Lesson video

Hello, my name is Ms. Ramalli, and thank you for joining me for today's RE lesson.

Today's lesson forms part of our unit on Buddhism beliefs and teachings, and today we're going to be exploring the Buddhist Dhamma.

Today's lesson outcome is, "I can explain the meaning, importance, and influence of dependent origination and the Three Marks of Existence.

To help us with today's learning, there are five key words, Dhamma, dependent origination, dukkha, anicca and anatta.

Dhamma is the teachings of the Buddha.

Dependent origination refers to the belief that everything exists only because of the existence of other phenomena.

Dukkha means suffering or unsatisfactoriness.

Anicca is the impermanent nature of all things, and anatta refers to the belief that there is no independent or permanent self.

Today's lesson on the Dhamma takes three parts.

We are going to begin by learning about dependent origination.

Moving on to the Three Marks of Existence and finishing today's lesson with considering the importance and influence of the Dhamma.

Dhamma in Pali, the language of the early Buddhist scripture, is based upon the teachings of the Buddha.

These teachings were passed on through word of mouth and were late and written down in the Pali canon.

The Dhamma is central to Buddhist beliefs and practises.

It aims to reduce dissatisfaction and suffering, known as dukkha.

The term, "Dhamma" Can have different meanings depending on its context.

It can mean the truth and nature of existence.

For example, the Three Marks of Existence.

It also includes the path of training.

So for example, following the eightfold path and meditation.

And Buddhist Dhamma also refers to law.

So for example, it refers to universal law and natural order, such as the law of karma.

In the Dhammapada Chapter six, it says, "He who drinks deeply the Dhamma lives happily with a tranquil mind." What do you think this quotation teaches about the importance of Dhamma? Pause the video here and with your partner, have a discussion about the question and then press play when you are ready to reflect on your answers.

Welcome back everybody.

So what do you think the quotation teaches about the importance of Dhamma? This quotation from the Buddha can be interpreted to mean that Buddhist should prioritise the study of Dhamma.

The Dhamma is important because following it can lead to a peaceful and happy life.

Let's complete a check for understanding.

Which of the following is not meant by, "Buddhist Dhamma"? A universal law.

B, the path of training.

C, living with a good moral code and honouring God.

Or D, the truth and nature of existence.

Pause the video here and press play when you're ready to check your answer.

Well done if you selected C, living with a good moral code and honouring God is not what is meant by, "Buddhist Dhamma." Dependent origination, or pratityasamutpada, is a fundamental concept across schools of Buddhism.

It is an important concept to fully understand the Buddhist Dhamma.

Dependent origination means everything exists only because of the existence of other phenomena in an incredibly complex web of cause and effect covering time past, present, and future.

Think of dependent origination like a domino effect.

When you knock over the first domino, it causes the second one to fall and then the third one and so on.

Each domino depends on the one before it to fall, meaning every action is interconnected.

Imagine that you are looking at a plant like the one here on the screen.

The plant didn't just appear out of nowhere.

It grew because many things are interconnected.

So it started as a seed.

It grows in the soil, it needs sunlight to grow, and it also needs water to live.

This is dependent origination, so showing, for example, with the plant how everything is interconnected.

The plant depends on all of these elements in order to live and to grow.

True or false? Dependent origination means that nothing is dependent or connected.

Pause the video and press play when you're ready to see the correct answer.

Well done if you selected false.

Dependent origination means everything exists only because of the existence of other phenomena.

Therefore, everything is dependent and connected.

Dependent origination and conditionality are two interconnected concepts that help explain and understand life.

For instance, they show that people experience sensations because they have senses.

People experience cravings due to an overload of sensations.

People experience desire as they seek to fulfil their cravings.

By understanding the dependent origins of cravings, Buddhist can work to overcome it.

Linn, a Theravada Buddhist, explains the concept of conditionality.

Linn tells us, "Conditionality refers to the idea that existence is dependent on prior or interconnected factors, making it conditional.

In other words, something can only occur due to the conditions that already exist.

If these conditions change or cease to be, the aspects of existence relying on them will also change or cease to exist." True or false? Conditionality refers to the idea that existence is dependent on prior or interconnected factors.

Pause the video here and press play when you're ready to see the correct answer.

Well done if you said that statement is true, conditionality refers to the idea that existence is dependent on prior or interconnected factors, making it conditional.

Now we're going to complete our first practise task.

Sam is explaining part of what she might write in answer to the question, "Describe the Buddhist Dhamma, so his teachings on dependent origination." She has made some mistakes, so you need to rewrite her explanation so that it is correct.

Sam said, "Dependent origination means all causes and conditions are independent.

Nothing in the universe relies on other factors to exist.

Everything is independent and self causing.

For example, a plant grows if the seed is planted in soil, watered and has exposure to the sun.

The plant only exists because of all the individual elements that exist independently of each other." Good luck completing the practise task.

Pause the video here and press play when you're ready to check your answer.

Okay, welcome back everybody.

So you needed to rewrite Sam's explanation so that it is correct.

So you could have said, "Dependent origination means all causes and conditions are interconnected.

Everything in the universe relies on other factors to exist.

Everything is dependent.

For example, a plant grows if the seed is planted in soil, watered and has exposure to the sun.

The plant only exists because of all the other elements connecting together." Well done on completing your first practise task.

So now we're gonna move on to the second part of today's lesson on the Dhamma by understanding the Three Marks of Existence.

An essential part of the Buddhist Dhamma are the Three Marks of Existence, or Three Lakshanas.

These are three characteristics that are universal to all things.

They are, Dukkha - all life involve suffering.

Anicca - nothing is permanent, and anatta - there is no fixed self and no soul.

Dukkha is a key Buddhist concept, meaning suffering or unsatisfactoriness, and there are different types of dukkha.

So there's suffering.

That could be mental and physical pain, for example could include breaking an arm.

Attachment, so strong bonds, affection or desires to people or objects.

This can cause suffering.

And change refers to sadness or unhappiness caused by change or losing something.

Let's complete a check for understanding.

What does Buddhists mean by dukkha? A, all life includes suffering and unsatisfactoriness.

B, no independent or permanent self.

or C, the impermanent nature of all things.

Pause the video here and press play when you're ready to check the answer.

Okay, well done if you said A.

By dukkha Buddhists mean all life includes suffering and unsatisfactoriness.

Anicca means nothing is permanent and is the second mark of existence.

The Buddha taught that anicca applies to all things.

It applies to living things because birth is followed by growth, then decay and death.

It also applies to non-living things.

For example, a building or a Buddhist temple will eventually erode if it is not repaired.

And it also applies to a person's thoughts, feelings, and emotions, all of which will change and evolve over time.

Let's pause and check you've understood what you've just heard.

What does Buddhists mean by, "Anicca"? A, all life includes suffering and unsatisfactoriness.

B, no independent or permanent self.

Or C, the impermanent nature of all things.

Pause the video here and press play when you're ready to see the correct answer.

Well done if you selected C.

By anicca, Buddhists mean the impermanent nature] of all things.

The term, "Anatta" Has its origins in the ancient Pali language.

So an meaning not, and atta meaning self-existent essence.

So anatta means there is no permanent self or essence.

This Buddhist concept stands in contrast to the belief that many people have a permanent soul or unchanging self.

Nagasena and the chariot.

The story takes place in the Milindapanha, a Buddhist text in which King Milinda engages in a series of dialogues with the monk Nagasena.

One day King Milinda, curious about the nature of the self asked Nagasena, "Who are you?" Nagasena replied, "I am Nagasena." King Milinda then asked, "What is the nature of Nagasena? Is it the body, the feelings, the perception, the mental formations or the consciousness?" Nagasena responded, "None of these are Nagasena.

The body feelings, perceptions, mental formations and consciousness are merely parts of a person, but they do not constitute a permanent unchanging self." To help illustrate his point, Nagasena asked the king, "Your majesty, when you speak of a chariot, what do you mean? Do you refer to the wheels, the axle, the frame, the horses or the reins?" King Milinda replied, "I refer to all of them together as the chariot." Nagasena then asked, "But is there anything in the chariot that is a chariot in and of itself? Is it the wheels, the axle, the frame, the horses, the reins?" The king thought for a moment and answered, "No.

None of those parts individually are the chariot." Nagasena explained, "Just as the term 'chariot' is used to describe a collection of parts, but no single part is the chariot itself, the term, 'Nagasena' is used to describe the collection of the body, feelings, perceptions, mental formations and consciousness, but there is no permanent unchanging Nagasena within those parts." Through this analogy, Nagasena demonstrated that the self, like the chariot, is simply a label for a collection of ever-changing components and there is no unchanging permanent essence behind it.

The concept of self is an illusion as all things are impermanent, anicca, and interconnected, subject to change.

This dialogue is often cited to explain the Buddhist teaching of anatta or nonself, emphasising the idea that there is no eternal independent soul that exists apart from the ever changing elements of our existence.

Let's complete a check for understanding.

What do Buddhists mean by, "Anatta?" A, all life includes suffering and unsatisfactoriness.

B, no independent or permanent self.

Or C, the impermanent nature of all things.

Pause the video here and press play when you're ready to check your answer.

Well done if you selected B.

By anatta, Buddhists mean no independent or permanent self.

So now we're gonna complete our second practise task.

Izzy and Sam describe their understanding of the story of Nagasena and the chariot.

You need to develop each of their points with explanations or examples.

Izzy says, "Nagasena demonstrated that the self, like the chariot, is simply a label." Sam adds, "The concept of the self is an illusion." So pause the video here and whilst you're completing the practise task, remember you're developing each of their points with explanations or examples.

Good luck completing the practise task.

Pause the video and press play when you're ready to check your answer.

Okay, welcome back everyone.

So Izzy and Sam described their understanding of the story of Nagasena and the chariot.

You were asked to develop each of their points with explanations or examples, and your answer may look like this.

Izzy, "Nagasena demonstrated that the self, like the chariot, is simply a label.

The self is a collection of ever-changing components and there is no unchanging permanent essence behind it." Sam said, "The concept of the self is an illusion." And you may have added, "Because all things are impermanent and interconnected subject to change." Fantastic, well done on completing the second practise task.

So that moves us on to the final part of today's lesson on the Dhamma by exploring the importance and influence of the Dhamma.

Beliefs about the Buddhist Dhamma are important to most Buddhists because the Dhammapada chapter six highlights the importance of the Dhamma to lead a happy and peaceful life.

It's also important because it shows Buddhists how to reduce suffering, dukkha, and it also increases kindness and compassion.

So these are three reasons why the Buddhist Dhamma is important to most Buddhists.

Linn explains why the Buddha's Dhamma on dependent origination is important to her.

Linn says, "Dependent origination is an important teaching to me because it helps me understand that everything is interconnected.

This influences me to not always give into my cravings and regularly eat unhealthy food.

I could become ill in my old age and suffer, and this would affect my family.

It would also affect people I don't yet know, like those working in hospital who would have to care for me so my present actions have consequences." True or false? The Buddhist Dhamma on dependent origination influences most Buddhists to consider the impact of their actions.

Pause the video and press play when you're ready to see the correct answer.

Okay, well done if you said that statement is true.

So dependent origination is the understanding that everything is interconnected.

All actions have consequences.

Rashan is a Theravada Buddhist and he explains why the Dhamma on the Three Marks of Existence is important to him.

Rashan says, "The Buddha's Dhamma is important to me because it influences me to try hard not to crave things.

Sometimes I find myself craving another bag of sweets or my football team's latest shirt.

I try to remember that my old football shirt still fits me and the sweets only bring temporary happiness.

I try to avoid feelings of dissatisfaction and reflect on the Buddha's Dhamma on dukkha.

Tashi, a Mahayana Buddhist, explains how she's influenced by the Buddha's Dhamma on the Three Marks of Existence.

Tashi tells us, "if I ever want things to be a certain way and I hold onto that thought, I remember anicca, that nothing is permanent, everything changes and nothing stays the same.

Understanding this influences me to let go of my attachments and cravings which cause me to suffer." Linn explains why the Buddha's Dhamma on the Three Marks of Existence influences her.

Linn says, "The Three Marks of Existence are an important part of my beliefs.

I acknowledge that I have no fixed self, known as 'anatta' and this influences my beliefs by not being fixated on people's appearances.

I know that ageing affects people's minds and bodies and accepting this helps reduce dukkha." So how might the Buddha's Dhamma influence a Buddhist? Consider thoughts and actions.

So it might influence Buddhist to avoid cravings and attachments.

And Buddhists may be influence to avoid feelings of dissatisfaction.

And they also might be influenced to accept the impermanent nature of all things.

For example anicca.

True or false? The Buddha's Dhamma on anicca influences most Buddhists to fixate on people growing old.

Pause the video here and press play when you're ready to see the correct answer.

Well done if you said that statement is false, because the Buddha's Dhamma on anatta is a belief in no independent or permanent self, and that influences Buddhists not to be fixated on people growing old or their appearance.

So now we are on to complete our third and final practise task for today's lesson.

Alex and Aisha are working on the task, "Explain why beliefs about the Buddha's Dhamma are important for Buddhists." Expand on their explanations by filling in the missing parts.

Alex has said, "Beliefs about the Buddha's Dhamma are important for Buddhists because it can influence their behaviour." He's then included a source of wisdom and authority and said the Dhammapada chapter six highlights the importance of the Dhamma to lead a happy and peaceful life.

So you need to add to Alex's answer by developing his point.

So here you can show how the source of wisdom and authority accurately applies the question.

Aisha has said, "Beliefs about the Buddha's Dhamma are important for Buddhists because they have an understanding of anatta." She hasn't, however, included a source of wisdom and authority, so you need to complete that section there.

She's then gone on to develop her point by saying, "This Buddhist story is important because it teaches the concept of anatta.

The belief in no independent or permanent self understanding anatta, reduces dukkha, suffering." Good luck completing the practise task.

Pause the video here and then press play when you're ready to check your answers.

Okay, welcome back everybody.

Let's check your answers for the practise task.

So the task was, "Explain why beliefs about the Buddha's Dhamma are important for Buddhists." Your answer might be: So Alex has said, "Beliefs about the Buddha's Dhamma are important for Buddhists because it can influence their behaviour.

The Dhammapada shows the importance of the Dhamma to lead a happy and peaceful life.

This is important because if Buddhists understand the Dhamma on dependent origination that all things are interconnected, they can show kindness and compassion and Dukkha is reduced." Aisha had said, "Beliefs about the Buddhist Dhamma are important for Buddhists because they have an understanding of anatta.

The story of Nagasena and the chariot shows the concept of self as an illusion.

This Buddhist story is important because it teaches the concept of anatta, the belief in no independent or permanent self.

Understanding anatta reduces Dukkha, suffering." Fantastic, well done on all of your hard work on today's practise tasks.

So that brings us to the summary of our learning today on the Dhamma.

The Dhamma is central to Buddhist beliefs and practises.

The Dhamma of dependent origination means everything exists only because of the existence of other phenomena.

Everything is dependent and connected.

The Dhamma of the Three Marks of Existence or the Three Lakshanas are three characteristics that are universal to all things.

The Three Marks of Existence are dukkha, anicca and anatta.

The Buddhist story of Nagasena and the Chariot demonstrates the teaching of anatta.

There is no independent or permanent self.

And finally, the Dhamma is important because it influences Buddhists to avoid cravings and attachments, which will reduce dukkha, suffering.

Well done on all of your hard work in today's lesson, and thank you for joining me.

Goodbye.