Buddhism Booklet
Keighan
Instructions: Read p.160-211 in your text and answer the following questions. If you
have any questions please be sure to ask.
PART 1 - Origins (p.162-168)
1. a) Who was Buddha, and how was he conceived?
b) Why did his father, Shuddhodana not want to see his son become a religious leader?
2. a) Explain what Buddhists refer to as “the Four Sights.”
b) As Siddhartha sought after spiritual knowledge he came to the conclusion that the
“middle way” was the best course of action. Explain.
3. a) Define: Nirvana, Enlightenment, Dharma.
b) How did Siddhartha come to achieve nirvana & enlightenment for himself?
c) What is the Mahabodhi Temple? Where is it? Why is it significant to Buddhists?
4.a) Define: Bhikkhus, Sangha, Bhikkhunu Sangha, & Buddha.
b) Buddhism grew out of Hinduism. Which aspects of Hinduism did Buddha retain in his
religion?
c) Which aspects of the Hindu religion (as it existed in this day) did Buddha reject?
PART 2 - Beliefs (p.168-178)
1. a) What is the ultimate goal of a practicing Buddhist?
b) What is samsara? Why would it be appealing for one to reach Nirvana and become
released from this endless cycle?
2. Through observation & meditation Buddha came to the following conclusions
regarding the natural existence of things, which represents a very important concept of
Buddhism. He believed that all things, outside of Nirvana, had 3 fundamental
characteristics: anicca (impermanence), dukkha (dissatisfaction), and anatta
(selflessness). Write a short explanation of each of these characteristics.
3. What is the purpose of the Five Precepts? List them.
4. a) Buddha observed that no one can escape death and unhappiness. Buddha looked
at the cause of unhappiness and its treatment and came up with the doctrine of the
Four Noble Truths. List and briefly describe each of them.
b) The 4th of these Four Noble Truths discusses the Noble Eightfold Path, which is
the Buddhists' blueprint for a ending suffering and ultimately achieving a happier life.
List and briefly explain the eight steps of the path.
5. a) The Dharma Wheel represents the Noble Eightfold Path. Why is the wheel and
appropriate Buddhist symbol?
PART 3 - Practices, Rituals, Symbols, and Festivals (p.178-187)
1. a) What is Meditation? What do Buddhist' hope to accomplish through meditation?
b) How can Buddhist practices or rituals help one to create good Karma for him/herself?
Give examples.
2. Describe the significance of the Wheel of Life.
3. Buddhists celebrate a number of holidays. Many of the festivals are particular to
certain sects of Buddhism, so dates vary from country to country and among different
traditions. Describe the significance of the following festival: Buddha Day
PART 4 - Sacred Writings (p.191)
1. a) The main written source of Buddha's wisdom is the Tripitaka, or Three Baskets.
Where does the name 'Three Baskets' come from, and which of these is considered to
be the most important for practicing Buddhists?
PART 5 - Groups And Institutions (p193-199)
1. a) What was the name of the initial organization where Buddhism grew from?