Introduction to Buddhism

Aim: To be able to describe at least three keys beliefs of

Buddhists.

Welcome to S4 RMPS

http://graemermps.wikispaces.com/home

Task 1Think about answers to these questions and write an answer in your jotter:

• (a) Where does human life come from?

• (b) What different things make up a human being?

• (c) What makes human life happy and enjoyable?

• (d) What makes human life unhappy and difficult?

• (e) What do human beings need for survival?

Task 2

Watch the video and take notes in the form of a spider diagram – then transfer your info into a summary paragraph.

When?Buddhist teachings are

about 2500 years old. Today there are

estimated to be about 327 million Buddhists, most of whom live in

Asia.

WhoBuddhists follow the

teachings of Siddhartha Gautama, the BUDDHA. He lived

in India in the 6th century BCE. Buddha is not his name but a special title meaning

“the enlightened one”.

Why?Buddhists believe that by

following the teachings of the Buddha, they too can gain

enlightenment. Buddhists do not believe in an all powerful God; they do not believe that

Buddha himself was more important than a normal

human being. He was important because he had reached enlightenment.

What• ENLIGHTENMENT is a

special understanding, realising the truth about how things are. Buddhists believe that the world is imperfect but the Buddha found the answer to why this is and how we can cope with it.

Buddhists believe that when they die they will be reborn

unless they reach enlightenment. This cycle of

life, death and rebirth is called SAMSARA. Buddhists try to break this cycle and reach NIRVANA. This is the end of

imperfection and the state of perfect peace. They try to

reach Nirvana by meditating and following the Buddha’s

teachings.

BIRTH

DEATH

REBIRTH

TASK 3

• Complete the tasks on page 3WRITE IN YOUR JOTTER – use the first couple of pages to help you.

Task 4

Create a basic hierarchy pyramid in your jotter with key information / symbols / images.

Make it clear and colourful