World Religions
Buddhism, Sikhism, Daoism, Confucianism
1.
Discuss
the birth story of the Buddha as it is told today, including symbolic elements
and the meaning of the symbols.
2.
Discuss
the “Four Passing Sights” and why they convinced Siddhartha that he needed to
leave his family and embark on a spiritual journey. What did he learn about
impermanence and suffering from the Four Passing Sights? Discuss the
experiences in Siddhartha’s life that brought him to reject extremes and come
to a belief in the “Middle Way.”
3.
List
and discuss Buddha’s “Four Noble Truths,” including the Noble Eight-fold path.
You do not need to list all eight elements of the Eight-fold path, but indicate
the three main topics that it covers and what is taught in each section. What
is meant by “suffering”?To what extent do you find this an adequate description
of the causes and cure for suffering? Explain.
4.
Compare
Theravada and Mahayana forms of Buddhism. What are differences in understanding
the God and the interpretation of the Buddha? What is the role of a Bodhisattva
in Mahayana Buddhism? Discuss the primary focus of Pure Land Buddhism. What is
the role of a koan in Zen Buddhism? What is the color of the wind?
5.
How
might one’s approach to work, material wealth, and natural resources be focused
differently if one were to use a Buddhist lens?
6.
Discuss
Thich Nhat Hanh’s approach to meditation (mindful breathing, mouth yoga and
telephone meditation) and to conflict resolution. What is the role of
compassionate listening? How might a cell phone or some other technology remind
you to, “Stop your thinking, stop your talking, and come back to the island of
self”? Discuss what he means by “Buddha nature” and how that relates to you.
7.
Relate
the story of Guru Nanak and the origins of Sikhism. Discuss Hindu and Muslim
elements that are part of Sikhism today, and ways that Sikhism differs from
Hinduism and Islam.
8.
What
is the relative size of Sikhism as a world religion today?
9.
What
four changes did Guru Gobind Singh introduce into Sikhism? What are the 5 K’s?
(You may use the English names.)
10.What are the three complementary
traditions that are found in China, and what is the distinct
importance/function of each tradition?
11.Discuss the meaning of yin/yang.
Explain what it might mean to say that Daoism and Confucianism are like yin and
yang to each other.
12.How would you describe the Dao?
Explain several of the common images of the Dao found in the Dao de Jing.
Discuss the principle of wu wei and how one might apply it. To what extent do
you think Daoist principles are compatible with or in contrast to the primary
culture of the United States?
13.Relate a summary of Confucius’s
life story, explaining some of the major defining events of his life. In what
ways does he exemplify the “Perfect Person”?
14.What was the problem that
Confucius identified in his society, and how did he propose to address it? What
do you see as the ultimate goal of Confucius’ teachings?
15.Discuss four virtues that are
taught in Confucian ethics, including the Five Constant Relationships. How
might the culture of the United States be changed if these four virtues would
be given primary focus in society?
There are no requirements for styles, languages, or word counts.
The only requirement is that all answer should becorrect.
