Buddhism
Write an argumentative essay (500-750 words) on the central myth of the Buddhist tradition, according to Loyal Rue. Be sure to connect this ‘integrated narrative core’ and an ancillary strategy you see as best able to ensure that Buddhism’s mythic core will be “replicated indefinitely” in the lives of individual practitioners
• In your own words, articulate the myth that fundamentally orients the Buddhist tradition, according to Rue.
• Argue for one particular ancillary strategy’s exceptional ability to illustrate Buddhism’s central myth with respect to cosmology and ethics.
• Use at least two specific examples from the texts or videos of a teaching or practice that illustrates your argument.
After watching this week’s videos, describe an action or behavior by a current or aspiring Buddhist monk that you think converges with a belief or teaching in an especially clear way. Write a 3-5 sentence post.
VIDEOS
The Life Of The Buddha Full BBC Documentary
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kEe8hI6G0GY
Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism | World History | Khan Academy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aCA6ioTLw-Q
Becoming a Buddhist Monk - Ordination Ceremony - Mrauk-U Myanmar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MpKzoH0mTDU
Buddhist monks eating at Mahar Gandar Yone Monastery - Amarapura, Myanmar
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vZ19k5q8PY0
Question 1
All of the following are other names for Siddhartha Gautama EXCEPT:
Select one:
a. the 'Awakened One'
b. the 'Saving One'
c. the 'Thus Gone'
d. the 'Enlightened One'
All of the following are venerated Buddhist figures EXCEPT:
Select one:
a. Carvakas
b. Arhats
c. Siddhas
d. Bodhisattvas
Concentrating on what image within Buddhist contemplative practice is thought to be an effective path toward confronting one's mortality?
Select one:
a. the purusa body
b. the bodhi Tree
c. a dead or decaying corpse
Question 4
Ideally, what kind of relationship should exist between a Buddhist monastery and the community that surrounds it?
Select one:
a. symbiotic
b. antagonistic
c. tolerant
d. indifferent
Question 5
In his section, "A Religion Without God?" to what in Buddhism did Perry Schmidt-Leukel compare 'God'?
Select one:
a. Siddha
b. Nirvana
c. Carvaka
d. The Buddha
Question 6
What are the venerated stories depicting the Buddha's past lives called?
Select one:
a. sutras
b. jakatas
c. tantras
d. stupas
Question 7
What does one have to do to become a Buddhist?
Select one:
a. shave your head and wear a robe
b. give away all your material possessions
c. recite "The Three Jewels"
d. memorize the Four Noble Truths
Question 8
What is the term given to a religio-cosmological understanding of the world populated by many gods ranked in a hierarchical order from greater to lesser?
Select one:
a. monism
b. polytheism
c. monotheism
d. henotheism
Question 9
What was the name of the city in Northwest India (modern day Benares) where it is thought that Siddhartha Gautama was born?
Select one:
a. Pali
b. Sramana
c. Yasodhara
d. Lumbini
Question 10
While scholars disagree, what are the most accepted dates of Siddhartha Gautama's life?
Select one:
a. 563-483 C.E.
b. 563-483 B.C.E.
c. 532-622 C.E.
d. 4-76 C.E.
Question 11
As a young prince, Siddhartha Gautama lived a privileged, sheltered life. What did he see outside of the palace walls that eventually led him to renounce everything and seek enlightenment?
Question 12
According to Buddhism, what comprises our sense of ‘self ’ and is subject to clinging?
Question 13
According to Perry Schmidt-Leukel, _______________________ is not a series of successive steps but rather “important areas of endeavor within which one should strive for personal development.”
Question 14
How many concentric rings are depicted in the 'Wheel of Becoming'? Briefly explain what Buddhist teaching each ring represents.