Having grown up in wealth and then living a life of extreme asceticism, The Buddha found no peace. He arrived at a Middle Way and for his Dharma he proposed the 4 Noble Truths and the 8-Fold Path. (pp. 142-148). This would break the samsara cycle and produce nirvana. The challenge is putting The Buddha’s Dharma into action.
Main discussion questions for the week:
Theravada Buddhism is about mindfulness and meditation. Mahayana Buddhism is about compassion guided by wisdom.
- Discuss how either Theravada or Mahayana Buddhism can apply the principles of the 8-Fold Path to daily living.
- Which system would you choose to live by? Why?
Extra Credit Question (worth up to 5 points depending on the depth of your answer):
What are 4 ways we can use Buddhist ideas like the 4 Noble Truths and the 8-Fold Path in today’s workplace? Hint: go to research.strayer.edu, search “Buddhism Workplace,” and find the article by Joan Marques in the Journal of Global Business Issues.