The Four Noble Truths: the Eightfold Path
I can explain the Eightfold Path, why it is important and how it influences Buddhists.
The Four Noble Truths: the Eightfold Path
I can explain the Eightfold Path, why it is important and how it influences Buddhists.
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Lesson details
Key learning points
- The final Noble Truth is the Eightfold Path, known as the Middle Way by many Buddhists.
- Many Buddhists will follow the Eightfold Path as a way to achieve enlightenment, escape samsara and reach Nirvana.
- Each part of the path can help a Buddhist end suffering.
- The Eightfold Path is important because it offers the way to develop wisdom and mental training.
- The Eightfold Path influences Buddhists to lead a good ethical life.
Keywords
The Eightfold Path (magga) - also known as ‘the Middle Way,’ it includes the way to wisdom and mental training
Enlightenment - a state of wisdom that enables total clarity and understanding of the truths of existence
The Four Noble Truths - an important part of the Buddha’s teachings, explaining the truth about existence
Nirvana - liberation from the cycle of birth, death and rebirth
Dhammapada - a Buddhist source of wisdom and authority
Common misconception
The Eightfold Path is a set of steps to be followed in a strict, linear order.
The Eightfold Path is more like a guide that can be practiced simultaneously and in an integrated way. Buddhists don’t have to master one step before moving to another; instead, they work on all aspects together.
To help you plan your year 10 religious education lesson on: The Four Noble Truths: the Eightfold Path, 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: the Eightfold Path, 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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