Buddhism and Siddhartha Gautama

What is the purpose of meditation in the eighth step of the Eightfold Path?

• To develop concentration and mindfulness

• To achieve financial success

• To improve physical strength

• To enhance social skills

Some Indians felt unhappy with the Hindu religion during the 500s B.C. because:

• they wanted more rituals

• they disagreed with the caste system

• they preferred Buddhism

• they were influenced by foreign cultures

The significance of the Buddha's message to these groups was:

• To promote peace and harmony

• To encourage material wealth

• To establish a new religion

• To create social divisions

Siddhartha Gautama became known as:

• Buddha

• Confucius

• Laozi

• Krishna

The Four Noble Truths taught by Buddha are:

• Suffering, Cause of Suffering, End of Suffering, Path to End Suffering

• Karma, Dharma, Sangha, Nirvana

• Love, Peace, Joy, Compassion

Where do most Buddhists live today?

• India

• China

• Thailand

• Japan

Buddhism appealed to many people in various parts of Asia because:

• it offered a path to enlightenment and liberation from suffering.

• it was enforced by the ruling authorities.

• it promised wealth and power.

• it required strict adherence to rituals.

Fill in the blank: The way to end suffering is to stop ______ things.

• desiring

• needing

• craving

What did Siddhartha do after understanding the world was filled with suffering?

• He continued his life as a prince.

• He left his palace to seek enlightenment.

• He ignored the suffering and lived lavishly.

• He started a war to end suffering.

Buddhists divided into two groups after Buddha's death.

What were these groups, and what might have caused this division?

• Theravada and Mahayana; differences in interpretation of teachings

• Zen and Pure Land; geographical separation

• Vajrayana and Zen; political conflicts