Starter quiz
- The Fourth Noble Truth is also known as the ______ Path.
- 'Eightfold' ✓
- The Buddha taught that suffering is caused by ...
- 'craving' ✓
- According to the First Noble Truth, what is dukkha?
- the path to enlightenment
- the end of suffering
- suffering and unsatisfactoriness in life ✓
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- What is the name for the Buddha’s teaching that suffering can end?
- Samudaya
- Magga
- Nirodha ✓
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- Which of the following is part of the Eightfold Path?
- right companions
- right wealth
- right speech ✓
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- The Eightfold Path is also sometimes called the ______ Way.
- 'Middle' ✓
Exit quiz
- Where did the Buddha give his first sermon after enlightenment? The ______ Park.
- 'Deer' ✓
- Which of the following is NOT one of the three poisons?
- ignorance
- hatred
- wisdom ✓
-
- According to the Buddha, how can suffering be reduced?
- by eliminating craving ✓
- by avoiding all pain
- by gaining more wealth
-
- What is one of the types of craving (tanha) taught by the Buddha?
- desire for material wealth
- desire to be something we are not ✓
- desire for good karma
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- What did the Buddha say about suffering in the Majjhima Nikaya?
- It is an illusion and does not exist.
- It is caused by karma alone.
- His teachings are about suffering and how to end it. ✓
-
- The Buddhist concept of ______ means nothing is permanent.
- 'anicca' ✓
Worksheet
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Lesson Details
Key learning points
- The Sermon at Benares was a teaching point used by the Buddha to help people understand suffering.
- The nature of life, including old age, sickness and death contributes to suffering.
- Change and impermanence are also significant contributors to the suffering we experience.
- Many Buddhists believe suffering is essential to help us understand ultimate reality and choose how to live.
- The Buddha's teachings on the causes of suffering influence Buddhists e.g. to stop cravings.
Common misconception
Buddhism teaches that suffering is inherently bad or to be avoided at all costs.
Buddhism views suffering (dukkha) as an essential part of life. It’s not about denying suffering but understanding its nature and learning to live in a way that reduces unnecessary suffering.
Keywords
Dukkha - a belief that all life includes suffering and unsatisfactoriness
Craving - the ongoing state of desire which causes suffering; grasping at things we enjoy/want
The three poisons - causes of dukkha that affect all beings: ignorance, greed and hatred
Anicca - one of the three marks of existence, meaning nothing is permament
Tanha - a cause of suffering meaning ‘thirst’ or ‘craving’
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