Humanities 399 Non

Humanities 399
Non-Western Religions
Spring 2002
Professor David A. Salomon
Buddhism Essay

You may opt-out of one essay. If you choose to opt-out of this essay, you must download the "Opt-Out Sheet" on the class webpage and submit it when the essays are due.

Choose ONE and only one of the following questions. Answer it in a complete and thoughtful essay. Your essay should be a well-developed, clear, logical and complete idea developed from a definite thesis statement. Use texts where appropriate to support your answer. You need not consult secondary sources for this paper, but if you do, give credit for the information you use. Certainly use Bercholz and Chodzin’s text as a source. Unless otherwise noted, do not use Internet sources. Use the conventions of good essay writing; if you have doubts as to what those are, either see the instructor and/or visit the Writing Center.

Essays should be typed (double-spaced) and approximately 4-6 pages in length–no fewer than 4 full pages will suffice for this assignment, and longer than that is undoubtedly necessary to answer of the questions in any kind of depth. This paper is due on Thursday, April 11. Papers must be submitted on time. Papers handed in late will receive a one grade deduction for each class late. I will be happy to look at drafts ahead of time; in fact, I encourage it!

When you hand in your hard copy of this essay, also hand in a floppy disk with the file on it (and only the file). Write your name clearly on the disk itself (it will be returned to you). Save the file in either .doc or .rtf format.

The goal here is to do more than merely summarize course notes and your text. Read the questions carefully. Proofread your work.

1) In a clearly written essay, discuss the Buddhist concepts of Karma and rebirth relating them particularly to the first Buddhist Noble Truth: "life is suffering." In what ways do Karma and rebirth remedy suffering?

2) Discuss the Four Noble Truths in some detail as exemplary of Buddhist Dharma. In what ways do the Four Noble Truths reflect Buddhist Dharma? Be specific.

3) Clearly discuss the Buddhist views of heaven and hell using the Buddhist Wheel of Life found at http://www.buddhanet.net/wheel1.htm as your "primary text." This is an interactive web site and cannot be printed.