religious education curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.