Comparative Religion
Buddhism
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"The World’s Religions"
 by Huston Smith, 
Chapter 3
March 2007
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p. 82-99
1.  What is your reaction to the story of the Buddha’s life?  Describe the  personality of this man. 

2.  Explain what you feel are the most significant or unusual aspects of how  the teachings of the Buddha differ from commonly accepted ideas about  religion. 

p.99-112
3.  An understanding of the meaning of the 4 Noble Truths and the Eight-Fold  path is essential to understanding Buddhism.  From the reading “The Four  Noble Truths,” write out the 4 Noble Truths and be prepared to explain what  each means.  What are the meanings of Dukkha and Tanha? 
4. What is your impression of the Eight Fold path as a way of living one’s  life?  Note any of the steps that are not clear to you. 

p. 112-128
5.  From the reading of “Basic Buddhist concepts” describe Nirvana in terms  that make sense to you 

6.Did the Buddha believe that human beings survived bodily death?  Explain. 

7. Write short paragraphs describing the philosophical differences between  Theravada  and Mahayana Buddhism. 
 
p. 128-139
8. Why does the author feel that it is difficult to describe Zen Buddhism? 

9. Zen? 

p. 139-149
10.  What is the distinctive claim of Tibetan Buddhism?  What is the  significance of the Dali Lama. 

11.  What is the meaning of the image of the crossing,  the meaning of the  Three Vows and the meaning of the Bodhisattva’s vow of renunciation? 
 

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