1. The Noble Eightfold Path
Buddhism
In this lesson, students will be able to identify significant beliefs of the Buddhist religion.
Students will be able to identify and/or define the following terms:
The Four Noble Truths
The Noble Eightfold Path
Nirvana
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2. Around 563 B.C., a prince named Siddhartha Gautama was born in India.
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3. Siddhartha Gautama Siddhartha was an Indian prince.
He lived in a luxurious household. However, he longed to see the world beyond the palace.
Upon leaving the palace, he saw a sick man, an old man, and a corpse.
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4. Upon leaving the palace, Siddhartha discovered the existence of
suffering. He
discovered that
we are born only
to age and die.
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5. Siddhartha’s Decision
Upon learning of the existence of suffering, Siddhartha decided to leave the palace and find the cause and cessation of suffering.
Siddhartha lived among the Hindu ascetics and endured many hardships.
However, he did not discover the cause or cessation of suffering among the Hindus.
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6. After leaving the Hindu ascetics, Siddhartha sat under the
Bodhi tree and
meditated until
he became
enlightened.
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7. When Siddhartha achieved enlightenment, he became the Buddha or
the Enlightened
One.
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8. The Four Noble Truths
Siddhartha’s answer to the cause and cessation of suffering can be found in his Four Noble Truths.
The Four Noble Truths
Life is suffering.
Desire and attachment cause suffering.
Suffering can end.
Follow the Noble Eightfold Path
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9. Life is suffering but suffering can end.
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10. The Noble Eightfold Path
The Buddha encouraged his followers to follow the middle path or to avoid extremes such as eating too much or eating too little.
The Noble Eightfold Path are eight actions designed to help followers achieve enlightenment. They are right view, right intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, right concentration.
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12. Nirvana Nirvana is the end of suffering.
By achieving nirvana, a person escapes samsara or the cycle of reincarnation.
Siddhartha achieved nirvana when he became enlightened.
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13. Nirvana is the end of suffering.
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14. Questions for Reflection:
Who was Siddhartha Gautama?
Why did Siddhartha leave his palace?
Explain the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold Path.
What is samsara?
Define nirvana.
How does Buddhism differ from Hinduism?
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