The Dhamma
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain the meaning, importance and influence of dependent origination and the Three Marks of Existence.
Key learning points
- Dependent origination is one of the key principles of the Buddha’s Dhamma (teachings).
- The Three Universal Truths are three fundamental marks (or signs) of reality, sometimes also called lakshanas.
- The impermanence of existence (anicca) means that pleasant experiences do not last.
- The story of Nagasena and the Chariot is used to explain the idea of having ‘no self’.
- The Dhamma is important as it influences Buddhists to avoid attachments and to be kind and compassionate to all.
Keywords
Dhamma (Dharma) - the teachings of the Buddha
Dependent origination - everything ‘exists’ only because of the ‘existence’ of other phenomena.
Dukkha - suffering/unsatisfactoriness
Anicca - the impermanent nature of all things
Anatta - no independent or permanent self
Common misconception
The three marks of existence, in particular dukkha, only describe negative aspects of life.
The three marks of existence are meant to help Buddhists understand life so they can live more freely and peacefully by accepting change, letting go of attachments and thereby reducing suffering.
Teacher tip
Sensistive content: this lesson makes reference to the lack of a permanent self (anatta) and suffering (dukkha), 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 Middle Way in Buddhism?
Q2.Why did Siddhartha meditate under the Bodhi tree?
Q3.What did the Buddha do after reaching enlightenment?
Q4.What are the Buddha’s core teachings known as?
Q5.What is the ultimate goal of Buddhism?
Q6.The Buddha taught that is the cause of suffering.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What are the Three Marks of Existence?
Q2.What does the story of Nagasena and the Chariot teach?
Q3.According to Buddhism, what is the cause of suffering (dukkha)?
Q4.Why is Dependent Origination important in Buddhism?
Q5.What does the Dhamma encourage Buddhists to do?
Q6.The Buddhist teaching of means that all things are impermanent and constantly changing.
To help you plan your 10 religious education lesson on: The Dhamma, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 religious education lesson on: The 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 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.