New
New
Year 7
The three jewels
I can explain the meaning of the three jewels and their significance for Buddhists.
New
New
Year 7
The three jewels
I can explain the meaning of the three jewels and their significance for Buddhists.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- The three jewels may also be known by other names, such as 'the three treasures'.
- The Buddha refers to the historical Buddha and the concept of Buddhahood.
- Dhamma means 'truth' and includes the teachings and practices of the Buddha.
- The Sangha includes monks and nuns as well as the wider Buddhist community.
Keywords
Buddha - refers to the historical Buddha who achieved enlightenment
Dhamma - in Buddhism, the term means 'truth' and includes the teachings of the Buddha
Sangha - the Buddhist community, including monks and nuns
Refuge - seeking safety or shelter from difficulty or danger
Common misconception
The jewels refer to riches or physical treasure.
The jewels are highly valued principles and institutions.
You could play an audio clip of the three refuges being recited.
Teacher tip
Equipment
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on
Open Government Licence version 3.0
except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).Lesson video
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Starter quiz
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6 Questions
Q1.
Who was Siddhartha Gautama?
a prophet
a God
a warrior
a political leader
Q2.
In Buddhism, what does 'dhamma' mean?
the moral law of cause and effect
the Dhammapada
the essence of all living beings
Q3.
How many Noble Truths did the Buddha teach?
3
5
7
8
Q4.
Which of these is part of the Eightfold Path?
right innovation
right conduct
right thoughtfulness
right prophethood
Q5.
How might the law of kamma be described?
the laws of Buddhism
the law of punishment
the law of destiny
the law of instant revenge
Q6.
What is the goal of many Buddhists?
to attain moksha
to unite with Brahman
Exit quiz
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6 Questions
Q1.
According to Buddhists, the Buddha is what type of being?
a God
a prophet
a saint
Q2.
According to Buddhism, how many jewels are there?
1
4
8
Q3.
What does the Buddhist term 'Sangha' refer to?
the 'truth' and the teachings of the Buddha
achieving enlightenment
Buddhist monks and nuns only
Q4.
Which of these does not appear in the three refuge vows?
I take refuge in the Buddha.
I take refuge in the Dhamma.
I take refuge in the Sangha.
Q5.
What does it mean to seek refuge in the three jewels?
to seek riches or physical treasure
to seek good karma
Q6.
Why are the three jewels significant for Buddhists?
they offer a path to God
they offer a path to wealth