Origins of Buddhism Worksheet

Origins of Buddhism

Read each question carefully and answer to the best of your ability.

The story of Buddhism begins with a prince named Siddhartha Gautama. He was born in ancient India, in a place that is now Nepal, over 2,500 years ago. Siddhartha lived a life of luxury inside his palace, shielded from the suffering of the outside world. One day, he ventured outside and saw old age, sickness, and death. These sights made him realize that all people experience suffering. He decided to leave his princely life to search for the true meaning of life and a way to end suffering. After years of searching and meditation, he found enlightenment under a Bodhi tree and became known as the Buddha, or 'the awakened one.' The teachings of the Buddha became the foundation of Buddhism.

1. Who was the founder of Buddhism?

2. Where was Siddhartha Gautama born?

3. Siddhartha lived a life of   inside his palace.

4. He left his home to search for the true meaning of life and a way to end  .

5. After finding enlightenment, Siddhartha became known as the  .

6. What three things did Siddhartha see outside the palace that made him realize everyone experiences suffering?

7. Siddhartha Gautama was always known as the Buddha.

8. The Bodhi tree is important in the story of Buddha.

This is a statue of the Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama. Many statues and images of Buddha are created to honor his teachings.