Story+of+Buddhism+Enlightenment




 * Use the story to answer the Questions?**

1. When was Prince Siddhartha born? What does his name mean?

2. Describe Queen Maya's dream? What does it mean?

3. Why does the sage Asita weep when he sees Siddhartha?

4. What is Asita's prophecy about the Prince?

5. What becomes of Queen Maya?

6. What does the King do to ensure Siddhartha's fulfillment?

7. As a child, how does the Prince spend most of his time?

8. What happens when the Prince finds a wounded swan?

9. Why must Siddhartha enter a contest to win Princess Yasodhara's hand in marriage?

10. The Prince triumphs in three contests. Describe them?

11. What does King Sudhodana give the prince and princess? Why?

12. List the three troubling sights Siddhartha witnesses during the visits to Kapilavastu.

13. What symbolic act coes the prince perform when he arrives at the Forrest? How old is he when he arrives?

14. Why does Siddhartha starve himself?

15. In what city and under what kind of tree does Siddhartha become enlightened?

16. Why do the palace judges award the wounded swan to Siddhartha? Do you agree with their decision? Explain?

17. Discuss King Sudhodana's actions throughout the story. What are his motivations for sheltering Siddhartha?

18. Describe Siddhartha's feelings when he sees old age, sickness, and death. How does his upbringing contribute to his reaction?

19. In his search for enlightenment, Prince Siddhartha leaves behind his wife and son. In so doing, he became one of the most influential figures in history. Do you feel he is justified in leaving his family behind explain?

20. Can you think of someone other than Siddhartha who left the life of luxury in order to pursue wisdom? Explain.