Around 530 B.C.E., a young Hindu prince named Siddhartha Gautama challenged the beliefs of India when he said that even a lowborn person could become enlightened and be released from the cycle of reincarnation in just one lifetime. The Buddha, as Siddhartha came to be known, taught that by seeking the Middle Way between asceticism and materialism and following the 8-Fold Path, a person could achieve Enlightenment and the end of suffering and selfishness. Over the next 500 years, Buddhism spread from India to China and throughout much of the rest of Asia along the Silk Road. Over the centuries, Buddhism has been one of the major influences in Asian societies. It remains a vibrant faith today, even in the face of periodic governmental repression.

You will be assigned topics that reflect issues surrounding the influence of Buddhism on the daily lives of its followers. Use what you have learned to participate in a group presentation in which you introduce various aspects of Buddhist life to the class. To prepare for the presentation, you will research areas of Buddhist life from education to women's roles.

Look at the photographs below. Answer the following questions on a separate sheet of paper.

Worshipers at the Dabei (Great Mercy) Temple, in Tianjin, on the first day of the Spring Festival (Chinese New Year's Day) 1998. The burning of sticks of incense, which many worshipers are holding, is not only a part of Buddhist rituals but also of ancestor worship and most other commemorative rituals. Courtesy of Thomas DuBois.

Buddhist monks receiving alms. (Courtesy of Tourism Authority of Thailan)

• What Buddhist values are being depicted in these photographs?
• What purpose might these rituals and holidays serve?

Use the World Cultures Today articles listed below to research the ways in which Buddhism has shaped the beliefs, practices, and cultural life of its followers. As you read, keep your assigned topics in mind. Your group's presentation will need to contain factual evidence from the readings.

Use the Concept Map to take notes on your topic as you do your research. Write your topic in the center of the graphic organizer. As you read, list facts and details in the radiating circles.

Write your speech. Work together with your group to plan the order of your presentation. Be sure to give each member adequate time to present their topic. Remember to include specific facts and details to illustrate your points. Consider pacing, tone, and audience as you give your presentation. Answer any questions from the class after you have finished presenting.

Your teacher will use these questions to assess your performance:

• Did your presentation include sufficient facts and details from the readings?
• Did you ensure that your individual speech was clear and well-organized?
• Did you set an appropriate tone and conduct?
• Were you an active participant in your group’s presentation?