A Brief History of India
Welcome to this lesson on some of the main philosophical ideas that existed in the time of the Buddha. We will be looking at a short history of India and some of the big ideas.
Unit Overview: Buddhism: beliefs and teachings
Lessons:
13 lessons
The Life of Siddhartha Gautama
In today's lesson, we will be looking at the question of what a Buddha is. We will explore the life of the historical Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama, and the reasons that led him to seek answers as well as the discoveries he made as a result. Please make sure you have a pen and paper ready, and have cleared a quiet space for you to work in. If you have the TV or music on and can turn it off, please do. If you are not using your mobile phone for the lesson, it is best to put it to one side so you are not distracted by it. You will also need two different coloured pens: black or blue and another coloured pen, such as green or red. Click start when you are ready to think hard!
The Three Marks of Existence
Welcome to today's lesson on the Three Marks of Existence! What does it mean to be human? What common experiences do we have? Today's lesson will explore these two questions from a Buddhist point of view.
The Mind, Desire and Attachment: The Skandhas
Today we will be doing a bit of psychology! We will try and break down what happens when your mind meets and becomes aware of something physical in the real world. The Buddha deconstructed this pattern and we will be looking at that today.
Dukkha and The Four Noble Truths
Welcome to today's lesson on Dukkha. Dukkha is an important teaching in Buddhism and it refers to suffering. We will be looking at the question of why humans suffer and the causes of suffering according to Buddhism.
Recap and practice
Today we will be doing some recap and practise of the content that was covered from Lesson 1 to Lesson 5 in the unit Buddhism: Beliefs and Teachings. We will be recapping key terms and having a go at some exam style questions.
The Four Noble Truths
In today's lesson, we will be looking at what is considered to be the most important teaching of the Buddha: The Four Noble Truths. During this lesson we will question what the noble truths are and how they link to other important ideas in Buddhism.
Dhamma, Karma, and Rebirth
In today's lesson, we will be looking at the concepts of Dhamma, karma, and rebirth in relation to the cycle of samsara. What are these concepts? How do they relate to being able to lead a very good life?
The Eightfold Path
This lesson looks at the practical guidance laid down by the Buddha on overcoming suffering and being able to lead a peaceful, happy life. This guidance is known as the Eightfold Path.
Enlightenment
This lesson will look at the mystical state known as Nirvana! What is the end goal for Buddhists? How does it differ for Hindus? And how do you get there?
Buddhist Scripture
In today's lesson, we will be looking at how the Dhamma and the teachings of the Buddha have survived for so long. How were these ideas transmitted and how were they organised? For some people this will be a sensitive topic. If that applies to you, you may want to do the rest of this lesson with a trusted adult nearby who can support.
Revision of Buddhist Philosophy and Beliefs
Today we will revisit some of the big ideas in Buddhism and look at how we might respond to exam-style questions as well as recapping some key terms from the unit Buddhism: Beliefs and Teachings.
Deliberate Practice
Let's see what we are able to remember so far! Today's lesson will recap the main ideas and key terms in Buddhist Philosophy.