Encouraging Buddhism

 Write a post to include the information 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 worm 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.
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. Interpret the meaning of each of the Four Noble Truths (1-1.5 pages)
      1. All life is suffering.
      2. The Cause of Suffering is desire.
      3. To end desire is to end suffering.
      4. to end 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 Understanding
      2. Right Thought (Intention)
      3. Right Speech
      4. Right Conduct
      5. Right Livelihood
      6. Right Effort
      7. Right Mindfulness
      8. Right Concentration (Contemplation)

Submission Instructions:

• When completing this written post, the following guidelines must be followed. Failure to do so will result in points being deducted from your grade.
• This post must be typed in 12 pt. Times New Roman font & double-spaced.
• Each section of the post 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 wither the course text Van Voorst, Robert E. World RELG4: Introduction to World Religions (4th ed.). Boston: Cengage MindTap, 2018. or one of the databases/encyclopedias available through St. Thomas University Library with an appropriate citation. 
• The post should be formatted per current CMOS and adhere to the page length requirements outlined above.
• The post will be assessed turnitin.com