2.3.13

The Three Jewels

Test yourself

The Three Jewels

The Three Jewels are at the heart of Buddhism. They are “jewels” because they are precious and life-changing.

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What are the Three Jewels?

  • The Buddha → the teacher.
  • The Dharma → the teachings of the Buddha.
  • The Sangha → the community of practitioners.
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The Buddha (The Teacher)

  • The Buddha was Siddhartha Gautama, who reached enlightenment through deep understanding and meditation.
    • Siddhartha is an example of how to end suffering.
  • Buddhists do not worship the Buddha as a god. They follow his path to develop wisdom and compassion.
  • Statues or images of the Buddha remind people to live peacefully and mindfully.
    • Anyone can reach enlightenment through effort and understanding.
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The Dharma (The Teachings)

  • The Dharma is the teachings from the Buddha about how to live a good life.
    • It includes the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path.
  • The Dharma helps people understand how to overcome suffering and live kindly.
  • By following the Dharma, Buddhists act with wisdom, compassion, and mindfulness.
    • This might finally help them reach enlightenment.
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The Sangha (The Community)

  • The Sangha is the community of Buddhists who practise the teachings together.
    • It includes monks and ordinary followers.
  • The Sangha provides support, friendship, and encouragement. They keep the Buddha’s teachings alive.
    • They remind each other that they are not alone on the journey to enlightenment.

Jump to other topics

1Year 7

1.1Origins of Abrahamic Faith

1.2Judaism

1.3Christianity

1.4Disciplinary Knowledge

2Year 8

2.1Islam

2.2Hindu Dharma (Hinduism)

2.3Buddhism

2.4Sikhi

2.5Atheism

2.6Philosophy of Religion

2.7Disciplinary Knowledge

3Year 9

3.1Life & Death

3.2Extremism

3.3Equality

4Additional Concepts

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