Lesson video

Hello, I'm Ms. Ramalli and welcome to today's RE lesson.

My priority is to ensure that by the end of today's lesson, you will have successfully met the learning outcome.

By the end of today's lesson, you'll be able to explain the Eightfold Path, why it is important, and how it influences Buddhists.

To guide us through our learning today, there are four key words.

The key words are the Eightfold Path, magga, the Four Noble Truths, Dhammapada, and enlightenment.

The Eightfold Path, also known as The Middle Way, it includes the way to wisdom and mental training.

The Four Noble truth is an important part of the Buddhist teachings explaining the truth about existence.

The Dhammapada is a source of wisdom and authority that includes some of the most famous teachings of the Buddha, including the Eightfold Path.

And enlightenment is a state of wisdom that enables total clarity and understanding of the truths of existence.

Our lesson today is going to take three parts.

First of all, we're gonna focus on learning about the Eightfold Path.

Then we're gonna move on to consider the importance of the Eightfold Path, finishing with the influence of the Eightfold Path.

Okay, let's begin.

The final Noble Truth is called the Eightfold Path or magga, and it's also known as The Middle Way.

The Buddha taught to live in moderation between extreme paths.

He had lived a life of luxury in the palace and extreme poverty as an aesthetic.

And he realised that neither of these had helped him achieve enlightenment.

Here, we have the symbol that is commonly representative of the Eightfold Path, the wheel.

Linn, a Theravada Buddhist introduces the Eightfold Path.

Linn tells us, "The Eightfold Path outlines the way to end suffering, dukkha.

It is the Buddha's Dhamma that shows the path of training." Remember, dhamma means teachings.

"It focuses on how to live a good moral life and emphasises the importance of meditation and developing wisdom of the Dhamma.

I follow this to help me achieve enlightenment." True or false? The final Noble Truth is called the Eightfold Path or dukkha.

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

Well done if you said this statement is false.

Well, why is the statement false? Well, the final Noble Truth is called the Eightfold Path or magga.

Buddhists might look to a source of authority to find out more about important teachings like the Eightfold Path.

The Dhammapada is a common source of authority that Buddhists will turn to when they want to seek guidance.

Here, we have a verse from the Dhammapada, verses 190 to 191.

It states, "He who has gone for refuge to the Buddha, penetrates wisdom, the Four Noble Truths, suffering, the cessation of suffering, and the Noble Eightfold Path leading to the cessation of suffering." What does this first teach Buddhist about the Eightfold Path? Either on your own or with your partner, I'd like you to consider an answer to this question.

Pause a video here and press Play when you are ready to move on with the lesson.

Okay, welcome back, everybody.

So I ask you to consider what does this first teach Buddhists about the Eightfold Path? You might have said, "Through understanding the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path, Buddhists can end their suffering." So let's consider the Eightfold Path or magga and the eight stages that it consists of.

Now, these eight stages can be carried out simultaneously.

It's not a linear path.

The eight stages are as follows: right understanding, right intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration.

Let's complete a check for understanding.

Which of the following is the correct definition of the Eightfold Path? A, also known as The Middle Way.

It includes the way to wisdom and mental training.

B, the cause of dukkha that affects all beings: ignorance, greed, and hatred.

Or C, an important part of the Buddhist teachings, explaining the truth about existence.

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

Welcome back, everybody, and well done if you said that A was the correct answer.

The definition of the Eightfold Path is also known as The Middle Way and includes a way to wisdom and training.

The eight stages show Buddhists the path to attaining enlightenment, the first being right understanding.

So this refers to understanding the Buddhist teachings, especially the Four Noble Truths.

Secondly, it's the right intention.

So this means for Buddhists to adopt the right mindset and determination to follow the Eightfold Path.

So it's not enough just to understand the key teachings and the Dhamma of the Buddha, but it's really important to have that intention and the right mindset in order to follow the teachings.

Thirdly, there is right speech, and this would include speaking honestly and positively whilst avoiding things like gossip and lies.

And fourthly, this is right action.

So this includes acting peacefully, avoiding stealing and causing harm to others.

Buddhist will look to the teachings of the Buddha to know how to behave.

Here we have verse 1 from the Dhammapada: "If a man speaks or acts with an evil thought, pain follows him, as the wheel follows the foot of the ox that draws the carriage." What can a Buddhist learn from this verse about how to behave and speak? Pause the video here and either take time on your own to reflect, or with your partner, discuss what can a Buddhist learn from this verse about how to behave and speak? Pause the video here and press Play when you're ready to check your answer.

Okay, well done, everybody.

You may have said, "A Buddhist learns that if they act or speak with negative or malicious thought, suffering will inevitably follow them.

And this could be interpreted as the law of kamma and that all actions have consequences." Okay, let's complete a check for understanding.

Which of the following is the meaning of right intention? A, understanding the Buddhist teachings, especially the Four Noble Truths.

B, acting peacefully, avoiding sealing and causing harm to others.

C, speaking honestly and positively whilst avoiding gossip and lies.

Or D, adopting the right mindset and determination to follow the Eightfold Path.

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

Okay, welcome back, everybody, and well done if you said that D was the correct answer.

Adopting the right mindset and determination to follow the Eightfold Path is the meaning of the right intention.

Moving on to look at the other four sections or stages of the Eightfold Path, we have number five, which is right livelihood, and livelihood is referring to how a person earns a living and what they do to earn money.

So that would mean not doing anything to harm or exploit others as a Buddhist.

Number six is right effort.

This is about putting effort into meditation and freeing your mind of negativity.

Right mindfulness is number seven, and this is about being aware of your own thoughts and feelings and the thoughts and feelings of others.

And finally, number eight is right concentration.

So this is about developing the mental focus that is needed for meditation.

Linn explains how she integrates the Eightfold Path into her life.

Linn says, "The Eightfold Path isn't a set of steps to be followed in a linear order.

It is more like a guide that can be practised simultaneously.

Some aspects of the path are interconnected and support each other.

Buddhists don't have to master one step before moving to another; instead, they will work on all aspects together, gradually." Let's complete an explanation with a check for understanding.

The Buddha taught the eight stages of the Eightfold Path.

I would like you to give one stage of the Eightfold Path.

For example, right understanding.

Can you give another stage of the Eightfold Path? Pause the video here and press Play when you're ready to check your answer.

Okay, time to check your answer.

You might have said right intention, but there are other possible answers.

You might have said right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration.

Well done.

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

I would like you to explain two stages of the Eightfold Path.

In your answer, I would like you to refer to sacred writings or another source of Buddhist belief and teaching in your answer.

Here is some guidance that you might like to follow in how to structure your answer.

So you'll have two points and each of those points to be developed.

I'd also like you to name and use a source and explain what it says or teaches.

This might be a quotation or a general belief or teaching.

So it might be, for example, a quotation from the Dhammapada or a general belief or teaching from the Buddha in this example.

Pause the video here and press Play when you're ready to reflect on your answers.

Okay, welcome back, everybody.

Time to check your answers for the first practise task.

I ask you to explain two stages of the Eightfold Path.

Your answer may look something like this: "One stage of the Eightfold Path is right understanding.

This means understanding the Buddhist teachings, especially the Four Noble Truths.

Another stage of the Eightfold Path is right speech.

This means speaking truthfully in a helpful, positive way; avoiding lying or gossiping about others.

Buddhist believed this because in the Dhammapada it says, 'If a man speaks or acts with an evil thought, pain follows, as the wheel follows the foot of the ox that draws the carriage,' which shows that there is a consequence to negative speech." Well done on all your hard work completing that practise task.

Moving on to the second part of our lesson by considering the importance of the Eightfold Path.

Izzy asks, "As a Buddhist, Linn, which stage of the Eightfold Path do you think is the most important?" Linn replies, "I believe the Buddha taught that all eight stages of the Eightfold Path are equally as important.

I need to follow all the stages to attain enlightenment.

I want to achieve this so that I can escape samsara and reach nibbana, a state of happiness and peace." Izzy asks, "What about you Tashi? As a Buddhist, which are the steps on the Eightfold Path do you think are the most important?" Tashi responds, "I believe right speech is the most important.

This is because in the Dhammapada it warns, 'If a man speaks or acts with an evil thought, pain follows.

' This verse shows me it's important to avoid harmful words and actions.

I do this to help reduce suffering, dukkha, for myself and others." "What about you, Roshan?" Izzy asks.

"Which step of the Eightfold Path is the most important to you as a Buddhist?" Roshan responds, "Right understanding is the most important stage for me.

I believe this because unless you fully understand the Buddhist's Dhamma or teachings such as the Four Noble Truths, you won't fully understand how to reduce your attachments and eliminate suffering." True or false? Right speech includes avoiding harmful words and telling lies.

Well done if you said that statement is true.

Fantastic.

Well done.

Lucas, Laura, and Sam are discussing what they think the most important step on the Eightfold Path is for Buddhists.

Lucas says, "I believe right action must be the most important because it avoids harm to others." Laura's view is, "Yes, but how would you know about right action without knowing right understanding? That is more important." Sam responds, "Okay, but most Buddhists believe all of the steps are equal and no one stage is more important than another." Who do you think has the most convincing answer and why? Pause the video here.

Spend some time reflecting on your own or discuss with your partner, and press Play when you're ready to move on with the lesson.

Okay, great discussions.

Well done.

True or false? Most Buddhist believe all stages of the Eightfold Path are equally important.

Well done if you said that statement is true.

Why is that statement true? Well, most Buddhists believe that all stages are required in order to achieve enlightenment.

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

Here is an evaluation question using a statement on the Eightfold Path.

Right understanding is the most important step of the Eightfold Path.

Evaluate this statement and in your answer: you should give reasoned arguments in support of this statement; reasoned arguments to support a different point of view; you should refer to Buddhist teachings; and you should reach a justified conclusion.

Plan a point in support of this statement and a point to support a different point of view.

Give a point and develop each using Buddhist teachings.

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

Okay, welcome back, everybody.

Time to check your answer for the practise task.

Right understanding is the most important step of the Eightfold Path.

Your response may look something like this.

So a point to support the statement could be: "For a Buddhist, right understanding may be the most important step because you need to understand the Buddha's Dhamma in order to follow the other steps.

Without right understanding, a Buddhist wouldn't grasp the teachings of the Four Noble Truths.

These are key in order to reduce suffering, dukkha." A point you might have said to support a different point of view could be: "Some Buddhists may disagree if they believe that right speech is the most important step.

In the Dhammapada it warns: 'If a man speaks or acts with an evil thought, pain follows.

' All steps are equally as important.

This is because without all the steps, you can't attain enlightenment.

This is essential to escaping samsara and reaching nibbana." Fantastic! Well done on all your hard work completing the practise task.

So now that moves us on to the third and final part of our lesson, which is on the influence of the Eightfold Path.

So here, we're gonna consider how the teachings on the Eightfold Path will influence Buddhists.

Roshan explains how he's influenced by the Eightfold Path.

Roshan says, "One way that I'm influenced by the Eightfold Path is thinking about what job I want to do when I leave school.

The step right livelihood influences me to get a job and earn a living that does not cause harm to others.

This means choosing a job where I can show kindness and compassion." Linn explains how her beliefs are influenced by the Eightfold Path.

Linn tells us, "The Eightfold Path influences how I live my entire life.

I study the Buddha's Dhamma, and this reminds me to be mindful of how I speak to others.

I always try to be polite even when someone is rude to me, which isn't always easy.

I also meditate daily to help improve my concentration and mindfulness.

These stages are all interconnected.

I don't have to perfect one before moving onto another.

It's not a linear path." Let's complete a check for understanding.

Which of these may be a way that Buddhists are influenced by the Eightfold Path? A, they choose a job that causes harm to others.

B, they lie and spread rumours.

Or C, they meditate daily.

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

Well done if you chose C as the correct answer, they meditate daily.

Well done.

Tashi explains how her actions are influenced by the Eightfold Path.

Tashi tells us, "One of the ways that I'm influenced by the Eightfold Path is to be mindful of the thoughts and feelings of others.

I try my best to listen when I'm in class and avoid talking over my teacher.

I don't always get this right, but I try hard to always show compassion." True or false? The stages of the Eightfold Path are not interconnected.

Well done if you said that statement is false.

Why is the statement false? Well, the stages of the Eightfold Path are interconnected, but there is no need to master one before moving on to practise another.

The stages can be carried out simultaneously.

So this brings us on to our final practise task for today's lesson.

I would like you to explain two ways that the Eightfold Path influences Buddhist today, and here is some guidance that you might like to follow to help you answer this question.

So first of all, make a point.

So this would be, give one influence the Eightfold Path would have on a Buddhist and then develop that point by explaining how this influence impacts the life of a Buddhist.

Now the question asks for two ways, so you'd need to give a second point.

So you'd give another influence the Eightfold Path would have on a Buddhist and then develop that by explaining how this influence impacts the life of a Buddhist.

Good luck completing the practise task.

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

Okay, welcome back, everybody.

Time to check your answer for the practise task.

So I ask you to explain two ways the Eightfold Path influences Buddhist today.

Your answer may include these points.

Right speech influences Buddhists to always speak positively and truthfully.

This includes avoiding lying, gossiping, and spreading rumours.

Right livelihood influences Buddhists to earn a living that does not cause harm to others.

This means not carrying out work that would exploit or harm any living being.

So here, you can see that two influences have been noted and each one has been developed.

So that brings us to the end of today's lesson and our summary on the Eightfold Path.

So what key points have we learned in our lesson today? The final Noble Truth is the path to enlightenment.

The teachings on the Eightfold Path are found in the Dhammapada.

Each stage of the path can help Buddhists end suffering.

The stages can be practised simultaneously.

Most Buddhists believe all stages of the Eightfold Path are equally important.

And the Eightfold Path influences Buddhists in their everyday life, for example, to speak positively and develop mindfulness.

Fantastic.

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

Goodbye.