Buddhism: Doctrine and Ethics

Learning Intention: To examine Buddhism using Smart’s dimension of Religion

Success Criteria:
• Recognise some basic Buddhist Teachings
• Compare Buddhist and Christian Ethics
• Construct your own rules for living using aspects of religious ethics

Buddhist basic views:

Watch the video and make notes:
 What are the basic principles of Buddhism?
 Why is Buddhism different to other religions?
 What do Buddhists think about suffering?

Suffering in Buddhism:
Anicca/Annica:

Atman:

Dukkha:

Samsara:

Nirvana:
3 Jewels or 3 refuges
Buddha Dharma Sangha
(teacher) (teaching) (community)

What 3 things would you claim in your life are both precious and are there to help or protect you?

Dharma: The Four Noble Truths

The Four Noble Truths contain the essence of the Buddha's teachings. It was these four principles that the Buddha
came to understand during his meditation under the bodhi tree.
 The truth of suffering (Dukkha) – suffering happens everywhere, all the time
 The truth of the origin of suffering (Samudāya) – suffering is caused by selfishness
 The truth of the cessation of suffering (Nirodha) – there can be a release from suffering
 The truth of the path to the cessation of suffering (Magga) – follow the middle path (the Eightfold Path)
Dharma: The Noble Eightfold Path
1. Right view or understanding (belief):
2. Right thought (attitude):
3. Right speech (non-harmful communication):
4. Right Action:
5. Right Livelihood:
6. Right Effort:
7. Right Mindfulness:
8. Right concentration:

The Five Precepts

1. I observe the precept of
2. I observe the precept of
3. I observe the precept of
4. I observe the precept of
5. I observe the precept of

The refrain "I observe the precept of abstaining from ..." which begins every precept clearly shows that these are not
commandments. They are, indeed, moral codes of conduct that lay Buddhists willingly undertake out of clear
understanding and conviction that they are good for both themselves and for society.
Your view:
 After having seen Buddhist and Christian rules for living, construct your own list of 5-10 rules for how a
person should live. In this you should show your understanding of ‘self’ and what is ‘good’ including some
moral codes and ideas for how to lead a good/holy life. These may be influence by religious ideas but should
be your own construction.