Four Noble Truths

High school (ages 12+)
Philosophy & Big Questions

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/four-noble-truths

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the originator?Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha)
2. What is the approximate period of origin?Circa 5th century BCE
3. Why does the first truth talk about suffering?The first truth says that suffering, called Dukkha, is a normal part of life. It shows that feeling sad, stressed, or uneasy is common for everyone.
4. What causes suffering according to the second truth?The second truth says that suffering comes from craving, called Tanha. Craving is a strong desire for things, people, or even to stop feeling anything, and it keeps us attached and unhappy.

Dukkha: A multifaceted concept encompassing suffering, dissatisfaction, impermanence, and the inherent stress of existence.
Tanha: The driving force of craving, desire, and attachment that perpetuates the cycle of suffering.
Nirvana: The ultimate state of liberation, peace, and the cessation of suffering and rebirth.
Noble Eightfold Path: The practical framework of eight interconnected practices leading to wisdom, ethical conduct, and mental discipline.