Dr. J. Taylor Asian Humanities HUM 2410

Asian Reader: Buddhism: The Middle Path

1. Who was the historical founder of Buddhism and when/where did he live?

2. What four signs did he see at the age of 29 that caused him to seek an end to all suffering?

3. Describe some of his adventures in his quest to end suffering.

4. What Hindu concepts remain in Buddhism? What changes?

5. What is Nirvana?

6. What are the Four Noble Truths?

7. What is the Eightfold Path?

8. What was the Buddha’s reaction to the caste system? How did this affect many Hindus?

9. Who was Asoka? What impact did he have on the development of Buddhism in India and elsewhere?

10. What happened after Asoka’s death? (generally speaking) Ancient Indian Culture

1. What are the Vedas? The Brahmanas and the Upanishads?

2. What language were the Vedas written in?

3. Describe the Mahabharata.

4. Describe the Ramayana.

5. In what other arts did Ancient India make great achievements?

6. What types of religious structures were built in Ancient India? Describe each.

7. What type of decoration was used to embellish the above structures?