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Siddhartha and Gotama: A Closer Look at Buddhism
With your group, review pages 29-36 in Siddhartha and reflect on what we have read so far about the
teachings of Buddha. In the space below, make a list of things Siddhartha tells readers about Buddhism:

The Buddha said that by following the Four Noble Truths and the Noble Eightfold
Path people could reach Nirvana. Buddhists believe that if they follow the Buddha’s
teachings well they will reach a similar enlightenment.

The Buddha said that you could not reach Nirvana by living a life of luxury
(Brahmanism) or by living a life of deliberate poverty and starvation (Jainism). The
Buddha himself had tried to do both in his life. He taught his followers that they should
follow a Middle Way. He said that the Middle Way had eight parts and that each part
must be followed. This Middle Way is called the Eightfold Path. The eight steps are:
1. RIGHT UNDERSTANDING
2. RIGHT THOUGHT
3. RIGHT SPEECH
4. RIGHT ACTION

5. RIGHT LIVELIHOOD
6. RIGHT EFFORT
7. RIGHT AWARENESS
8. RIGHT MEDITATION
The following explanations match parts of the eight fold path. With your group, match the eight
steps above to the correct descriptions below to help improve your understanding of The
Illustrious One’s teachings:
Buddhists must think about the kind of life that they lead, in order
to live a caring and unselfish life.
Buddhists must train their minds to be calm and positive and to be
able to concentrate without getting distracted.
Buddhists must do a job to the best of their ability, that does not
harm others and is helpful.
Buddhists must understand that life involves
suffering and change. This must be overcome.
Buddhists should behave and act in ways that respect living things,
other people’s property, other people’s feelings and themselves.
They should never steal or kill.
Buddhists should be able to control their minds to see things clearly.
They should be aware of themselves, their body, feelings and
thoughts. They should also be aware of other people and the world
around them.
Buddhists should do their best to avoid bad things and do good
things. They should try to avoid and prevent evil and make an effort
to do good to others as well as to encourage others to be good.
Buddhists should always speak in a kind, positive and helpful way
and speak the truth. They must never tell lies, or hurt others or
themselves by the things that they say.
About the Jataka Tales
Part of the canon of sacred Buddhist literature are the Jataka Tales, a collection of some 550
anecdotes that depict earlier incarnations of the being who would become Siddhartha Gotama,
the future Buddha. Read your tale and answer the following questions in your group.
Reflection Questions:
1. Title of your tale: ______________________________________
2. List characters. How are they characterized within the story?
3. What is the major conflict in the story?
4. Based on the conflict in your story what human condition or theme is being depicted?
(For example, if your story deals with someone trying to steal from another, your tale could be
concerning jealousy.)
5. Who is Buddha in your story and what incarnation is he?
6. Write out the moral of your story.
Your assignment:
Today, your goal today will be to write your own version of a Jataka Tale. With your group,
review what we know about the teachings of Buddha both through our study of the novel and the
tale you have just read.
 Choose an incarnation for Buddha.
 Choose a conflict for your characters to overcome.
 Choose a moral for your story based upon either the Four Noble Truths or the Eight Fold
Path.
 Now with your group, come up with a story board with which to share your tale with the
class. Once a story is determined, get to work!
Requirements:
Your story must have at least five pages and must contain an illustration on each page.
Remember, you will be sharing these. Each person in your group is responsible for completing
one page. At the end of the story your group will have a sixth page including an explanation of
the moral of the story, as well as your tale’s connection to Buddhist doctrine. Make sure all
names are on the final product and that each group member shares responsibility equally. Be
creative!