World Religions
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Reading and Writing Workshop

Comparative Religion Workshop: Buddhism
​Session 1: Origins – The Life of Siddhartha Gautama
Focus: The historical and legendary life of the Buddha
Reading:

• The Life of the Buddha (translated from the Lalitavistara Sutra)
  https://www.sacred-texts.com/bud/lob/index.htm

Activities:

• Guided reading and annotation of key moments (birth, renunciation, enlightenment).
• Discussion: What elements are historical? What are symbolic?

Writing Extension:

• Write a narrative retelling the Buddha's path to enlightenment in your own words.

Session 2: Core Beliefs – Four Noble Truths, Eightfold Path, Nirvana
Focus: Understanding suffering and the path to liberation
Reading:

• The Dhammapada (Verses 1–20, “The Twin Verses” and “Heedfulness”)
  https://www.sacred-texts.com/bud/dam/index.htm

Activities:

• Create a visual chart of the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path.
• Group discussion: How do these teachings address human suffering?

Writing Extension:

• Reflective journal: How might mindfulness and right action reduce suffering in modern life?

Session 3: Branches – Theravāda, Mahāyāna, Vajrayāna
Focus: Differences and commonalities among major Buddhist traditions
Reading:

• Selections from The Questions of King Milinda (Theravāda text)
  https://www.sacred-texts.com/bud/milinda.htm
• Excerpt from The Awakening of Faith (Mahāyāna text)
  https://www.sacred-texts.com/bud/awakening-faith.htm

Activities:

• Compare teachings from Theravāda and Mahāyāna perspectives.
• Overview discussion of Vajrayāna’s focus on rituals and mantras.

Writing Extension:

• Write an explanatory essay: "Why did Buddhism develop into different branches?"

Session 4: Sacred Texts – Tripiṭaka and the Lotus Sūtra
Focus: Exploring the textual foundation of Buddhist teachings
Reading:

• The Sutta Nipāta from the Pali Canon (Tripiṭaka)
  https://www.sacred-texts.com/bud/sut-nip/index.htm
• The Lotus Sutra, Chapter 2: “Expedient Means”
  https://www.sacred-texts.com/bud/lotus/index.htm

Activities:

• Paired reading: What are the core messages of each text?
• Class debate: Is enlightenment accessible to all or just a few?

Writing Extension:

• Analytical essay comparing views on salvation in the Tripiṭaka and Lotus Sutra.

Session 5: Practices – Meditation, Monastic Life, Mindfulness
Focus: Spiritual and practical expressions of Buddhism
Reading:

• Excerpt from The Way of Mindfulness (Satipaṭṭhāna Sutta)
  https://www.sacred-texts.com/bud/bits/bits006.htm
• Vinaya Rules for Monks (brief selections)
  https://www.sacred-texts.com/bud/bu-vin/index.htm

Activities:

• Practice a short mindfulness meditation.
• Discuss the role of discipline and intention in Buddhist life.

Writing Extension:

• Write a daily mindfulness journal entry, focusing on observing thoughts and actions.

Session 6: Cultural Spread – From India to East and Southeast Asia
Focus: Historical diffusion and cultural adaptation of Buddhism
Reading:

• Buddhism in China and Japan, Chapter from The Light of Asia by Edwin Arnold
  https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/7129

Activities:

• Create a map tracing Buddhism’s spread across Asia.
• Explore how local cultures adapted Buddhist beliefs and iconography.

Writing Extension:

• Research-based writing: How did Buddhism adapt to new cultural environments?

Session 7: Zen Koan vs. Western Parable – Activity and Reflection
​Focus: Contrasting spiritual insight through paradox and moral storytelling
Reading:

• Zen Koans from Zen Flesh, Zen Bones – e.g., “Muddy Road” or “A Cup of Tea”
  https://www.sacred-texts.com/bud/zen/fzb/index.htm
• Parable: The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25–37, King James Bible)
  https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/10

Activities:

• Read and interpret the meaning of both the koan and parable.
• Group comparison: Which teaches through logic? Which through paradox?

Writing Extension:

• Comparative essay: “What do Zen koans and Western parables teach us about human behavior and wisdom?”