The Three Jewels Questions 1 What are three

The Three Jewels

Questions 1. What are three Jewels? Write a short paragraph for each. 2. The three Jewels are thought of as refuges. Why would this be? Did you know, that in order to become a buddhist, you just have to recite the following: I take refuge in the Buddha, I take refuge in the Dhamma, I take refuge in the Sangha

The Buddha He is a refuge because he provides an example of how to live, be free of suffering and achieve enlightenment. There are different views about the Buddha after he died. Theravada: Buddha Mahayana: Buddha wouldn’t leave passed in to final Nibbana them and would remain in contact in some way.

The Buddha There are of course other reason why the Buddha is important; 1. Role model/Set Example 2. Show that enlightenment is possible 3. Started the Sangha 4. Founder of the religion

Dhamma 1. Written record of all the Buddha’s teachings 2. Collection of all teachings about Buddhism by other Buddhists 3. The Buddhist way of life Think!!! Why is the Dhamma compared to a raft?

Different Views on the Dhamma Theravada – They believe that they adhere most closely to the teaching of the Buddha. They stress the importance of the Tripitaka, the three baskets which contain important parts of the Dhamma. Mahayana’s believe in the Tripitaka too, but they also accept teaching’s which didn’t come straight from the Buddha. The Vinya Pitaka – Rules for monks The Sutta Pitaka – More detailed explanations of the Buddha’s teachings. Abhidhamma Pitaka – The philosophical teachings.

The Dhamma So why is the Dhamma important? 1. Life today is full of desire so need to know how to let go 2. Suffering still a problem – so gives path to Nibbana 3. Dhamma is universal and can be discovered by anyone 4. Without Dhamma – no point in Buddha or Sangha

The Sangha The community of Buddhists Two main groups – Lay Buddhists and monks Arya. Sangha – Those who have achieved enlightenment (Arhats or Bodhisattvas).

The Sanghas in the West FWBO – Friends of the Western Buddhist Order This is a community that encourages Buddhist belief, teachings and practices without having to adopt an ‘Eastern’ way of living (wearing robes, or speaking pali). Samye Ling This is a temple in Dumfriesshire

Why is the Sangha Important? • • • Preserves the Dhamma and keeps it pure Provides facility to pass on message of the Dhamma to Lay Buddhists Monastic sangha provides opportunity for monks to devote all their efforts to gain enlightenment Monastic sangha gives opportunity for lay Buddhists to gain merit though supporting monks Education Sets an example

“The Buddha is the most important of the Three Jewels (refuges). ” Would a Buddhist agree? 8 AE Remember: - Be clear about the argument and what is required -See how many marks you have/need - Avoid writing information that will not get you marks