Buddhism Student Performance Task
Options for Research – you pick either option A or B. Work Individually.
Option A. Questions for Buddha (or for a Buddhist) – Pick 3 – Must be typed
Answer in complete sentences with well thought out descriptions, analysis, etc. Cite sources for
each question (website addresses will be sufficient). Use spell check and edit your answers –
points will be deducted for sloppy, error-filled writing. Talk to Mr. Paulson if you have
questions/concerns about this.
1.
2.
3.
4.
How can actions exist without actors, aren’t actions dependent on the actor to act?
What do you think about Jesus Christ?
Meditation styles – crazy facts about altered states, how long they sat in one spot…
What is the incentive behind helping others achieve enlightenment? How does Buddhism
“spread?” Are there Buddhist missionaries? What is their role?
5. Why are monk’s robes orange? What does the color orange symbolize?
6. What is the Buddhist “ritual bell?” Where did it originate, what is its history, and how is it
used today?
7. Draw the dharma wheel. What does it represent?
8. What is the Buddhist attitude towards women? How are women regarded in strongly
Buddhist countries?
9. What are Malas beads? Explain what they are used for and the customs involved in their
use.
10. What is a Buddhist funeral like? Considering their view of afterlife – how do they treat
death and funerals?
11. Science is the study of the observable, created order – How do Buddhists view science?
12. What does Nirvana feel like? Do you remember it after it happens?
13. What do Buddhists eat? Are they all vegetarians? Are they allowed to eat meat if they don’t
kill it themselves? If the animal dies of natural causes are they allowed to eat or use it?
14. Is there a common age at which people achieve enlightenment?
15. How did the tradition of the Dalai Lama arise? What is the history of that position? How are
subsequent Dalai Lamas chosen?
16. What is the Buddhist perspective on procreation and illegitimate vs. legitimate sexual
contact?
17. Find 5 recent (within the last year) articles that concern Buddhism in any newspaper or
other periodical (journal or magazine). What are the articles about? Do you notice any
common themes?
http://www.buddhanet.net/weblinks.htm
http://www.ciolek.com/WWWVL-TibetanStudies.html
http://www.buddhanet.net/e-learning/guide.htm
http://www.pbs.org/edens/thailand/buddhism.htm
http://www.pbs.org/thebuddha/
Option B. 1-2 Page Opinion Paper on Buddhism
12 Point, standard font, single-spaced.
Feel free to share any opinions you have – but your arguments regarding Buddhism, Buddhists, or
Buddhist thought/doctrine should be accurate in terms of what you have studied so far. Use spell
check and edit your answers – points will be deducted for sloppy, error-filled writing. Talk to Mr.
Paulson if you have questions/concerns about this.
You have 2 options of prompts to respond to in your 1 page opinion paper. Choose from one of the
following:
1. To what extent do you feel Buddhism defines the problem of suffering in the world and
outlines the solution to that suffering? Additionally, to what extent is the “good news” of
Buddhism really GOOD news?
2. Buddhism has seen an incredible rise in popularity – particularly in western societies – in
recent years. Many attribute this popularity to the perception that Buddhism is the “simple,
peaceful religion, with no rules, no hierarchy, no judgment and no stress. To what extent do
you believe this to be an accurate portrayal of Buddhism according to what you have
studied so far? Use specific examples.
3. Compare and Contrast 3 SPECIFIC doctrines of Buddhism with corresponding/related
doctrines of Christianity. You will need to include specific scripture references to support
your claims on the doctrines of Christianity. In terms of Buddhist doctrine it will be
sufficient to give the page number in the book which details that doctrine (other sources
are acceptable – be sure to cite!).