Theology

Buddhism Study Guide

1. Three Marks of Existence

These are three important ideas in Buddhism:

Anatta – No permanent self (nothing stays the same forever).
Anicca – Everything changes.
Dukkha – Life has suffering.

2. Five Precepts

Do not harm living things.
Do not steal.
Do not lie.
Do not do things that harm your mind or body (like drugs or alcohol).
Do not be unfaithful in relationships.

3. Four Noble Truths

Dukkha – Life has suffering.
Tanha – Suffering comes from wanting things.
Suffering can stop – If we stop wanting too much, we can stop suffering.
The Noble Eightfold Path – The way to stop suffering.

4. The Noble Eightfold Path

You will need to give examples for each one:

Right Understanding (Know the truth)
Right Thought (Think kind and good thoughts)
Right Speech (Speak kindly)
Right Action (Do good things)
Right Livelihood (Have a good job that helps people)
Right Effort (Try your best)
Right Mindfulness (Be aware of your actions)
Right Concentration (Focus and meditate)

Dukkha – What is it and what is the problem with it?

Dukkha means suffering or feeling unhappy. The problem is that life is full of suffering, like getting sick, feeling sad, or losing things we love.

Tanha – What is it and what is the problem with it?

Tanha means craving or desire—wanting things too much. The problem is that wanting too much makes us unhappy because we can’t always get what we want.

Suffering can be stopped – how?

Suffering can stop when we stop craving things. If we let go of our desires and accept life as it is, we can find peace.

The Noble Eightfold Path (see below)

This is a guide to help people live in a way that reduces suffering. It includes things like thinking wisely, speaking kindly, and making good choices.

5. Arhat

An Arhat is someone who has reached enlightenment (wisdom and peace) in Buddhism. They have stopped suffering and no longer want things.