Religion: Dhammapada Discussion Day Worksheet

1. Contextualize the Dhammapada as Buddhist literature. Where does it fit in the Buddhist canon? What is its purpose/who is its audience? Is it applicable to us today? How so?

2. How does the Dhammapada depict the ideal monk (arhant)? Discuss virtue and vice in the Dhammapada. What does Virtue look like? What does Vice look like?

3. How does the Dhammapada relate to the four noble truths of Buddhism? Discuss suffering and the practical dimensions of the eightfold path in eliminating suffering

4. Discuss the literary dimensions to the Dhammapada as poetry. Do you think this is effective in presenting the message of Buddhism?

5. What are reflections or concerns you have upon the text. What moved you from the text? What are problems you find with the text? How does the text help you understand Buddhism better?