Book 1 Unit 15
The Spread of Buddhism and its Influence

1   Why did Gautama leave his family though he had a good life as an Indian prince?
     It was because he saw many people suffering and dying and he could not understand why people should suffer and die.

2   People called him the Buddha. Why?
    It was because he taught people the truth about life so many people worshipped him and called him the Buddha.

3   What do Buddhists believe about life?
     The Buddha believed that life is a cycle.

4   What should people follow to be free from the cycle of death and rebirth?
     People should follow the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path.

5   What are the Four Noble Truths that the Buddha discovered?

6   What is the Eightfold Path for?
      The Eightfold Path is for: right thoughts, right understanding, right meditation, right mindfulness, right effort, right actions, right speech and right living.

7   How did the Indian ruler Asoka spread Buddhism?
     He spread Buddhism all over India by sending Buddhist teachers to visit different parts of India; building temples, stupas and stone pillars carved with Buddha's teaching in many parts of his empire.

8   What is the difference between Hinayana Buddhism and Mahayana Buddhism?
     Hinayana Buddhism belived that wisdom was a way to Nirvana. Mahayana Buddhism thought kindness was important.

9   Why is Hinayana Buddhism also called Southern Buddhism?
    Hinayana Buddhism spread southward to Sri Lanka, Burma, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and Cambodia.  So it is also called Southern Buddhism.

10  What is Mahayana Buddhism also called? Why?
    Mahayana Buddhism is also called Northern Buddhism because it spread northward to Korea, Japan, Tibet and other parts of China.

11  What influences do you think Buddhism had on people? Find and give some examples
      Buddhism had great influences over millions of followers all over the world, especially in Asia.  It influences people through new ideas, buildings, social services and education. Buddhist temples and monasteries such as a Buddha statuein Japan, China, Angkor Wat, Hong Kong etc.