The Buddhist Threefold Way
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain the Threefold Way and why it is important for Buddhists today.
Key learning points
- This is another name for the Eightfold Path, split into categories.
- It contains the three aspects: ethics, meditation and wisdom.
- Right action, speech and livelihood are a part of 'ethics'.
- Right mindfulness, effort and concentration come under 'meditation'.
- Right view and intention are categorised as 'wisdom'.
Keywords
The Threefold Way - the three divisions of the Eightfold Path: ethics, meditation, and wisdom
Nirvana (nibbana) - the belief that individuals can achieve a state of perfect peace where they experience liberation from the cycle of birth, death and rebirth
Wisdom - insight into the true nature of reality
Ethics - moral principles that inform behaviour and attitudes
Meditation - a spiritual experience that opens a person up to the highest state of consciousness
Common misconception
The Threefold Way categories can be practiced independently or in isolation.
Each element strengthens the others. They are not isolated practices but interconnected stages on the path to attaining nirvana (nibbana), liberation from the cycle of birth, death and rebirth.
Teacher tip
This lesson links with learning on the Eightfold Path.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Match each aspect of the Eightfold Path with its description.
speaking truthfully and avoiding gossip
being aware of your thoughts and actions
developing focus through meditation
Q2.According to Buddhist teachings, how should Buddhists practice the Eightfold Path?
Q3.Which of the following best describes the purpose of the Eightfold Path?
Q4.Which action follows the principle of Right Action?
Q5.What is the main focus of Right View?
Q6.The goal of Right is to train the mind through meditation and deep focus.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What are the three categories of the Threefold Way?
Q2.Which aspect belongs to the category of ethics (sila)?
Q3.How does meditation (samadhi) help Buddhists?
Q4.What is the main focus of wisdom (panna)?
Q5.Which statement about the Threefold Way is true?
Q6.Which of the following best describes the relationship between the elements on the path to nirvana (nibbana)?
To help you plan your 10 religious education lesson on: The Buddhist Threefold Way, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 religious education lesson on: The Buddhist Threefold Way, 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 and teachings unit, dive into the full secondary religious education curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.