Hinduism
Buddhism
Ashoka
Vocabulary
Compare & Think
100

What is karma?

Karma is the idea that a person’s actions affect what happens to them in the future.

100

Who was Siddhartha Gautama?

Siddhartha Gautama was the founder of Buddhism who later became known as the Buddha.

100

Who was Ashoka?

Ashoka was a powerful ruler of the Mauryan Empire who later helped spread Buddhism.

100

Give an example of desire causing suffering.

An example of desire causing suffering is wanting something badly and feeling upset when you do not get it.

100

What is one similarity between Hinduism and Buddhism?

One similarity is that both religions began in India and focus on understanding life and suffering.

200

What is dharma?

Dharma is a person’s duty or role in life and means doing what is right.

200

What is dukkha?

Dukkha means suffering or dissatisfaction that people experience in life.

200

How was Ashoka before he changed?

Before he changed, Ashoka was a harsh and violent ruler who used war to gain power.

200

What does it mean to follow the Middle Way in real life?

Following the Middle Way means making balanced choices instead of going to harmful extremes.

200

What is one difference between the two religions?

One difference is that Hinduism believes in many gods, while Buddhism does not focus on a main god.

300

What is samsara?

Samsara is the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth that people go through.


300

What causes suffering in Buddhism?

Buddhists believe suffering is caused by desire, or wanting too much.

300

What caused Ashoka to change?

Ashoka changed after the Kalinga War when he saw the suffering he caused and felt guilt.

300

How can someone reduce suffering in their life?

A person can reduce suffering by letting go of too many desires and making better choices.

300

Why do both religions focus on suffering?

Both religions focus on suffering because they try to help people understand it and find ways to reduce it.

400

How does karma affect your next life?

Karma affects your next life because good actions can lead to better outcomes and bad actions can lead to worse ones.

400

What is nirvana?

Nirvana is a state of peace and freedom from suffering and desire.

400

How did Ashoka rule after his change?

After his change, Ashoka ruled with kindness, peace, and nonviolence.

400

What does it mean to follow your dharma as a student?

Following your dharma as a student means doing your responsibilities like paying attention and completing your work.

400

How are moksha and nirvana similar?

Moksha and nirvana are similar because both are goals of reaching peace and freedom from suffering.

500

Why might the caste system be unfair?

The caste system can be unfair because people are born into a social class and cannot easily change it.

500

Why is the Middle Way important?

The Middle Way is important because it teaches people to live a balanced life without extremes.

500

Name one way Ashoka spread Buddhism and explain it.

Ashoka spread Buddhism by sending missionaries, which were people who traveled to teach others about the religion.

500

How does karma show up in real life?

Karma shows up in real life when your actions lead to consequences, like being kind and getting treated kindly in return.

500

Which idea from these religions could help you in real life and why?

One helpful idea is the Middle Way because it teaches people to stay balanced and make better decisions.

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