PRE Buddhism Beliefs and Teachings Key Notes

• Who was Siddhartha Gautama?

  A prince who left behind a life of luxury to become a holy man and finally an enlightened being
• What were the Four Sights that led Siddhartha to seek enlightenment?

  Old age, illness, death, and a holy man
• Where did Siddhartha attain enlightenment?

  Under the Bodhi tree in Bodh Gaya
• What is Anicca?

  The belief that everything is impermanent
• What is Anatta?

  The idea that there is no permanent self
• What is Dukkha?

  The truth that suffering exists in life
• What is the first Noble Truth?

  Dukkha – Suffering is a part of life
• What is the second Noble Truth?

  Samudaya – Suffering is caused by craving
• What is the third Noble Truth?

  Nirodha – Suffering can be ended
• What is the fourth Noble Truth?

  Magga – The Eightfold Path leads to the end of suffering
• What are the eight steps of the Eightfold Path?

  • Right Understanding
  • Right Intention
  • Right Speech
  • Right Action
  • Right Livelihood
  • Right Effort
  • Right Mindfulness
  • Right Concentration
• What are the Five Aggregates?

  Form, Sensation, Perception, Mental Formations, Consciousness
• What does Dependent Origination mean?

  Nothing is independent
• What is Karma in Buddhism?

  'Action' - cause and effect
• How does Karma affect rebirth?

  A person’s actions determine their rebirth
• What is Nirvana?

  The ultimate goal in Buddhism
• What are the Three Jewels of Buddhism?

  The Buddha, The Dhamma, The Sangha
• What are the Five Moral Precepts?

  • Do not kill
  • Do not steal
  • Do not commit sexual misconduct
  • Do not lie
  • Do not take intoxicants
• What are the Six Perfections in Mahayana Buddhism?

  • Generosity
  • Morality
  • Patience
  • Energy
  • Meditation
  • Wisdom