Problem 1: How has our study of "eastern" religions complicated the standard use of the term "religion"? In other words, how does the study of Hinduism and Buddhism challenge Western conceptions of "religion"? What are the key points of comparison with the "western" religions studied this semester?
Problem 2: Describe some of the ways in which Hinduism and Buddhism are both similar to and different from one another.
Problem 3: What kind of internal diversity exists within each individual tradition?
Problem 4: What is samsara and what solutions do various Hindu and Buddhist philosophies provide? How was the Buddha's doctrine of rebirth different from the Hindu view?
Problem 5: What are the various attitudes toward the gods in Hinduism and Buddhism?
Problem 6: How was Hindu society organized and underpinned by the doctrine of reincarnation?
Problem 7: What are the Five Precepts in Buddhism and how do they shape Buddhist identity?
Problem 8: What are the key events in the life of Siddhartha?