Buddhism

11/18: Read "The Slave" and complete the card (assignment in box in classroom).

11/13: Buddhism packet reading pages 5-8. See the attachment below for more information and classwork/homework on page 1. (C Block homework is page 2 of that attachment)

11/12: Buddhism seeks to answer the problem of pain and suffering in this world.

Buddha’s origin stories share many of the traits classically associated with epic heroes. As you read (from the beginning of the packet through “The Vow Beneath the Tree”), look for specific examples of these traits in the life story of Siddhartha (who becomes Buddha). Write these down on the front of the notecard.

an epic hero is:

1. marked by an unusual birth and is typically of higher worth than the rest of us

2. recognized by others as blessed

3. decides to take a journey (or several journeys) in order to discover something important about the world, about himself, etc.

4. meets with several obstacles that challenge him (physically and mentally) including an epic struggle with a powerful enemy

5. receives some intervention (directly or through insight) from the divine.

When you have finished, THINK about how Buddha’s life story parallels others that you’ve studied, read about, etc. and write, on the back of the notecard, about these parallels and why you think they matter.