This guide will help you in your understanding
of Buddhism as presented in this book. Each question corresponds chronologically
to sections in this book. To get the most out of this exercise, I would
suggest just using a highlighter as you read the book over several sittings.
It is important to note from the outset that
this is book is very evangelistic in nature. It presents facts in an easy
to understand and attractive manner. The advantage of using this type of
book is that we can learn from what they say about themselves, rather than
a Christian’s interpretation of the religion. I appeal to you, do not study
this book without asking God’s protection over you while you study. If
you feel a desire to convert to Buddhism, put the book down immediately
and give your minister or lecturer a ring.
1. How do they define religion?
2. How did religion come about?
3. Has God always been synonymous with religion? What use is this concept?
4. What was Buddha trying to discover?
5. What was discovered in ‘The Great Renunciation’?
6. Why didn’t the Buddha introduce another religion?
7. What was Buddha attempting to achieve?
8. List the religious terminology that the Buddha redefined.
9. Contrast traditional usage and Buddha’s usage of Dharma.
10. How is Karma understood by the Buddha? How does this affect salvation?
11. Contrast traditional usage and Buddha’s usage of Nirvana.
12. How is salvation affected through karmic actions?
13. What did the Buddha introduce?
14. What is better than receiving revelations from God? Why?
15. What has arisen from the intellectual and philosophical content
of Buddhism?
What is meant by ‘I go to the Buddha for refuge’?
16. How do we decide what to accept?
17. Why is mere faith meaningless? What was the Buddha’s response?
18. Why is there no such thing as heresy in Buddhism?
19. What is the test of a religious teaching? How has this affected
Buddha’ concepts?
20. How does Buddhism deal with miracles?
21. On what different levels do Buddhist ethics exist?
22. How is morality understood? Why?
23. What does Buddhism teach regarding the advancement of society?
24. List the ways in which modern government resembles Buddhist practices?
25. From where does happiness arise?
26. How do we avoid the pain that misfortune can bring?
27. If you have just reached the conclusion, reflect on it, and
bring any questions arising from this reading to your next class.