Buddhism - Essay Questions

Eight questions are listed below. You need to complete three of them of your choice. (Each is worth 10 points.) Your completed answers should be turned in by the beginning of class on Friday, October 31st. (I'll deduct 3 points [10%] per class period that they are late after that. Of course, they can come in early.) 

On questions requiring written answers, you should limit your answers to somewhere around 400-500 words for each. There is no limit on the resources you can access, but you do need to avoid plagiarism and appropriately cite any sources of information that you use.

* The Four Noble Truths form the basis of Buddhist beliefs. Explain the Four Noble Truths and show how they were illustrated by specific events in the life of Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha).

* Buddhism prescribes the Eightfold Path as a way to more closely approach nirvana. Choose at least four components of the Path and describe how you observe those goals in your life. (Note: This questions neither assumes you are, nor requires you to be, a Buddhist.)

* If you were Buddhist, would you be a Therevadan or a Mahayanan Buddhist? Of course, you answer should both explain your choice and display an understanding of basic beliefs of that particular form of Buddhism.

* Is Buddhism a religion? Some say that it obviously is a religion. Others argue that it is instead a "philosophy of life". Still others claim that it is a "non-theistic" religion. Explain your position on this issue. Defend your answer with specific reasons and arguments.

* We watched the film Kundun in class. The film is rich in symbolism and ritual. Choose at least three specific examples from the film, and explain what you believe they reveal about Tibetan Buddhism. (Be specific.)

* Imagine that you are a film reviewer. Your task is to review Kundun. Assume that your intended audience is a "World Religions" class, and you are free to comment about whatever aspects of the film that you choose.

* You've been appointed the new United States Special Envoy to Tibet. Prepare a plan of action that you would recommend to President Bush and Congress. In particular, make clear what you believe our policy towards China should be on this issue. (I don't want you to stop at vague goals. Recommend specific actions.)

* Assume Huston Smith uses his influence to win you a four-week stay in a Zen monastery. Explain what you believe you would get out of this experience. In what ways do you think it would benefit you? What might be particulary difficult for you? (Take this in whatever directions you would like to go...)