Discussion Questions for Asma, Buddha for Beginners, Chapter 1

1) What kind of life did the Buddha lead before his “enlightenment”? How did his experiences outside the palace walls affect him?

2) What were some of the elements of Hindu religions that the Buddha was familiar with? How did he react to these ideas?

3) Why is Buddhism sometimes called “The Middle Way”?

4) How did the Buddha realize enlightenment or Nirvana?