Starter quiz
- Which of the following is the fourth Noble Truth?
- the cause of suffering (samudaya)
- the end of suffering (nirodha)
- the path to end suffering (magga) ✓
- all life involves suffering (dukkha)
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- The Buddha’s first sermon, which includes his teachings on the Four Noble Truths, is called …
- the Dhammapada.
- the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta. ✓
- the Vinaya Pitaka.
- the Tripitaka.
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- According to Buddhist belief, what must be overcome to reach nibbana?
- samsara
- the three poisons ✓
- meditation
- compassion
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- What does the term ‘nibbana’ mean for Buddhists?
- the cycle of birth, life, death and rebirth
- a state of perfect peace and liberation from suffering ✓
- a temporary paradise where Buddhists rest after death
- a place of punishment for bad kamma
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- Match each term to its correct definition.
- the Eightfold Path⇔the way to overcome suffering (magga) ✓
- samsara⇔the cycle of birth, death and rebirth ✓
- the three poisons⇔the root causes of suffering: greed, hatred and ignorance ✓
- the Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta⇔the Buddha’s first sermon ✓
- The fourth Noble Truth teaches the path to ending suffering, which is called ______.
- 'The Eightfold Path' ✓
Exit quiz
- What is another name for the Eightfold Path?
- The Way of the Buddha
- The Middle Way ✓
- The Noble Path
- The Enlightened Way
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- The teachings on the Eightfold Path can be found in the ______.
- 'Dhammapada' ✓
- According to Buddhist teachings, how are the stages of the Eightfold Path practised?
- one at a time, in order
- only after reaching enlightenment
- simultaneously, as they are all interconnected ✓
- only monks should follow the Eightfold Path
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- How does the Eightfold Path help Buddhists in their daily lives?
- it encourages them to avoid all suffering
- it teaches them how to follow religious rituals
- it provides guidance on how to think, speak and act ✓
- it ensures that they will become monks or nuns
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- Buddhists aim to communicate truthfully and avoid gossip by following the teaching of 'Right ______'.
- 'speech' ✓
- A Buddhist may choose a career that does not harm others because of the teaching of 'Right ______'.
- 'livelihood' ✓
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Lesson Details
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.
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.
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
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