expand upon particular elements of Buddhism enumerated below: 

1. Buddhist Symbols and Names (.5 pages)
   1. Identify a common Buddhist symbol and explain its significance
      1. Consider the following:
         1. History/Origins of the Symbol
         2. Important religious figure(s) associated with the Symbol and their involvement with it
         3. How is the Symbol utilized by Buddhists today?
            1. Is it used during prayer/worship?
            2. Is it worn as an outward sign of faith?
   2. Distinguish between the terms 'Buddhism' and 'the Buddha' as it relates to the religion itself.
2. Life of the Siddhartha Gautama (.5-1 pages)
   1. Discuss who Siddhartha Gautama was and the impact that he had on Buddhism.
   2. Describe 3 key events from Siddhartha Gautama's life.
   3. Address how these events are commemorated by Buddhists today.
   4. Do not presume that Siddartha Gautama was always a morally perfect person. For example, take into account his abandonment of his own newborn son and his wife, as noted in chapter 21 of the Illustrated Biography of the Buddha.pdf Download Illustrated Biography of the Buddha.pdf.
3. Beliefs and Practices (2 – 3 pages)
   Throughout his life, Siddhartha Gautama did not record any of his teachings, but he is known for his influential sermons and the discussions that he had with his fellow monks. These sermons were transmitted orally for centuries before they were finally committed to writing by several different Buddhist groups. One of the most famous of The Buddha’s discourses is his first discourse titled Setting in Motion the Wheel of Dhamma and in this discourse he outlines two ideas that would become the foundation of all Buddhist thought: The Four Noble Truths and The Noble Eightfold Path. 

1. 1. Interpret the meaning of each of the Four Noble Truths (1-1.5 pages)
      1. All Life is Dukkha (Dissatisfaction or Frustration or Pain or Suffering).
      2. The Cause of Dukkha (Suffering) is Tanha (Desire).
      3. To End Tanha (Desire) is to End Dukkha (Suffering).
      4. To End Tanha (Desire), one must Follow the Noble Eightfold Path.

       

   2. Articulate the significance of each of the aspects of the Noble Eightfold Path listed below and demonstrate how Buddhists believe that following these practical techniques will help them to achieve Nirvana (1-1.5 pages)
      1. Right or Proper Understanding
      2. Right or Proper Thought or Intention
      3. Right or Proper Speech
      4. Right or Proper Action or Conduct
      5. Right or Proper Livelihood
      6. Right or Proper Effort
      7. Right or Proper Mindfulness
      8. Right or Proper Concentration (Contemplation)

Submission Instructions:

• When completing this Report, the following guidelines must be followed. Failure to do so will result in points being deducted from your grade.
• This Report must be typed in non-ornamental font & single-spaced.
• Each section of the Report must include a section title on a separate line (ex: Buddhists Symbols, Beliefs and Practices, etc.)
• Each section must incorporate at least 2 direct quotations from either our Robert Van Voorst course textbook (World RELG4: Introduction to World Religions) or one of the databases/encyclopedias available through our Saint Thomas University Library with an appropriate citation.
• The Report should be formatted per current Chicago-Turabian (CMOS) style and adhere to the page length requirements outlined above.