Buddhism: Origins and Beliefs

Which statement explains how Buddhism spread to Ceylon?

• Invading barbarians brought Buddhism to Ceylon.

• Missionaries brought Buddhism to Ceylon under the rule of Ashoka.

• Ceylon’s rulers made Buddhism the nation’s official religion.

• Buddha traveled to Ceylon to speak to the people.

Use the information from the box to answer the question.

• Born in about 563 BCE in the Himalaya region of present-day India and Nepal

• Practiced meditation

• Found relief from suffering

The information found in the box is most closely connected with which religious leader?

• Confucius

• Siddhartha Gautama

• Zoroaster

• Lao Tzu

For Siddhartha Gautama, his search for enlightenment was triggered by his

• introduction to the teachings of Judaism.

• belief that his life lacked meaning.

• life in a religious community.

• religious experiences while traveling in China.

Use the information below to answer the question.

After leading a life of wealth, Siddhartha Gautama became a spiritual seeker. He wandered the countryside for years. By realizing that he was not separated from the world and from others, Gautama was able to follow spiritual principles

and became enlightened.

This story describes the origin of what major religion?

• Hinduism

• Judaism

• Taoism

• Buddhism

Who were the first people who followed the Buddha and were taught by his sermons?

• soldiers

• nuns

• nobles

• monks

Which statement best reflects a teaching of Buddhism?

• The end of suffering can be found in following the Eightfold Path.

• Church law limits religious leadership to single men.

• One can achieve life after death through faith in a loving god.

• Studying the Vedas leads one to a belief in a single god.

Which of these experiences most affected the beliefs of Siddhartha Gautama?

• He belonged to a royal family.

• He grew up in a palace.

• He saw sick and dying people.

• He stayed in one place.

Which of these is an idea of the Eightfold Path of Buddhism?

• Lying is allowed if it protects another’s feelings.

• A person must focus on good rather than bad thoughts.

• Stealing is allowed if needed to support your family.

• A person should depend on others for food and shelter.

Use the list below to answer the question.

The Four Noble Truths

• Life is full of suffering.

• Suffering is caused by bad actions and ideas.

• People can end suffering.

• ?

Which statement correctly completes the list?

• Suffering comes from spending time thinking rather than doing.

• Good people must cause suffering to evil people.

• Certain actions must be followed to end suffering.

• Suffering stops when people become wealthy.

Which of the statements best reflects a teaching of Buddhism?

• One can achieve enlightenment by following the Eightfold Path.

• Nirvana can only be achieved through many lifetimes.

• Life is a mixture of opposing forces.

• There is only one true god.