Buddhism
The use of commentary
When planning views and arguments always make sure you have fully explained the evidence and indicated what the argument implies for evaluation. Use this activity in conjunction with the printable resource and fill in the table adding evidence and implications for each argument before using this resource to bring up suggested ideas for evidence and implication and comparing with your own.
| Argument | Evidence | Implication |
|---|---|---|
| Buddha is most important | He is the founder of Buddhism. | The icon of the Buddha is the most immediately recognised symbol of Buddhism. It is at the centre of every temple and every Buddhist home. |
| Buddha is most important |
His teachings were exemplified through his life.
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Buddha once said ‘to see me is to see Dhamma’ and he encouraged his followers to discover the same truths as he did, for themselves. His life is a tool for teaching and practice for Buddhists today.
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| The Dhamma is most important |
The Dhamma is most important for Buddhists today beacause they are what the Buddha left behind.
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The Dhamma is studied and distributed throughout the world today. The teachings are recited and chanted so that they are followed precisely by all who want to achieve enlightenment.
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| The Dhamma is most important |
The Dhamma is the key to enlightenment.
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The Dhamma was the answer that the Buddha discovered and provides the diagnosis to the key problems in life and is the way to solve and eradicate such problems.
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| The Sangha is most important |
The Sangha strengthens Buddhism and maintains its traditions.
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The Sangha preserves the teachings of the Buddha but also is the vehicle by which the Buddha and Dhamma are shared with the lay population.
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| The Sangha is most important |
Without the Sangha the Buddhist teachings would not survive.
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The Sangha provides the ideal environment for Buddhists to practise Buddhism. The Sangha ensures that Buddhism survives.
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| All three refuges are equally important. |
The three together are essential.
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One cannot be placed over the other as they all inter-relate and depend upon each other. It is impossible to have any one element, or two elements, without changing Buddhism as we know it.
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