 |
These
Online Research Projects are for students who are prepared
to research a selected Buddhist topic using the Net. Much
of the content for these projects are to be found in Buddhism-Online: "The Buddhist World" and "Buddhist History
and Culture" sections or we suggest that you check the BuddhaNet.net
Web links to other Buddhist resources. A class presentation
and/or written material can be made at the completion of each
project. (We would be interested in any high
quality material for posting on BuddhaNet, derived from these
projects).
 |
The
Monastic Community
• Why might it be easier to practice
Buddhism if you're a monk or a nun?
•
What are the main differences between
the rules for a Theravadin monk/nun and a monk/nun in
the Tibetan tradition?
•
Could any rules governing the lives of
monks/nuns be modified or done away with altogether,
without compromising the purpose and integrity of ordination?
If so, which ones and why? |
|
Buddhist
Pilgrimage - the Holy Sites
• If you could only visit
four pilgrimage sites, which ones would they be and
why?
• Choose a pilgrimage site
and compare it now with what it might have been like
in the Buddha's lifetime. For example, do people dress
differently now? Has the countryside changed in any
way?
• Chose a pilgrimage site
and script what you would say if you were a tour guide
describing it to a group of tourists who knew nothing
about the Buddha, or his teachings. |
|
The
Spread of Buddhism in Asia
• Choose two Buddhist countries
and list the main differences between them in terms
of the way Buddhism is practiced.
• Pick a key figure responsible
for the spread of Buddhism - either from one country
to another, or just within one country - and describe
their main achievements.
• Often what the Buddha taught
and the way it's practiced are two very different things,
due to cultural influences. Can you think of an example
where Buddhist teachings have been confused with a society's
customs? |
|
Buddhist
Art and Architecture / Iconography
• Choose a Buddhist symbol
and using the Internet, find three depictions of that
symbol in use.
• What are some other Buddhist
symbols/iconography and can you explain their use?
• Do any Buddhist symbols/iconography
have equivalents in the Christian tradition? |
|
A
Work of Buddhist Literature
• From a Work of Buddhist Literature, such
as the Dhammapada (Sayings of the Buddha), choose a
verse then describe what it means and its implications
in your own life. |
|
Chinese
Buddhist Temple / Deities
• What is the history of the practice of Chinese
Buddhism in Australia? (or your country)
• Locate a Chinese Buddhist temple in Australia
(or in your country), find out about its history and
if possible, obtain a program of upcoming events. If
you could attend one, which would it be and why?
• Who's your favourite Chinese Buddhist deity and
why? |
|
Women
in Buddhism
• If you were interviewing a Buddhist nun today,
what questions would you ask her, and how do you think
she might respond?
• Describe a typical day in the life of a nun.
• How are Buddhist nuns today still discriminated
against? |
|
Buddhist
Festivals and Ceremonies / Devotional
Practices
• How does a traditional Buddhist marriage ceremony/funeral
differ from those in the Christian tradition?
• Why might the contemplation of death in the Tibetan
tradition be encouraged?
• If you were to create your own Buddhist shrine,
what would you include on it and why?
• Choose a festival or special day in the Buddhist
calendar, then contact a Buddhist temple/centre in your
area and find out what they're doing to celebrate the
occasion. |
Below
are links to the online resources and supplementary material.
There is a wealth of crossed referenced material to browse
through on BuddhaNet's website: www. buddhanet.net. It is
suggested that you use either BuddhaNet's internal search
engine or the sitemap where there are menus or sub-directories
with a description of the content of each section.
|
|
|
