Quarter 4 - Week 1

Elements of
Theravada
Buddhism
 Learning Objectives
01 State the Four Noble Truths and the Eight-Fold Paths;

02 Give examples of situations that demonstrate cravings

which may lead to suffering according to Theravada
Buddhism

03 Explain the core teaching of Theravada Buddhism;

and

04 achieves the Middle Way (between pleasure and

Evaluate the Eight-Fold Path in terms of how it
mortification)
Theravada Buddhism
• A Nontheistic Religion - believes that
gods (devas) exist and encourages respect
toward them, it adheres that they are not to
be worshiped

• Founded by Siddhartha Gautama -

Buddha: The Enlightened One

• Buddha offered a pathway to understand

the nature of suffering and how it can be
overcome
 Theravada
According to Cornelio et al. (2016), the Theravada (lit.
“Teaching of the Elders”) school in Buddhism claims to be
the oldest living tradition because it follows more closely
the teachings and monastic conduct during the Buddha’s
time.

the collection of Sacred Writings during this time is called

Pali Canon (called such because it was written in the Pali
language), is written in the language spoken by the Buddha
himself.
 1. SACRED
SCRIPTURES OF
THERAVADA
BUDDHISM
1. Sacred Scriptures of Theravada Buddhism

• Pali Canon or the Tipitaka/Tripitaka (three baskets) of

Theravada Buddhism - the first known, the most
conservative, and the most complete extant early on
Buddhist writings
• In Pali language, pitaka means basket referring to
the receptacles where the palm leaf manuscripts
were stored by the monks
1. Sacred Scriptures of Theravada Buddhism

The Three Baskets

(Tipitaka/Tripitaka)
1. First Basket: Sutta Pitaka (Discourse)
• Contents: Buddha’s doctrinal discourses, short poems to long
prose narratives about Siddhartha’s previous lives

2. Second Basket: Vinaya Pitaka (Discipline)

• Contents: Rules of discipline; stories that illustrate Buddhist
moral principles. Contains the disciplinary code required of
Buddhist monks (bhikkhus) and nuns (bhikkhunis). Various rules
and regulations must be followed by the monastic community.
1. Sacred Scriptures of Theravada Buddhism

The Three Baskets

(Tipitaka/Tripitaka)
3. Third Basket: Abhidhamma Pitaka (Ultimate Doctrine)
• Contents: Systematic analysis of the categories of
Buddhist thought
2. BELIEFS AND
DOCTRINES OF
THERAVADA
BUDDHISM
2. BELIEFS AND DOCTRINES OF THERAVADA BUDDHISM

a. SALVATION
Buddha’s teachings are focused primarily on ethics and
self-understanding as people work for their salvation on
their own without needing the assistance of any supreme
being. Siddhartha did not claim to be a savior but a guide
and teacher as he pointed the way for others to follow and
gain spiritual bliss in doing so (Jose and Ong, 2016)
2. BELIEFS AND DOCTRINES OF THERAVADA BUDDHISM

b. SOUL does not EXISTS

is the belief that soul of the Hindu atman does not
exist as people live in a state of no soul or
anatman/anatta.

Buddhism does not preach that humans have an

eternal and indestructible soul.
2. BELIEFS AND DOCTRINES OF THERAVADA BUDDHISM

c. NOTHING is PERMANENT in this

world
All things change and are impermanent.

The mark of impermanence or anity/anicca states

that all conditioned things are transitory and passing;
they all have beginning and end to their existence.
2. BELIEFS AND DOCTRINES OF THERAVADA BUDDHISM

d. FOUR NOBLE TRUTHS

The Pali term for unsatisfaction or suffering is
dukkha.

EXAMPLES: misery, distress, agony, emptiness, or

conflict.
2. BELIEFS AND DOCTRINES OF THERAVADA BUDDHISM

d. FOUR NOBLE TRUTHS

Basically, the Core Teaching of Theravada
Buddhism is: life is suffering; suffering is due to
craving; there is a way to overcome craving; and the
way to overcome craving is the Eight-fold Path, the
Middle Way (between pleasure and mortification).
2. BELIEFS AND DOCTRINES OF THERAVADA BUDDHISM: FOUR NOBLE TRUTHS

1. The First Noble Truth

This identifies the origin of the problem, the
dukkha.

Suffering can be experienced throughout the

different stages of a person’s life – from birth,
sickness, old age, to ultimate death.
2. BELIEFS AND DOCTRINES OF THERAVADA BUDDHISM: FOUR NOBLE TRUTHS

1. The First Noble Truth

Physical Suffering
• This is the most obvious form of suffering, such
as pain from illness, injury, or discomfort. For
example, a headache, a stomachache, or a
sunburn.
2. BELIEFS AND DOCTRINES OF THERAVADA BUDDHISM: FOUR NOBLE TRUTHS

1. The First Noble Truth

Mental or Emotional Suffering
• This includes feelings like sadness, loneliness,
anger, anxiety, or frustration. For example,
feeling stressed about schoolwork, arguing with
a friend, or feeling left out.
2. BELIEFS AND DOCTRINES OF THERAVADA BUDDHISM: FOUR NOBLE TRUTHS

1. The First Noble Truth

Loss and Change
• Even positive changes in life can involve a
sense of loss and discomfort, which is a form of
suffering. For example, moving to a new house,
losing a pet, or starting a new job.
2. BELIEFS AND DOCTRINES OF THERAVADA BUDDHISM: FOUR NOBLE TRUTHS

1. The First Noble Truth

Simpler Daily Situations:
• You're studying for a big test and feel overwhelmed
and anxious.
• You miss a winning goal in a soccer game and feel
disappointed.
• It rains all weekend, ruining your plans for an outdoor
picnic.
• You have a fight with a friend and feel sad and alone.
2. BELIEFS AND DOCTRINES OF THERAVADA BUDDHISM: FOUR NOBLE TRUTHS

2. The Second Noble Truth

This explains the root cause of suffering or the
samodaya, in craving or desire (or tanha), in the
perpetual thirst of humans to consume things,
experiences, or ideas.
People are never satisfied as they always want more
or something else, want something new, or just want
to discontinue something.
2. BELIEFS AND DOCTRINES OF THERAVADA BUDDHISM: FOUR NOBLE TRUTHS

2. The Second Noble Truth

Craving for Possessions
• Wanting the latest phone, designer clothes, or
the newest video game can lead to suffering if
you can't afford them or if having them doesn't
bring lasting happiness.
2. BELIEFS AND DOCTRINES OF THERAVADA BUDDHISM: FOUR NOBLE TRUTHS

2. The Second Noble Truth

Craving for Experiences
• Constantly seeking excitement, new
adventures, or validation through social media
likes can lead to dissatisfaction and a feeling of
emptiness when the experience ends.
2. BELIEFS AND DOCTRINES OF THERAVADA BUDDHISM: FOUR NOBLE TRUTHS

2. The Second Noble Truth

Craving for Relationships
• Clinging too tightly to relationships or desiring
unhealthy forms of connection can lead to
suffering if those relationships become
controlling or break down.
2. BELIEFS AND DOCTRINES OF THERAVADA BUDDHISM: FOUR NOBLE TRUTHS

2. The Second Noble Truth

Craving for Approval
• Always wanting to please others or seeking
their approval can create anxiety and frustration
if you constantly feel like you need to meet
their expectations.
2. BELIEFS AND DOCTRINES OF THERAVADA BUDDHISM: FOUR NOBLE TRUTHS

2. The Second Noble Truth

Simpler Daily Situations:
• You see a friend with a new pair of shoes and feel jealous
because you want them too.
• You spend hours scrolling through social media, feeling bad
about your own life compared to what others portray.
• You overeat unhealthy foods because you crave the temporary
feeling of pleasure they bring.
• You stay in a job you hate because you're afraid of not finding a
better one.
2. BELIEFS AND DOCTRINES OF THERAVADA BUDDHISM: FOUR NOBLE TRUTHS

3. The Third Noble Truth

This asserts that there is a cessation or nirodha to
suffering (end of suffering) and bondage by
eliminating craving and desire. By dropping the bonds
of craving, one gets to be released from the
fundamental nature of reality.
2. BELIEFS AND DOCTRINES OF THERAVADA BUDDHISM: FOUR NOBLE TRUTHS

3. The Third Noble Truth

Finding Peace Within
• Imagine feeling calm and content, even in the
face of challenges. This inner peace, free from
craving and attachment, reflects the state of
Nirvana.
2. BELIEFS AND DOCTRINES OF THERAVADA BUDDHISM: FOUR NOBLE TRUTHS

3. The Third Noble Truth

Letting Go
• Think of a time you were upset about
something but then eventually let go of that
anger or disappointment. This act of letting go
and accepting what is, aligns with the concept
of ending suffering.
2. BELIEFS AND DOCTRINES OF THERAVADA BUDDHISM: FOUR NOBLE TRUTHS

3. The Third Noble Truth

Appreciating the Present Moment
• Imagine focusing on the sights, sounds, and
sensations of the present moment without
judgment. This mindfulness is a step towards
experiencing a state free from suffering.
2. BELIEFS AND DOCTRINES OF THERAVADA BUDDHISM: FOUR NOBLE TRUTHS

3. The Third Noble Truth

Simpler Daily Situations:
• You lose a game, but you accept the outcome and focus on
improving next time. This shows non-attachment to winning.
• You're feeling stressed about a test, but you take deep breaths and
focus on calming your mind. This is a form of mindfulness that
reduces suffering.
• You appreciate the beauty of a sunset or the laughter of friends,
finding joy in simple things. This experience of contentment aligns
with the concept of Nirvana.
2. BELIEFS AND DOCTRINES OF THERAVADA BUDDHISM: FOUR NOBLE TRUTHS

4. The Fourth Noble Truth

This directs an individual to the path or magga (the
path to the end of suffering) leading to the termination
of craving and desire, and to eventual cessation of
pain. Likewise, one must avoid self-indulgence and
self-torture since both are painless.
2. BELIEFS AND DOCTRINES OF THERAVADA BUDDHISM: FOUR NOBLE TRUTHS

4. The Fourth Noble Truth

2. BELIEFS AND DOCTRINES OF THERAVADA BUDDHISM: FOUR NOBLE TRUTHS

4. The Fourth Noble Truth

 Conclusions
The mastery of the various truths and
observances of the path would lead a person to
break the bond that binds him or her to life and
obtain release from the eternal cycle of death
and rebirth or samsara. This cycle is influenced
by karma which is a law of cause and effect.
 PERFORMANCE
TASK #1
You will be divided into 4 groups:
1.Poem Writers
2.Comic Strip Artists
3.Actors and Actresses
4.Vloggers

Instructions: Design a short creative piece (poem, story, comic

strip, vlog) that illustrates the cycle of suffering and the
potential to break free from it through the Eightfold Path.
Present it in the class.