Answers
Chapter 10
Buddhism
Activities (p. 242)
1
Who was Asoka?
The first Buddhist emperor
2
How did he gain control of the Mauryan Empire?
It is thought that he gained control through his fierceness and skill in battle.
3
Was he always a Buddhist? If not, why did he change to being a Buddhist?
Born in to a Hindu family of the Ajivakas sect, he committed to the teachings and ethical
behaviours of Buddhism after he saw the results of the independence uprising in the
kingdom of Kalinga.
4
How did Buddhism impact on his rulings?
Wars were inconsistent with Buddhist teachings, especially the first precept, ahimsa (do no
harm). It was also a good means for governing the kingdom.
5
Create a brief dot-point biography of Asoka including the following information: birth,
socio-political background, key events, achievements, death.
Student work will vary. Some aspects of this biography require more information than is
provided in this chapter. Therefore students will need to conduct further research to
complete this question. Other aspects are answered in the previous questions.
Activity (p. 243)
Research Asoka’s contribution to the development of Buddhism by maintaining it as a significant
religious tradition, by encouraging missionary activity and by using it as the basis for
government and foreign affairs. Give examples.
Students will have individual anwers.
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Activity (p. 245, left column)
Complete the following chart.
Student charts will vary, but should be similar to the following:
Buddhist expressions
Beliefs
Ethics
Contribution by Asoka
Believed it was a religion for all
people.
Practice was more important that
discussion
Ethics were a practical application
of belief
Examples and Evidence
No evidence that he spelt out the important beliefs or
encouraged the discussion of them.
The correct observance of the
dharma
A person was responsible for their own development
as a Buddhist
Importance of ahimsa
Emphasized the importance of respect for elders
and striving for the truth
Asoka saw this as very important, writing about how
to live a good life as a Buddhist
Ahimsa – abolished hunting and forbade animal
sacrifice
Symbols
Rituals
Structure (Sangha)
He used symbolism and graphic
art to instruct ordinary people
Created new pilgrimage sites and
made pilgrimages easier for
people
Active in the workings of the
sangha, intervened in decision
making about which teachings
were correct.
Undertook to ensure the sangha
would remain without schism
Sacred Texts
Most of the Tripitaka was
composed before Asoka
The edict of 243 BCE- stressed importance of
compassion, generosity, truth and purity and the
need to avoid anger, cruelty, pride and jealousy.
Built a stupa in Nepal (255ce)
Established monasteries at new pilgrimage sites
Travelled to Lumbini in 249 bce
He travelled to Bodh Gaya, holding discussions with
monks there, donated gifts to the community there
and teaching the people about Buddhism
One of his directives was misinterpreted and some
monks, opposed to his decision were killed.
Called the Third Council of 250 bce where the book
of Discourses was composed by the Sangha. They
examined heresies and expelled monks who did not
agree with the teachings
Activities (p. 245, right column)
1
How and why did Asoka apply Buddhism to government and foreign policy?
He made it clear that his foreign policy was one of peaceful coexistence and diplomacy. His
internal affairs were based on toleration and acceptance of difference.
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2
How did he inform the ordinary people about Buddhism?
To Asoka, the practice of Buddhism was more important than discussion of the teachings;
therefore, it could be said he believed that leading by example was the most important way
of informing the ordinary people of the ways of Buddhism.
3
Create a visual presentation showing how Asoka expanded the influence of Buddhism
through neighbouring countries.
Student work will vary.
4
Why was this important to Indian Buddhism well after his death?
Buddhism in India had nearly died out. Expansion of Buddhism outside of India ensured
Buddhism’s ongoing existence and contribution to Asian culture and thought.
5
Discuss the significance of Asoka for Buddhism. Discuss why he still remains an
important figure in Buddhism.
Student work will vary, but many of the significant points can be taken from the
information in the table above. The rest can be gathered from critical reading and should
include the following points.
●
He strengthened and maintained Buddhism in India.
●
He applied the teachings to government and foreign policy.
●
These teachings secured peace and stability. This enabled the expansion of his
empire.
●
This environment also allowed for the strengthening of the Sangha and maintaining
its correct teachings.
●
Through his own life he acted as a model for his fellow believers.
●
He provided the means of spreading the teachings of Buddhism throughout his
empire.
●
He used symbolism and graphic art to instruct ordinary people, provided officials to
teach the dharma and used the written texts on pillars and in rock carvings to teach
the educated and foreigners.
●
Had Buddhist ideas translated into other languages to show the adaptability of
Buddhist ways of thinking.
●
He supported and encouraged missionaries. The establishment of Buddhism outside
of India ensured its continuation and contribution to Asian culture and thought (e.g.,
the conversion of the court in Sri Lanka was essential for the development of
Therevada Buddhism). Expansion north into Nepal and beyond eventually saw the
development of the Mahayana and Vajrayana schools.
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●
●
●
He became the model for later Buddhists.
His use of Buddhist teaching as a basis for politics and administration established it
as a tradition able to adapt to different forms of government and policy.
Asoka believed that the teachings of Buddhism must be applied in life.
Activities (p. 247)
1
Where did Won Buddhism begin and what were the circumstances in the country at that
time?
It began in Korea in 1915, under Soto-tae San’s enlightenment. At this time Korea was
undergoing political struggles with the Japanese occupation. Anything that could be seen as
opposition to the occupying forces was banned.
2
Why did Soe-tae San believe Buddhism was the ‘best’ religion for his country?
He believed it was the best way of achieving enlightenment.
3
How did Soe-tae change Buddhism and why?
Won Buddhism is an eclectic form of Buddhism. Soe-tae San acknowledged that some
teachings from other traditions would be helpful for achieving enlightenment.
4
What is the fundamental teaching of Won Buddhism?
The Irwonsang or circle is the central teaching of Won Buddhism. All reality is one, and the
understanding that reality is made up of different parts is delusional - the Oneness of
Reality. Enlightenment is nothing other than coming to realize and become one with this
unity of all things. It collapses all things into a formless unity.
5
As a group, discuss ‘nirvana’ and create a concise definition
The class should cover wide ranginging ideas of Nirvana but ultimately should determine
that for a won Buddhist Nirvana is the Bbuddha
6
Create a visual presentation outlining the principal teachings of Won Buddhism.
Students’ responses will vary
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Activity (p. 248)
Debate how Won Buddhism has contributed to the development of Buddhism by maintaining
it as a significant religious tradition while at the same time adapting ideas from other
religious traditions and ideologies of the 20th century. Include examples.
Student responses will vary.
Activities (p. 249, left column)
1
What is the Irwonsang?
The Irwonsang or circle is the central teaching of Won Buddhism. All reality is one, and the
understanding that reality is made up of different parts is delusional - the Oneness of
Reality. Enlightenment is nothing other than coming to realize and become one with this
unity of all things. It collapses all things into a formless unity.
2
Explain how education is an important element of Won Buddhism.
Education is important in order for followers to achieve deeper understanding of the
teachings through study. They have educational and training institutions to inform the
believers about society, culture and industry
3
How does this religious tradition survive without a priesthood?
There is public or a common form of instruction and meditation, and secondly there is
private meditation and study within the home. In addition to this there are congregations
of believers are attached to specific temples.
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4
Complete the chart on page 249.
Student charts will vary.
Activity (p.249, right column)
Evaluate the significance of Won Buddhism for Buddhism. In the evaluation, present
arguments to show that Won Buddhism is not fundamentally different from Mahayana
Buddhism.
Student answers will vary.
Activities (p. 250)
1
Why is ethical behaviour important to Buddhists and their advancement towards
nirvana?
All ethical behaviour is determined by the Three Refuges. The direct consequences of a
person’s acts constitute karma. All acts have consequences and therefore contribute to an
individual’s advancement towards Nirvana.
2
What are two possible approaches for a Buddhist to decide what is right or wrong?
Increase in understanding (prajna) helps a Buddhist to understand their ethical
responsibility.
Practice of meditation (Samadhi)
Activities (p. 251)
1
For an act of abortion to be unjustified, what conditions would have to be present for a
Buddhist?
The victim must be a human person – a human person is formed at the moment of
conception but full personhood is not achieved until after birth. The person doing the
killing must understand that a human life is being ended.
The person must be free and willing to kill the person and to choose the means by which it
is done.
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2
What was the Dalai Lama’s view on abortion of a child that will be retarded when born?
The Dalai Lama takes the utilitarian position. This example would be a case where an
exception could be made. Each decision should be made on individual circumstances.
3
How is karma related to abortion?
The doctor and the mother, if the circumstances do not permit it, will suffer bad karma. In
which case, the foetus also suffers bad karma.
In the utilitarian position, the rightness or wrongness of the abortion will determine karma.
In some understandings, abortion is considered to create less bad karma than the murder
of an adult, because the size of the sentient life form and the effort needed to kill it changes
the amount of bad karma created.
Activities (p. 252, left column)
1
What is the Buddhist view of cloning and the reasons for it?
Cloning is accepted because it allows greater opportunity for karma to take human form.
But the intention of those producing the clone is important. It must be produced for good
reasons.
The fully cloned human being offers an opportunity for karma to re-enter the process
towards enlightenment. Being human means that a being can gain wisdom, act on it and
diminish desire and grasping through the practice of meditation. It must assist a person
towards Nirvana, a state that can only be achieved by a human being. Remember that there
is no permanent soul; therefore, there is no problem with identity with the cloned
individual.
2
Why is the person’s intention with cloning the key to good karma or bad karma?
It depends on whether cloning is undertaken for good or selfish reasons eg for monetary
gain or for fame. The intended use of the clone is important. Will it be abused?
3
Debate: ‘How can organ donation bring good and bad karma?’
Teacher to assess debate.
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Activities (p. 252, right column)
1
What are passive and active euthanasia?
Passive euthanasia entails the removal of systems for artificially maintaining life, which
allows a person to die in the body’s own time. Sometimes it involves the use of pain
medication which may hasten a person’s death.
Active euthanasia is the termination of that person’s life in order to relieve that person’s
suffering.
2
What are the two significant issues regarding euthanasia for Buddhists?
What is the intention of the person carrying out the act?
What is the value of the life being terminated?
3
Is euthanasia a ‘clear-cut’ decision for all Buddhists? Why or why not?
The Absolutionist point of view: Active euthanasia brings about bad karma, but passive
euthanasia is not seen as killing, but as a humanitarian way for a person to die with dignity.
The Utilitarian point of view: The key point is the reduction of suffering. If the suffering
reduces the quality of life then to end such suffering may bring good karma even though
there is the intent to kill. If it is for selfish reasons then it would bring bad karma.
4
Complete the chart on page 252 of the text.
Students work will vary.
Activities (p. 253)
1
What is the primary undertaking of Buddhists engaged in sensual pleasure?
To avoid causing suffering
2
Discuss which sexual activities would be considered bad karma.
Suffering takes place because of desire. Remember that there will be cultural differences
that will affect the resulting karma.
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3
How has the Buddhist view of homosexuality changed recently? Research this further.
Today homosexuality is considered on the basis that it avoids harm to the person (s) and
others.
4
‘In Buddhism good acts are understood as those that lessen cravings and desire. These
acts, therefore, produce good karma.’ Discuss this quote using the information about
Buddhist sexual ethics.
Student answers will vary.
Activity (p. 254)
Discuss in groups the consequences of Buddhist ethical teachings for the conservation of the
environment.
Discussions will vary in classes.
Activity (p. 256)
1
What is a pilgrimage?
A pilgrimage is an outward journey to a sacred shrine that brings about an inner growth
and development of the pilgrim’s faith and spirituality.
2
Why is a pilgrimage important to Buddhist?
It is important because it brings about inner growth in the adherent’s faith.
3
Where and when are pilgrimages held?
Pilgrimages are held at sites significant to the life, teaching and death of the Buddha. They
contain relics of the Buddha. Other sites include those significant to Boddhisattvas eg the
shrine to Avalokitesvara in Kyoto.
They may occur at times to coincide with festivals. They are usually in the dry season.
4
What happens on a pilgrimage?
There are usually three stages: preparation, pilgrimage and post pilgrimage. (Further
details are in the answer to the next question.)
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5
Describe in point form the three stages of pilgrimage in Buddhism. Each stage should
have information about what is done by the pilgrim.
Preparation:
●
increase in devotional practices and meditation
●
perhaps pay more attention to the Five Precepts
●
sometimes they may take on some of the monks precepts.
The pilgrimage itself:
●
may choose to visit additional shrines and holy places, attend temple pujas and give
donations on the journey
●
on arrival at the site the attend temple puja, join in the practices of the site , join the
chanting of the monks and be guided into a better understanding of prajna, sila and
Samadhi
Post pilgrimage:
●
pilgrims may guide others into better practices and inform them of their
experiences
●
may bring back objects for veneration or texts to be used by the local community to
develop understanding about the teachings of Buddhism.
Activity (p. 257)
Create a table with three columns headed ‘Principal beliefs’, ‘Pilgrimage’, ‘examples’. The first
column should include the following principal beliefs: the Buddha, Dharma, Sangha, karma,
Bodhisattvas. In the second column explain how pilgrimage demonstrates these beliefs. In the
third column give examples.
Student tables will vary. Students should review Preliminary material in Chapter 3, page
30.
Activities (p. 258)
1
Why do individuals feel compelled to undertake a pilgrimage?
It is an outward sign that shows commitment and gives identity to the adherent. It is a
means of engaging the person with the development of their inner spiritual journey
towards Nirvana. It is an acceptance that individuals are responsible for their own
development.
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2
Why does a pilgrimage provide good karma?
The removal of distractions and temptations of ordinary life will reduce the cravings. The
gaining of further insight into the Buddha’s life and his teachings will also increase the good
karma. Pilgrimage also offers opportunity for acts of generosity and compassion as well as
the practice of humility and courage.
3
‘Ritual is the celebration of beliefs.’ Demonstrate how pilgrimage is a celebration of an
individual’s beliefs in Buddhism. Give examples.
Student answers will vary.
4
Empathy. Imagine you are on a pilgrimage which takes two weeks to reach. Write down
your feelings after one week on the road on foot in an Asian country.
Student answers will vary.
Activities (p. 259)
1
List five reasons why pilgrimage is significant to a Buddhist. Give examples.
It gives identity to the pilgrim.
It is an outward sign that the pilgrim is a Buddhist and is committed to their beliefs.
The pilgrim demonstrates a belief in a reality beyond ordinary life.
Shows acceptance that the individual is responsible for achieving Nirvana.
It is an opportunity to gain heightened levels of the mystical.
2
What is the relationship between pilgrimage and the community?
The pilgrim shows the beliefs held by the community.
The community recognises the commitment involved for individuals to go on a pilgrimage.
It may strengthen the bonds within the community. Sometimes a pilgrimage may be
undertaken on behalf of the community.
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3
How does a pilgrimage help the community?
Pilgrimage gives identity to the community.
It may strengthen the bonds within the community.
For communities attached to the pilgrimage site, it may bring wealth and prestige.
The community of the sangha may gain benefit from bequests and donations.
4
Create a mind map that shows the connection between the significance of pilgrimage to
the individual and its significance to the Buddhist community.
Student work will vary.
Activities (p. 260)
1
What is Buddhist puja?
It is devotion and can be practised either at home or in a temple. – an opportunity to come
to a greater realization of the Buddha’s teachings and thus the needs of each individual in
their journey towards enlightenment.
2
What would you find inside a temple?
There are usually three buildings or rooms: the shrine room containing images of the
Buddha or bodhisttva, the meditation hall and the monastery for the monks.
Inside the grounds of a temple complex you may find stupas or pagodas containing relics of
the Buddha or other holy men and women.
3
Illustrate the layout of a temple in Buddhism. In particular, show the objects and floor
plan of the shrine room and indicate the significance of the layout and the decorations.
Student work will vary.
Activity (p. 261)
Create a table with three columns headed ‘Principal beliefs’, ‘Temple puja’,‘Examples’. The first
column should include the following principal beliefs: theBuddha, Dharma, Sangha, karma,
Bodhisattvas. In the second column explain howpilgrimage demonstrates these beliefs. In the
third column give examples.
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Student work will vary, but should be based on information on page 30 of the textbook.
Oxford Studies of Religion ISBN 9780195568011 © Oxford University Press Australia
Activities (p. 262)
1
Why is temple puja valuable for the individual?
It is a means used towards the attainment of enlightenment—a good act bringing good
karma.
2
What ceremonies take place in the temple?
Puja (devotion) may include chanting of the dharma, meditation and sermons.
Activity (p. 263)
1
Why is the temple important for the community?
It is a focal point of the community’s life and is a continual reminder of the community’s
identity.
2
Create a mind map that shows the connection between the significance of temple puja
to the individual and its significance to the Buddhist community.
Student work will vary.
3
List five reasons why temple puja is significant to a Buddhist. Give examples.
It is a means of gaining enlightenment.
If it is a good act freely chosen presence at the temple can bring good karma, ensuring
better samsara and progress towards Nirvana.
It is an opportunity to acknowledge the importance of the Three Refuges.
It is a time to further acknowledge their identity as a Buddhist.
Participation with others may strengthen their commitment.
It is an opportunity to perform acts of generosity and compassion.
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Activities (p. 264, top)
1
Why are festivals important to Buddhists?
They are occasions for devotion and an opportunity to remember important aspects of
religious teaching.
2
What is the celebration of Wesak puja?
It is the celebration of the birth, enlightenment and paranirvana of the Lord Buddha.
3
Why is cleanliness so important?
It is symbolic of the need for personal purity.
4
What is the main emphasis of the festival of Wesak?
It celebrates the Three Refuges, acknowledging that it is an ongoing and living religious
tradition. In recognizing the significance of the birth of the Buddha as a human and of
human enlightenment, it demonstrates that all humans can achieve enlightenment. It
emphasizes the acceptance of an ethical life.
5
Create a table with three columns headed ‘Principal beliefs’, ‘Wesak’, ‘Examples’. The
first column should include the following principal beliefs: the Buddha, Dharma, Sangha,
karma, Bodhisattvas. In the second column explain how Wesak demonstrates these
beliefs. In the third column give examples.
Student work will vary.
Activities (p. 264, bottom)
Create a mind map that shows the connection between the significance of the festival of Wesak
to the individual and its significance to the Buddhist community.
Student work will vary.
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Activity (p. 265)
List five reasons why Wesak is significant to a Buddhist. Give examples.
Examples can include the following:
It is a time to reflect on the key teachings of Buddhism and to examine their life according
to these teachings.
It is a time for acknowledgement of the failures of the previous years and the desire to do
better in the new year, thereby acknowledging the significant of karma and samsara.
It is a time to confirm Buddhism as part of a Buddhist’s identity.
It is a time for generosity and compassion.
It is a time to accept that Nirvana is achieved by determination and continuous practice.
It is a time for better understanding that the life and teaching of The Lord Buddha will help
Buddhists in their ethical life and their practice of meditation.
It is a time to celebrate life and its joys with other members of the Buddhist community.
It is a time of personal recommitment.
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