GCSE Buddhism

Question 1

Where was the Buddha born, and what were the miracles associated with his birth?

Answer 1

Lumbini Park; taking seven steps and Lotus flowers appearing

Question 2

What were the Four Sights?

Answer 2

The Four Sights were an old man, a sick man, a corpse, and an ascetic. These sights prompted Siddhartha to contemplate the nature of suffering and the impermanence of life.

Question 3

What are the key aspects of an ascetic life, as practiced by the Buddha?

Answer 3

Ascetic life involves giving up duties to family and society, personal property, celibacy, wandering from place to place, self-mortification, and studying under a guru.

Question 4

This is an event BEFORE the Buddha’s Enlightenment

How did the Buddha discover the Middle Way, and what does it signify?

Answer 4

The Buddha discovered the Middle Way by realizing the balance between a life of excessive luxury (the palace) and extreme asceticism. It signifies the path of moderation and avoidance of extremes.

Question 5

Explain the significance of the Buddha’s statement in the Jataka Tales: “Not until I attain the supreme Enlightenment will I give up this seat of meditation.”

Answer 5

This statement reflects the Buddha’s determination to achieve Enlightenment before abandoning his meditative seat.