The Four Noble Truths: suffering
I can explain different types and causes of suffering, why this is important and how it influences Buddhists today.
The Four Noble Truths: suffering
I can explain different types and causes of suffering, why this is important and how it influences Buddhists today.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- The Sermon at Benares was a teaching point used by the Buddha to help people understand suffering.
- The nature of life, including old age, sickness and death contributes to suffering.
- Change and impermanence are also significant contributors to the suffering we experience.
- Many Buddhists believe suffering is essential to help us understand ultimate reality and choose how to live.
- The Buddha's teachings on the causes of suffering influence Buddhists e.g. to stop cravings and avoid the three poisons.
Keywords
Dukkha - a belief that all life includes suffering and unsatisfactoriness
Craving - the ongoing state of desire which causes suffering; grasping at things we enjoy/want
The three poisons - causes of dukkha that affect all beings: ignorance, greed and hatred
Anicca - one of the three marks of existence, meaning nothing is permanent
Tanha - a cause of suffering meaning ‘thirst’ or ‘craving’
Common misconception
Buddhism teaches that suffering is inherently bad or to be avoided at all costs.
Buddhism views suffering (dukkha) as an essential part of life. It’s not about denying suffering but understanding its nature and learning to live in a way that reduces unnecessary suffering.
To help you plan your year 10 religious education lesson on: The Four Noble Truths: suffering, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 10 religious education lesson on: The Four Noble Truths: suffering, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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Explore more key stage 4 religious education lessons from the Buddhism: Beliefs and teachings unit, dive into the full secondary religious education curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
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