Assignment:
Buddhism - religion or philosophy
There is no clear-cut creation story in Buddhism, and the gods do not play a decisive role in man'squest to reach nirvana. Moreover, according to many Buddhists, nirvana is notseen as an association or an encounter with the divine but as a state.
1. Is Buddhism a religion, where one worships something sacred, or is it to be regarded as a philosophical view of life? What do you think?
2. What does it mean to live as a Buddhist compared to living as a Christian or Muslim? What are the similarities and differences?
1. Why is vesak the most important Buddhist holiday?
2. Why are so few festivals celebrated by all Buddhists?
3. What do you think is the purpose of celebrating holidays?
4. Compare the Buddhist festivals with the festivals of other religions. What are the similarities and differences?
5. How are the central ideas of Buddhism expressed in the festivals and traditions?
6. Do men and women celebrate the holidays in the same way?