Global Studies Question

Sample Solution

Full Answer Section

• Examine the concept of desire as the root cause of suffering and the Eightfold Path as the way to escape it.
• Consider whether Buddhism promotes pessimism or emphasizes understanding and overcoming suffering.

Resources:

• "The Four Noble Truths" - SuttaCentral (suttacentral.net)
• "Is Buddhism Pessimistic?" - Tricycle: The Buddhist Review (tricycle.org)

Prompt 3: Buddhist Exemplars:

• Research the characteristics and goals of arhats (liberated individuals), bodhisattvas (beings aiming for enlightenment for all), and buddhas (fully enlightened beings).
• Analyze the similarities and differences between these types of beings, including their motivations and paths.
• Consider how different Buddhist traditions (Theravada, Mahayana) view and celebrate these figures.

Resources:

• "Arhats, Bodhisattvas, and Buddhas" - Access to Insight (accesstoinsight.org)
• "Mahayana Buddhism: An Introduction" - The Walters Art Museum (artmuseum.org)

Prompt 4: The Hart-Celler Act and American Buddhism:

• Analyze how the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 (Hart-Celler Act) opened immigration to the United States, leading to increased Buddhist migration.
• Research how these post-1965 migrations diversified American Buddhism, introducing new traditions and practices.
• Explore how Buddhist communities and practices have influenced American culture and society.

Resources:

• "The Hart-Celler Act: A Watershed Moment in American Immigration History" - USCIS (uscis.gov)
• "Buddhism in America: A History" - PBS (pbs.org)

Prompt 5: Buddhist Practices and Suffering:

• Examine how meditation, chanting, and visualization help cultivate mindfulness, compassion, and acceptance, reducing attachment and desire, the root causes of suffering.
• Explore specific techniques and their benefits within different Buddhist traditions.
• Analyze how these practices aim to transform the mind and alleviate suffering, leading to a more peaceful and meaningful life.

Resources:

• "Buddhist Practices: A Guide to Meditation, Chanting, and Visualization" - Lion's Roar (lionsroar.com)
• "The Effectiveness of Buddhist Meditation: A Review of the Research" - Mindfulness Research Group ([invalid URL removed])

Prompt 6: The Buddha's Successor and Buddhist History:

• Analyze possible reasons why the Buddha refused to appoint a single successor, favoring the Sangha (Buddhist community) as a whole.
• Explore how this decision impacted the development of diverse Buddhist schools and lineages throughout history.
• Consider the potential benefits and challenges of decentralized leadership in a religious tradition.

Resources:

• "Why Did the Buddha Not Appoint a Successor?" - BBC (bbc.co.uk)
• "The History of Buddhism: A Timeline" - Learn Religions (learnreligions.com)

Remember, these are just starting points. Conduct thorough research, use credible sources, and develop your own critical analysis and arguments for a comprehensive and insightful response. Good luck with your exam!