Buddhism Terms and Siddartha Characters Humanities Exam

Four Noble Truths

Suffering (Dukkha): Life involves suffering.

Origin (Samudaya): Suffering is caused by craving and attachment.

Cessation (Nirodha): Suffering can end through letting go of craving.

Path (Magga): The Eightfold Path leads to the end of suffering.

Dukkha

suffering or dissatisfaction

Eightfold Path

a guide to end suffering, including Right View, Right Intention, Right Speech, Right Action, Right Livelihood, Right Effort, Right Mindfulness, and Right Concentration.

Nirvana

the ultimate goal in Buddhism, a state of liberation and freedom from suffering and the cycle of rebirth.

Karma

the law of cause and effect, where actions (good or bad) influence future experiences.

Wheel of Life

the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth (samsara) driven by karma and ignorance.

Maya

the illusion or deceptive nature of reality, obscuring the true understanding of life and existence.

Reincarnation

the cycle of rebirth, where beings are born into new lives based on their karma until they achieve liberation.

Govinda

Siddhartha's loyal friend and companion who follows him on his journey but eventually chooses to follow the teachings of the Buddha.

Siddartha’s father

a Brahman and a respected figure in their community. He represents traditional values and the path Siddhartha initially rejects in his search for enlightenment.

Samana Leader

the head of the ascetic group Siddhartha and Govinda join. He teaches them self-denial and meditation as a path to enlightenment, but Siddhartha eventually finds this path insufficient.

Vasudeva

a wise and enlightened ferryman who guides Siddhartha toward true understanding, teaching him to listen to the river and find enlightenment through simplicity and connection with nature.

Buddha (Gotama)

the enlightened teacher whose teachings on the Four Noble Truths and the Eightfold Path Siddhartha encounters. Though Siddhartha respects Buddha, he ultimately chooses to seek his own path to enlightenment.

Kamala

a beautiful courtesan/prostitute who teaches Siddhartha the ways of love and pleasure. She plays a key role in his worldly experiences, leading him to a life of indulgence before he seeks a deeper spiritual path.

Kawaswami

a wealthy merchant known by Kamala who employs Siddhartha in his business. He teaches Siddhartha about the material world, but Siddhartha eventually grows disillusioned with the pursuit of wealth and power.

The Son

Siddhartha's son is the child Siddhartha has with Kamala. He represents Siddhartha’s attachment to the material world and his struggle with parenthood, symbolizing a new cycle of learning and growth for Siddhartha.