4 Explain two different ways in which the story of Mara can be interpreted. a) A literal interpretation: some Buddhists believe it is a historical fact that Mara sent demons to torment Siddhartha. b) A symbolic interpretation: other Buddhists disagree and say that Mara is a symbolic character and represents the physical and mental temptations Siddhartha needed to overcome in his search for enlightenment. 5 Explain how Siddhartha achieved enlightenment. Siddhartha achieved enlightenment by sitting down, cross-legged, under a Bodhi tree and meditating. Through deep meditation he gained the ability to remove all craving, hatred and ignorance. 1.5 The Four Noble Truths 1 What is meant by dharma? Dharma is the name that Buddhists give to the laws or truths that Buddha discovered. 2 Why is the symbol of the wheel important to Buddhists? The is an important symbol in Buddhism because it signifies that all life is constantly in motion, passing through the cycle of birth, death and rebirth. The only way to escape this cycle is by following and understanding the dharma. 3 What are the Four Noble Truths? The Four Noble Truths are the foundation teachings of Buddhism given by the Buddha in his first sermon at Sarnath. 4 Explain each of the Four Noble Truths in your own words. Answers should credit any correct summary or interpretation. For example: All creatures suffer. The first noble truth is that all life contains suffering. The Buddhist term for this is dukkha. Suffering is caused by We suffer because we want things we cannot have and we selfish desires. have things we want to last forever that we will lose. Suffering can be ended. Because our minds create suffering through our desires and attachments we can train our minds so as to eliminate suffering. The way to end Following the teaching and instruction of the Buddha is the only suffering is the Eightfold way to end suffering and find enlightenment. Path. 5 Explain how the analogy of the doctor helps explain the Four Noble Truths. A doctor will (1) see what the problem is, (2) understand its cause, (3) decide on a cure and (4) prescribe a way of making you better. This is why Buddhists sometimes think the Buddha is like a doctor whose mission is to help remove suffering from the world. 1.6 The Eightfold Path 1 What is the Eightfold Path? The Eightfold Path is steps taught by the Buddha to help people overcome suffering and reach enlightenment.
4 Explain two different ways in which the story of Mara can be interpreted. a) A literal interpretation: some Buddhists believe it is a historical fact that Mara sent demons to torment Siddhartha. b) A symbolic interpretation: other Buddhists disagree and say that Mara is a symbolic character and represents the physical and mental temptations Siddhartha needed to overcome in his search for enlightenment. 5 Explain how Siddhartha achieved enlightenment. Siddhartha achieved enlightenment by sitting down, cross-legged, under a Bodhi tree and meditating. Through deep meditation he gained the ability to remove all craving, hatred and ignorance. 1.5 The Four Noble Truths 1 What is meant by dharma? Dharma is the name that Buddhists give to the laws or truths that Buddha discovered. 2 Why is the symbol of the wheel important to Buddhists? The is an important symbol in Buddhism because it signifies that all life is constantly in motion, passing through the cycle of birth, death and rebirth. The only way to escape this cycle is by following and understanding the dharma. 3 What are the Four Noble Truths? The Four Noble Truths are the foundation teachings of Buddhism given by the Buddha in his first sermon at Sarnath. 4 Explain each of the Four Noble Truths in your own words. Answers should credit any correct summary or interpretation. For example: All creatures suffer. The first noble truth is that all life contains suffering. The Buddhist term for this is dukkha. Suffering is caused by selfish desires. We suffer because we want things we cannot have and we have things we want to last forever that we will lose. Suffering can be ended. Because our minds create suffering through our desires and attachments we can train our minds so as to eliminate suffering. The way to end suffering is the Eightfold Path. Following the teaching and instruction of the Buddha is the only way to end suffering and find enlightenment. 5 Explain how the analogy of the doctor helps explain the Four Noble Truths. A doctor will (1) see what the problem is, (2) understand its cause, (3) decide on a cure and (4) prescribe a way of making you better. This is why Buddhists sometimes think the Buddha is like a doctor whose mission is to help remove suffering from the world. 1.6 The Eightfold Path 1 What is the Eightfold Path? The Eightfold Path is steps taught by the Buddha to help people overcome suffering and reach enlightenment.
Collins_KS3_Knowing_Religion_Buddhism_Teacher_Guide.docx