25 Jan What are some of the differences and similarities between Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism?
1. What are some of the differences and similarities between Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism?
2. Explain some of the key concepts in Buddhism such as: dharma, dukkha, Four Noble Truths, Eightfold Path, anicca, kamma, nirvana, sunyata, bodhisattvas, and the sangha. (You don’t have to write about every single one them).
3. Address the history and ideology of some of the specific schools within Mahayana Buddhism such as: Tibetan, Tantric, Zen, Nichiren and Pure Land. (You don’t have to write about all of them.)
4. Write about the importance of monasticism or meditation in Buddhist tradition.
5. Consider doing some research on the current Dalai Lama and presenting it in an essay.
6. Comment upon several of the Sacred Readings (links above). You may look at any of the selections you wish. Try doing some additional research on the works.
You might consider looking at the following video for help with your essays on Buddhism:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XJX9-gHv0IQ
Buddhism
Chapters 5 in Invitation to World Religions
Chapter 5 Selected Readings from the World’s Religious Traditions
In Sacred Readings:
From the Paili Canon on Impurity
http://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/kn/dhp/dhp.18.budd.html
Dhamapada – Verse 5
http://www.tipitaka.net/tipitaka/dhp/verseload.php?verse=005
Answer any 3 of the following week 4 essays:
Prompts:
You may use any resources at your disposal. List your sources at the end of each essay. Most of the answers to these questions are directly addressed in your text. Suggested length is 2 or more pages per question (450 to 800 words).
