Buddhists believe that there are three characteristics that are common across everything in life. These are known as the Three Marks of Existence. The Three Marks of Existence are important as they can help Buddhists to achieve Nibbana and end suffering. 

They are called Dukkha, Anatta and Anicca.

• Dukkha = suffering/dissatisfaction

• Anicca = impermanence (nothing lasts for ever)

• Anatta = no-soul (no fixed sense of self because everything is constantly changing)

Three Root Poisons

• Greed (rooster) – wanting more.

• Ignorance (pig) – not understanding reality.

• Hatred (snake) – anger and ill will.

Tanha (Craving)

• Kama-tanha – desire for sensory pleasures, wealth, power.

• Bhava-tanha – desire for existence or permanence.

• Vibhava-tanha – desire to avoid suffering or non-existence.

Kamma

• All actions have consequences.

• Skilful actions bring happiness; unskilful actions bring suffering.

• Examples:

  • Skilful → kindness, generosity.

  • Unskilful → unkindness, selfishness.

• Kamma affects your next rebirth.

• Buddha was not a god but an enlightened teacher (Siddhartha Gautama).

• Born a prince; saw suffering for the first time (Four Sights).

• Tried extreme self-denial (asceticism) but found the Middle Way.

• Gained enlightenment through meditation.

• Taught the Four Noble Truths.

• Seen as a role model for Buddhists.

• The endless cycle of birth, death, and rebirth.

• Rebirth depends on one’s kamma (actions).

• Six realms of rebirth- 

  1. • Human Realm 

     • Realm of the Hungry Ghosts 

     • Animal Realm 

     • Deva (gods) Realm 

     • Ashura (demi-gods)            

     • Realm 

     • Hell Realm 

• Human realm is best for reaching enlightenment.

• The cycle of samsara is illustrated by the Wheel of Life. This is a symbolic representation of the way things really are for unenlightened beings, the way it is for current existence.  

• Nibbana (or Nirvana) is the ultimate goal of all Buddhists, and it can only be achieved through enlightenment. It is a state of complete freedom from suffering, where all desires and attachments have been extinguished. Nibbana is often described as the blowing out of the fires of the Three Root Poisons: greed, hatred, and ignorance. It is the end of the cycle of rebirth and the attainment of a state of supreme joy.

• Unlike heaven or other physical realms, Nibbana is not a place, but a state of mind. It represents ultimate peace, bliss, and liberation.

• However, Nibbana is difficult to define or comprehend, as it is a condition where nothing happens, moves, changes, or becomes. This concept is exemplified in the story of the fish and the turtle, where the fish argues with his friend, the turtle, that there is no such thing as dry land, as he cannot perceive it with his worldly knowledge. This is similar to the human understanding of Nibbana, which can only be attained through enlightenment and the practice of the Buddha's teachings.

1. Right view – understanding that actions have consequences.

2. Right intention – commitment to the path.

3. Right speech – speaking truthfully and kindly.

4. Right action – behaving ethically and avoiding harm.

5. Right livelihood – earning a living without harm.

6. Right effort – developing positive states of mind.

7. Right mindfulness – being aware and present.

8. Right concentration – developing focus through meditation. 

1. Do not kill (respect all life).

2. Do not steal.

3. Avoid misuse of the senses (e.g., adultery).

4. Do not lie or gossip.

5. Avoid intoxicants (alcohol/drugs).

• Sangha – the community of Buddhists/monks/nuns.

• One of the Three Jewels along with the Buddha and the Dhamma

• Buddhists take refuge in this for guidance and support.

Meditation – key practice to develop calm, wisdom, and compassion.

• • Samatha – calming meditation (mindfulness of breath).

  • Vipassana – insight meditation (seeing reality clearly).
    
    

Devotion – showing respect and gratitude to the Buddha.

• • Done at home or in temples.

  • Practices include chanting, mantras, bowing, offerings, and meditation.

  • Offerings (like flowers and candles) remind Buddhists of impermanence and wisdom.