Buddhism Reading Discussion Questions

[Mr. J.]

Directions: Use information from the reading to answer the
following questions in complete sentences.

1. What issue does Singala ask Buddha to clarify and how does he
answer Singala?
2. What distinctions does the Buddha make between good men and
enemies? Be specific and elaborate.
3. Based on the selection, why might the Buddha's teachings,
especially those dealing with abstinence and saving money, be
attractive to his followers?
4. What evidence from the reading indicated that the Theravada viewed
Buddha as an inspired human teacher?

[Kim Sass]

1. Singala asks Buddha to calrify how the six conducts should be
worshipped in the correct way. Buddha says that if the worshipper
doesn't do an evil deed from any of the four motives, if he isn't
materialistic, and if he gives up the four vices of action, then and
only then can he embrace the six quarters into his life.

2. Buddha says that evil men act upon their feelings of fear and
anger, which leads to evil deeds. There are four types of evil men; a
grapsing man, a smooth-spoken man, a man who only says what you want
to hear, and a man who helps you waste your money. The grasping man
gives a little but expects a lot in return, the smooth-spoken man
tries to win you over with false promises, the man who only says what
you want to hear praises you to your face, but stabs you in the back.
Finally, the man who helps you waste your money is only there to help
you when you want to spend your money. But, the good men have a true
heart and follow their morals, not their feelings. He will help you
when you're bountiful and he will help you when you are not.

3. It might be attractive to his followers because the teachings of
Buddha help you stray away from spending money. For example, you are a
drinker who spends all of his money on alcohol, Buddha's teachings can
help open your mind into a new life that will be more prosperous
because you are happy with yourself and your income. Also, Buddhism
can be formed to help anyone's personal life. There aren't basic rules
that you must follow, but guidelines that you must embrace.

4. There is evidence when Singala asks Buddha a question. In other
religions, you can ask the God a question but you don't get an answer,
merely that you should just "believe" and everything else will fall
into place. But, because Buddha is a teacher and not a God he can
easily explain his point of view with anyone, no matter who they are.
Teachers answer questions thoroughly, and Buddha did just that in this
selection of Theraveda text.

[Erik Hotaling]

1. Singala asks Buddha to clarify how to warship the six Quarters in
accordance with the noble conduct. Buddha answers that it if someone
does no evil deed from any of the four motives, if he doesn't squander
his wealth, and if he avoids the fourteen evils then he is truly
worshiping the six quarters and will be reborn in heaven.
2. Men are men who seeks to help you a man who is the same in well
being and troubles, a man who gives you good advice and a man who is
sympathetic. Bad men are grasping men; who give little and asks for
much in return, he only acts out of fear and he is selfish, smooth-
spoken men; who lies, gives you empty promises, and does not follow
through with his actions, the man who says what you want to hear
because he; does evil deeds, and he says something to your face and
something else behind your back, and the wastrel he; is only your
friend when you drink, go out late and spend extravagantly.
3. Buddha's teachings would have been very appealing to his followers
because they are not rules that will take over your life they are
guidelines that will make your life better. They would have been
appealing to a person who might not have been happy with the direction
their life was going but didn't want to completely devote themselves
or change their whole way of living.
4. Buddha is a normal person in this. He is staying with other people
and he goes out and begs, something you would not expect a god to do.
Buddha's tone in this is not that of an all knowing deity but that of
a teacher helping his pupil find the correct path

[Sam]

1: Singala asked Buddha to tell him how the six quarters should be
worshiped in accordance with noble conduct. Buddha answers him by
saying that if he does no evil deed from any of the four motives, if
he doesn't follow the six ways of squandering his wealth, and if he
avoid all fourteen evil, then he can properly embrace the six
quarters.

2: Buddha says that a friend is a man who seeks to help you, a man who
is the same in well-being and woe, a man who give good advice and a
man who is sympathetic. But Buddha says that enemies are men grasping
men who give little and expect a lot in return, smooth spoken men who
tries to win you over by empty promises, an enemy is a man who only
says what you want to hear who praises you to your face; but runs you
down behind your back, and lastly an enemy is a man who helps you
waste your money who joins you when you drink and gamble.

3: Buddahs teachings may be very attractive to his followers becasue
they preech a very pure life style. When people want to follow
something such as a religion they want to follow the purest thing that
will help them the most in life and keep them out of trouble.
Everything that Buddha preaches sets a person on the right path for
life and will most likely keep them out of trouble.

4: I can tell from this reading that the Theraveda viewed Buddha as an
inspired human teacher because the plot of the story is that their is
a man trying to follow Buddha's guidelines of life and he is doing it
incorrectly so Buddha teaches him the right way to do it and teaches
him many other things so BUddha is viewed as a teacher throughout this
entire reading. Also he is just viewed as a normal person in this not
a diety or a god.

On May 5, 11:42 am, "Mr. J." <glen.jaskelew...@rtsd.org> wrote:

[John Li]

1. Singala asks Buddha to clarify how he should worship the six
quarters in accordance with noble conduct. Buddha replies that in
order to be able to embrace the six quarters, the man must do no evil
deeds, doesn't squander his or her wealth and has to be able to give
up material wealth. When all three of these are achieved, then "he
embraces the six quarters, he is ready for the conquest of both
worlds".
2. Buddha says that the grasping man is an enemy: these people only
want something, ranging from wealth or acceptance. the four types of
people that are enemies are the grasping man, the smooth-spoken man,
the man who only says what you want to hear, and the man who ants to
waste your money. These enemies are simply greedy, acting only for
self-benefit. However, the good man acts whether or not they benefit
from the act. Thus, no matter what type of situation you're in, or
whether you they don't benefit at all, they'll still help you because
it's the right thing to do.
3. Buddha's teachings may seem attractive to his followers because it
allows them to be "purer", striving closer and closer to Nirvana.
Thus, as a result of this enlightenment, the follower of Buddhism may
be more intelligent, more enlightened, and more able to live life to
the fullest.
4. There is evidence that the Theravada viewed Buddha as a inspired
human teacher because the fact that he was, and still is a human.
Buddha was, and never will be a god. The fact that Buddha is
physically there and is answering Singala's questions proves that he
is helping Singala achieve enlightenment. However, if Buddha was
viewed as a god, people would worship him in addition to the quarters,
and Buddha would simply be an avatar of some greater god. It is a
fact, though, that Buddha is definitely human, and achieved Nirvana
and spent the last 45 years of his life as a revered teacher of the
Buddhist ideals.

[Robyn]

1. Singala asks the Buddha how the six quarters should be worshipped
in accordance with noble conduct once the Buddha confronts him for not
doing so. Buddha answers Singala that if he does no evil deed from any

of the four motives, if he doesn't follow the six ways of squandering

his wealth, if he avoids all these fourteen evils and embraces the six
quarters, then he will be "reborn to bliss in heaven."

2. Buddha explains that bad men are enemies on four grounds, focusing
on how these men are not truly the way they portray themselves to be.
For example, he explains that the smooth-spoken man can talk to one
about all parts of life, however when he is of no use when there is
something to be done. He explains that the grasping man gives, however
he expects more in return. He describes that the friendship of the
wastrel is only conditional, for he is only a friend when one is up to
no good (a negative influence, partner in crime.) The man who only
says what one wants to hear, he explains, is also an enemy because
although those words may be kind and comforting, they are not true and
this man will truly speak his mind only behind one's back. Buddha then
goes on to explain that friends true of heart are ones that seek to
help, who are the same in well-being and woe, who give good advice,
and who are sympathetic. The main contrast between the good men and
the evil men is that those described to be evil only do things when it
is convenient, they are self-serving and fair weathered, while the
good men are selfless; they act out of the kindness and generosity in
their hearts rather than on their desire for personal gain.

3. Based on this selection, Buddha's teachings, especially those
dealing with abstinence and saving money, might be attractive to his
followers because they give people direction and fulfillment. His
teachings help one be frugal because he denounces extraneous material
possessions as unnecessary to a pure life. His teachings about
abstinence may be appealing because he explains that, by rejecting the
four motives and being pure and whole, one will be reborn into the
bliss of heaven; something that could comfort or entice almost anyone.

4. Evidence in the story that the Theraveda viewed Buddha as an
inspired teacher starts right in the beginning when his morning is
described as so: " Now early that same morning the Lord dressed
himself, and with bowl and robe went to Rajagaha to beg his food." By
describing him as anyone would be described, the Theraveda does not
deify him. The story continues to tribute to the belief that he was an
inspired teacher rather than a God because he thoroughly enlightens
Singala as any good teacher would to.

On May 5, 11:42 am, "Mr. J." <glen.jaskelew...@rtsd.org> wrote:

[Shahrin Islam]

1. Singala asks Buddha to how to worship the six quarters in
accordance with noble conduct. Buddha clarifies by telling him that he
must refrain from evil deeds from any of the four motives, to refrain
from squandering his wealth and that he must avoid the fourteen evils,
he will be ready to embrace the six quarters of life.
2. Buddha says that there are four evil men. A grasping man is a man
who gives little but expects and takes a lot; he only acts out of fear
and is egocentric in pursuing tasks.The smooth spoken man that sweet-
talks people and makes empty promises, but when duty calls, he flakes.
There is a man who only tells you what you want to hear and in doing
so, he consents to evil deeds and backstabs. Finally, there is the
wastrel who is only supportive when you are drinking, roaming the
streets, when you go to fairs and when you gamble. Contrary to the
evil men, the four good men are the man that seeks to help you, the
man who is in the same well-being and woe as you, a man who gives good
advice and the man who is sympathetic. The good men, unlike the
enemies, are not selfish and egocentric. They do not act out of fear
and jealousy but out of the well-being of others and what is truly
morally congruent.
3. Buddha's teachings are attractive to others, particularly those
that are abstinent and saving money, because they are reassuring. They
allow those to realize that skeptics are enemies for they force you to
stray from the righteous path. It provides counsel for a pure and
wholesome life, one that will eventually transcend all materialistic
and corporal goods. They address the inner being as opposed to
superficial needs and force the follower into being reassured that by
renouncing the materialistic world, they are following the righteous
path, one that will lead to enlightenment.
4. In this story, Buddha is not deity and is not revered as one. He is
a man, like Singala. The only difference is that Buddha is
enlightened. Singala is conflicted is trying to pursue the righteous
path. Buddha tries to teach him, not force him, how to pursue the
righteous path and how Singala could apply this. If Buddha was a god
or deity, Singala would be forced to follow the word of God and
therefore, he would never be truly able to make the lesson applicable
to life for he would have the motivation to understand it. Since
Buddha is a teacher, he is helping Singala UNDERSTAND the lesson,
instead of just ignorantly following it. Therefore, this reading
indicates that Theravada viewed Buddha as an inspired human teacher.

On May 5, 11:42 am, "Mr. J." <glen.jaskelew...@rtsd.org> wrote:

[Emma Burke]

1. Singala asks Buddha how is he supposd to worship the six quarters,
which his father asked him to do. Buddha answers Singala by explaining
that if man gives up the four vices of action and does no evil from
any other motives, then he can embrace the six quarters.

2. Buddha says that there are four types of men that are your enemies
and four types of men that are your friends. The men that can be
called enemies are: a grasping man, a smooth-spoken man, a man that
only tells you what you want to hear, and a man who helps you waste
your money. The men that can be called your friends are: a man who
seeks to help you, a man who is the same in weal and woe, a man who
gives good advice, and a man who is sympathetic.

3. Buddha's teachings could be seen as attractive to his followers
because of the guideline-like format. Buddha gives guidelines about
friends and enemies, as well as making good choices. But he does not
make strict judgements. For example, regarding drinking he says not to
surround yourself with people that will cause you to get drunk and
waste your money, but does not condone drinking.

4. There reading shows that Buddha was seen as a teacher and not a
diety because of the casual way he was depicted. Buddha bathes and
changes clothes, just like Singala. But he acts as a teacher by
showing a path to "conquest both worlds"

On May 5, 11:42 am, "Mr. J." <glen.jaskelew...@rtsd.org> wrote:

[sami]

1. Singala asks Buddha how the six orders should be worshipped in
accordance with noble conduct. Buddha answers the question by saying
that all a noble must do to properly worship the six orders is if he
doesn’t do an evil deed from one of the four motives, doesn’t follow
the six ways of squandering wealth, avoids the fourteen evils, and
embraces the six quarters completely. As long as one follows all of
these spiritual rules, he goes is reborn into bliss after death.
2. According to Buddha, a good friend is a friend who is a helper, is
in weal and woe, gives good counsel, and sympathizes. Buddha says that
a wise man should make sure his four true friends fit these
descriptions and devote himself to them. However, Buddha also warns of
enemies in the guise of friends. A man that classifies as an enemy is
a grasping man, a smooth spoken man, a man who only says what you want
to hear, and a man who helps you waste money.
3. Buddha’s teachings may have been attractive to his followers
because they give them a sense of purpose and self fulfillment. While
other religions require their followers to live their life to appease
an all powerful god in order to get into heaven, Buddhism allows its
followers to control their own fate by only requiring that they live a
pure and simple life in order to achieve eternal bliss.
4. After reading the conversation between Buddha and Singala, one can
tell that Singala views Buddha as an inspired human teacher. Singala
is obviously, trying to follow Buddha’s spiritual guidelines and shows
this by asking him how to worship the four quarters properly.

On May 5, 11:42 am, "Mr. J." <glen.jaskelew...@rtsd.org> wrote:

[sami]

[sami]

[James]

1. Singala asks Buddha how to properly worship the six quarters, and
Buddha replies by telling him who to surround himself with. If he can
surround himself with good people and stay away from those who will
corrupt his journey, he will be able to focus on his goal and be able
to thoroughly embrace the six quarters.

2. One important distinction that Buddha makes between good and evil
people is that the good people are always the same, no matter the
situation. He says that "enemies" will show you whatever side they
need to to get what they want, but in the end it is their true motives
that will drive them to act. Good men, however, will always be honest
and never try to confuse or corrupt you, thus helping you on your way
to being able to understand the six quarters.

3. Unlike many other religions, the word of Buddha is not law; he
never comes out and says (as far as we've read so far) that you are to
never drink or gamble, only that it will lead you astray from the path
to nirvana. This may have given his followers the impression that he
was not trying to control them, just help them on their journey. He
helped people create guidelines in their lives, and it was ok if you
crossed the boundry, because everybody makes mistakes, and that it is
possible to still achieve nirvana.

4. Not once in the article is Buddha referred to as a deity. Also, it
says that Buddha was on his way one morning to "beg his food," which
helps show that he is just as human as anybody else, only more
enlightened.

[Kai]

1. Singala asks Buddha how he should worship the six quarters in
accordance with noble conduct. Buddha replies that by giving up the
four vices of action, avoiding the four evil motives, and not
following the six ways of squandering wealth, he will embrace the six
quarters.

2. Buddha explains that there are four types of enemies and friends.
The enemies are selfish and devious. Buddha talks of the grasping man
who gives little and expects much in return who only serves himself.
He also spoke of the smooth spoken man and the man who only says what
you want to hear. They are devious and will try to win your favor by
saying whatever you want to hear, but the smooth spoken man will only
give empty promises, and the man who only says what you want to hear
will stab you in the back whenever he can. The wastrel is also an
enemy because he accompanies and encourages you when you are doing bad
deeds such as gambling. On the other hand, the four friendly figures
are not self centered and will help you become a better person. They
are the man who seeks to help, the man who is the same of well-being,
the man who gives good advice, and the man who is sympathetic. All of
these friends, unlike the enemies help you without expecting to gain
something themselves.

3. Buddha's teachings may be attractive because people always want to
be more in control of themselves and what is around them. Buddha's
teachings about saving money and abstinence help followers to control
their environment and deflect the evils life throws at them. Everyone
wants to seem more responsible and wise, and Buddha's teachings point
them toward that wisdom.

4. When Buddha talks to the boy, he addresses him as Sir and says "I
will, Sir" once Buddha asks him to mark what he says. This shows
respect for Buddha as a person and as a wise teacher. Also, Buddha
lists the enemies and friends as though he were teaching a class.
Listing each one and describing them. This also shows that he has the
qualities of a teacher.

On May 5, 11:42 am, "Mr. J." <glen.jaskelew...@rtsd.org> wrote:

[Megan]

1. Buddha corrects the way that Singala is worshipping the 6
quarters. He says that the way Singala is worshipping is not in
“accordance with noble conduct”. Singala asks how to worship
properly, and Buddha says to avoid the 14 evil vices. Singala
then asks for clarification on these vices. There are the four vices
of action four motives and six ways to waste money. Buddha
answers by naming all 14 vices plus listing 4 men to be friends
with and 4 to watch out for and explaining how to properly
manage money.
2. The four enemies in disguise are selfish, fake, two-faced,
and the last one is a mooch. The four friends are helpful, have
things in common with you, give good advice and the final one
sympathisizes with you. To recap the enemies are fake and use
you, the good friend understands and supports you.
3. The reason people follow buddha’s advice is because it
makes sense. First rule of marketing: Have a good product. For
example Buddha’s financial advice is simple, easy to follow, and
effective. Use a fourth of your money save a fourth of your money,
try and expand your trade. This system provides for the necessities
emergencies, which ensures security, but it also allows for some
risk in investments.
4. It is obvious that the Theravada view Buddha as an inspired
human teacher. For starters you know he is human because he
dressed himself. Gods tend to just poof, it’s never really explained
how they do ordinary human things. Also you know he is an inspired
teacher, because he goes out of his way to explain to Singala what
he is doing wrong. Not only is he teaching someone, and making
sure that they fully understand, but he gives more than one lesson
during his speech.

On May 5, 11:42 am, "Mr. J." <glen.jaskelew...@rtsd.org> wrote:

[alyssa norton]

1. Singala asks Buddha how he can worship what he wants (the six
quarters) and honor his father and still be in accordance with noble
conduct. Buddha answers that if the noble-lay disciple gives up the 4
vices of action and does no evil deed from any of the other 4 motives.
Also if he doesn't follow the 6 ways of squandering your wealth and
avoids the 14 evils, then he can embrace the 6 quarters and can be
fortunate in both worlds (current world and the next). Singala then
asks him to clarify the 4 vices of action which are:
-injury of life
-taking what is not given
-base conduct on sexual matters
-false speech
After Singala asks him what the 4 motives of evil deeds are. They are:
-partiality
-emmity
-stupidity
-fear
Then Buddha explains what the 6 ways of squandering wealth are. They
are:
-addiction to drink
-roaming the streets at improper times
-frequenting fairs
-gambling
-keeping bad company
-idleness
2. Buddha makes several distinctions between good men and enemies.
First he explains the 4 types of enemies. They are the grasping man
who gives a little and expects a lot, performs duties only out of
fear, and serves for his own interests. The smooth-spoken man is
another example of an enemy, who speaks to you about the past and the
future, tries to win you over with empty promises, and when there's
something to be done he shows short comings. The third enemy is the
man who says what you want to hear. That man consents to an evil deed
and doesn't consent to a good one and also praises you to your face,
but runs you down behind your back. The fourth and last enemy is a
wastrel, or a man who helps you waste your money). That man is your
companion to drink, companion for roaming the streets at indecent
times, companion when you go to fairs, and also your companion when
you gamble.
The 4 men he labels as friends are a man who seeks to help you, a man
who is in the same well-being and woe, a man who gives good advice,

and a man who is sympathetic.

3. I think Buddha's followers find it attractive to practice
abstinence and save their money because Buddha presented it in a
fashion that makes you believe if you do not squander your wealth and
avoid the 14 evils they will receive bliss in heaven, which for many
people is a very motivating factor.
4. The evidence from the reading, indicated that the Theraveda viewed
Buddha as an inspired human teacher because of how he teaches Singala
of the four vices, four motives, fourteen evils, six ways of
squandering your wealth, and enemies and friends. He doesn't directly
teach him but he clarifies points for him that makes him be not just a
human teacher, but an inspired human teacher.

On May 5, 11:42 am, "Mr. J." <glen.jaskelew...@rtsd.org> wrote:

[Sibtain Bokhari]

1. Singala asks buddha to clarify the correct way to warship the six
quarters. Buddha explains that Singala needs to give up the four vices
of action. If he does no evil deed from the any of the four motives,
and if he doesnt squander his wealth, then he can truly embrace the
six quarters. Then, he is ready for both worlds, this and the next.
2. Buddha says that enemies are grasping men, smooth-spoken men, a man
who tells you only what you want to hear, and a man that helps you
waste your money. He then says that a good man is a man that seeks to
help you, a man who is the same in well-being and sorrow, one that
gives good advice, and one who is sympathetic. For enemies, he says
that they are in the guise of a friend, meaning that they are only
pretending to care for you. Ultimately, they are only using you for
their own benefit. With friends, he says that they are people that
truly care about you, and are true in heart. By this, he means that
they do not let their material vices get the better of them.
3. According to Buddha, drinking and gambling are two ways of
squandering wealth. Also, he says that an enemy is someone who helps
you waste money. Alcohol and gambling are two material vices, which
also consume large amounts of money. In Buddhism, one abandons such
material vices, thus saving money. Basically, Buddha preaches a life
of simplicity and purity. With abstinence, he preaches a life of
simplicity and purity. These will ultimately lead to Nirvana, which
would have been appealing to his followers.
4. There is evidence of Buddha being a teacher because of the way he
portrayed his beliefs. He did not just answer right away, but
explained everything pertaining to the question. Also, this shows that
he was a teacher, not a deity, because he was able to answer the
questions directly. You did not just think that the answer was there,
you physically heard it. This is some evidence to show that Buddha was
a teacher.

On May 5, 11:42 am, "Mr. J." <glen.jaskelew...@rtsd.org> wrote:

[Hannah]

1. Singala asks Buddha how he should properly worship the six
quarters. Buddha responds by saying that if he doesn't do any evil
deeds from the four motives, doesn't follow any of the six ways to
squander his wealth, and avoids all the fourteen evils, then he can
properly embrace the six quarters.
2. Buddha considers enemies to be the "smooth-spoken man", the
"grasping man", the "man who says what you want to hear", and the
"wastrel". The smooth spoken man constantly speaks in a kind, fair
manner, but is not all that he seems to be. The grasping man takes a
lot and gives little back. The man who says what you want to hear is
described as two-faced because he says nice things to your face, and
then talks badly about you behind your back. The wastrel supports bad
habits. On the other hand, the good men are the sympathetic men, then
men who want to help, a man who is there for you no matter what, and a
man who gives good advice. The sympathetic men show that they care.
The men who want to help are genuine and are good friends. The man who
gives good advice is honest, and the man who is there in bad times and
good times is a true friend who shows true allegiance to his friends.
3. Buddha's teachings, such as abstinence and saving money, would be
attractive to his followers because they ensure you dont follow any of
the six ways to squander wealth. Also, abstinence ensures that you are
not beginning relationships with untrustful people, or any of Buddha's
"enemies".
4. In the beginning, it is proven that Buddha is viewd by the
Theravada as an inspired human teacher, because Singala was keeping
his promise to his father and honoring his words, but he second
guessed them to ask Buddha how he should properly worship. The reading
also makes Buddha sound like every word he is saying is fact, and that
he speaks the truth. That shows that he is an englightened human. He
is also assisting Singala into understanding how to properly worship,
which shows he has enough knowledge and authority to be a teacher in
such a complicated topic/philosophy.

On May 5, 11:42 am, "Mr. J." <glen.jaskelew...@rtsd.org> wrote:

[Brendan]

1) Singala asks Buddha how he should worship the quarters of earth and
sky, east , west, north, south, above, and below in accordance with
the noble conduct. Buddha responds that he must stay away from the 4
vices of action, the 4 motives of evil deeds, and the 6 ways of
squandering his wealth. In addition to these 14 evils one must stay
away from the 4 people that could negatively influence them, the
grasping man, the smooth spoken man, the man that says only what u
want to hear and the man that helps you waste your money. And at the
same time surround themselves with good and moral people such as the
man that seeks to help you, the man who is the same in well-being and
woe, the man who gives good advice and the man who is sympathetic.

2) When Buddha describes the good and evil men in ones life it is the
evil men who can all be related to one or more of the 14 evils that
Buddha had said one must abstain from. The man who helps you waste
your money is tied together with the 6 ways of squandering wealth,
because he is your drinking partner, your companion when you roam the
streets at night, when you go to fairs and when you gamble. On the
reverse side of the spectrum the 4 true friends share characteristics
that the buddha himself has acquired, thus implying that it is these
friends that are already on the path to being a Buddha that one should
be close with. The Man that gives good advice is almost identical to
how Buddha is giving this good advice to Singala on how to properly
worship the six quarters of the ground and sky.

3) Buddha's teachings especially those of abstinence and saving money
would be appealing to his followers because they are values that are
already help to be important but now there is a strong leader and
group of people all working together to make those values actually
important in the live of people and not just superficial. They are
values that people ideally try to uphold but they are sometimes weak
and cannot maintain them by themselves that is why when Buddha came
along and was able to help guide people they were keen on following
him to become their ideal self.

4) In this reading are several examples to show that the Thereveda
viewed Buddha as an inspired human teacher. One example of his
humanity is when it states he goes out to beg for his food. He is also
referred to as sir by SIngala during there conversations not as Lord
or God. The third example is that even Singala who had been following
his dead father's wishes to pray to the six quarters was immediately
asking for guidance from Buddha when he was told that this worshipping
was not of the noble path instead of being insulted that Buddha was
claiming his deceased father's wishes were un-noble showing the great
respect he had for Buddha.

On May 5, 11:42 am, "Mr. J." <glen.jaskelew...@rtsd.org> wrote:

[Spattni]

1. In the story Singala, the householder's son (meaning he is a
student (learner)), asks the Buddha to clarify how the six quarters
should be worshiped so that they they are in line with the noble
conduct. Would the Lord still be good to him if he changed his ways?
The Buddha then proceeds to answer that he must give up the four vices
of action, do not do evil deeds from any of the four motives or
desires, and avoid the six ways to squander wealth. Once these evils
are avoided he may then embrace the six quarters, and rule his world
and his afterlife.

2. The distinctions made by the Buddha between good men and enemies.
The Buddha, when it comes to enemies, uses four vices of action and
the four motives of evil deeds to define an enemy. The grasping man
uses a vice of action by taking what is not given as he expects a lot
and gives little in return. The smooth-spoken man and the what-you-
want-to-hear man both use another vice of action by using false speech
by telling empty promises and speaking fair about one's future or
praises you to your face, but he runs you down behind your back. The
wastrel (sounds like waster) squanders your money through the six ways
by drinking with you, roaming the streets with you, and gambles with
you. The Buddha, when it comes to good men, uses those who show noble
discipline towards the four vices of actions and evil deeds. Those who
seek to help you and not injure your life, those who are non partial
and share the same woes and well being as you, the men who do not use
stupidity and display enmity but give good advice, and finally those
who are sympathetic and do not try to harm you in any way.

3. The reason people may have found the Buddha's teachings so
attractive is because of the individuality of his methods. One may
apply any rule to himself and focus, mediate to a point where they may
achieve their goal or goals. Also the definition he gives to his
teachings, though philosophical on the outside, they have a structure
to them, such as the eight fold path which people could follow and
achieve nirvana.

4. The evidence in this selection mainly came from the Buddha defining
the four vices of action, evil deeds, and squandering of wealth using
comparisons. This is because a good teacher is able to break things
down, explain them, and inspire the student to understand and perform
the concept. The Buddha defined the four vices of action and evil
deeds, and squandering of wealth, then proceeds to break that
principle down into enemies and good men, and that in turn, gives the
student the ability to understand and perform his teachings.

On May 5, 11:42 am, "Mr. J." <glen.jaskelew...@rtsd.org> wrote:

[Ryan]

1. Singala asks Buddha how he can nobly worship the six quarters as he
father asked him to do. Buddha responds by telling him if he doesn't
act evilly on the four motives, if he doesn't squander his wealth, and
if he avoids the fourteen evils, he can then worship the six quarters
and embrace life.
2. Buddha explains that the major distinctions between good men, and
evil men are that a good man will act on his morals and be there for
you in good times and bad, while an enemy acts on his feelings, and he
will only help you to get what he wants. There are four types of evil
men: the grasping man, who gives but expects much more, the smooth
spoken man will talk big and not come through, the man who will say
what you want to hear will tell you good things and then stab you in
the back, and the man who will help you squander your wealth will do
just that. A good man will seek to help you, be the same in wealth and
woe, give good advice, and be sympathetic.
3. Buddha's teachings were popular and appealing because they taught a
life of modesty, which meant saving your money, and purity and
abstinence. People were drawn to this because they could see that the
guidelines set would help them lead a good, satisfying life, and help
them to reach the ultimate goal of nirvana.
4. Evidence seen in the reading that the Theraveda beleive that Buddha
is an inspired human teacher is that Buddha goes out and begs for his
breakfast, and that he directly answers Singala's question which is
different from other dietys. In other religions, most divine figures
don't have to beg for things, and instead of direct answers they give
either symbols or cryptic messages.

[bridget]

1. Singala asks Buddha how he should correctly worship the six
quarters while in accordance with the noble conducts. Buddha responds
by telling him that to worship them correctly one must refrain from
evil deeds in any of the four motives, to refrain from squandering
his wealth, and to avoid the fourteen evils.

2. Buddha says that there are four evil men the grasping man, the
smooth-spoken man, the one who says what you want you hear, and the
man who helps you waste your money. The grasping man will ask for much
in return for any small favor and will only do good acts because he is
afraid or if it serves his own self-interest. The smooth-spoken man is
one who can speck well but when any action must be taken he cannot aid
in the endeavor. The man who only tells you what you want to hear is
an enemy because he will consent to any evil deed and not consent to a
truly good deed. This type of man will also says nice things to your
face but talk about you behind you back. The man who helps you waste
your money will be your companion when you drink, gamble, and
encourages you to waste. Good men are those who seek to help you in
everything you do, the man who gives good advice when you need it. The
man who is sympathetic, and the man who is in the same weal as you
are.


3. Buddha’s followers would have liked the idea of saving money and
abstinence because these ideas are cultural and religious ideals that
many of his followers already held. The idea of saving money
imparticular would have been attractive because it exemplified an
action that most already did.

4. You can tell that this reading is from a Theravada point of view
because Buddha is seen as a mere human. He does not do anything god
like and uses human qualities to teach Singala about enlightenment.
You can also tell that this is a Theravada text because the Buddha is
helping move someone towards nirvana and is not forcing them to learn
all by themselves.

[Shannon]

1. Singala brings up the issue of how the six quarters should be
worshipped in accordance with noble conduct for clarification.
Buddha’s answer is that if he avoids the four motives of evil deeds
(which are partiality, enmity, stupidity, and fear), the six ways of
squandering wealth, and if all fourteen evils are avoided, one can
embrace the six quarters and the bliss of heaven.

2. Buddha says there are four types of enemies to look out for, which
are: a grasping man, a smooth-spoken man, a man who only says what you
want to hear, and a man who helps you waste your money. The grasping
man is evil because he expects a lot from everyone but himself and is
selfish. While the smooth-spoken man is evil on the grounds: he speaks
you fair about the past and future, tries to win you over with empty
promises, but never actually follows through with them. The man who
says what you want to hear because he is nice to you in person, but is
a backstabber. The man who helps you waste your money helps you do
evil deeds like drinking and gambling. But the good men have the
characteristics of a man who tries to help you, is the same in well-
being and woe, gives good advice, and is sympathetic.

3. Buddha’s teachings on abstinence and saving your money might be
attractive to his followers because by sacrificing those certain
pleasures and desires that would create happiness for you now. By
being simple and frugal, you can be, “reborn to bliss in heaven.” Then
there you can have complete satisfaction.

4. Evidence from the reading that indicated that the Theravada viewed
Buddha as an inspired human teacher is because he is portrayed as just
another monk trying to find his middle path.

On May 5, 11:42 am, "Mr. J." <glen.jaskelew...@rtsd.org> wrote:

[fv]

1. The question that Singala asks Buddha is how he should worship the
six quarters in accordance with the noble conduct. Buddha answers
that if a man can avoid doing an evil deed from one of the four
motives, if he avoids squandering his wealth, and avoids all fourteen
evils then he can truly be a worshipper of the six quarters within the
noble conduct.

2. The distinctions Buddha makes between good and bad men are that are
four distinct types of evil men to be avoided. First there is the
grasping man who gives little but expects alot in return, then there
is the smooth-spoken man who says good thing to you but shows his
shortcomings when there is time for action to be taken, there is also
the man who only says things ou want to here and runs you down behind
your back, lastly there is the wastrel who is only friends with you
when you do bad things. There are also four types who should be
looked on as true friends. These types are a man who seeks to help
you, a man who is the same in weal and woe, a man who gives good

advice, and a man who is sympathetic.

3.These teaching would be attractive because they not only preach
valuable life lessons but they also offer a cheap pure lifestyle that
is easily attainable by a member of any social class.

4.There is evidence of this in the fact that Singala turns to Buddha
with all of his questions about religion and worshipping.

On May 5, 11:42 am, "Mr. J." <glen.jaskelew...@rtsd.org> wrote:

[Aish]

1. Singala asks Buddha to clarify how to worship the six quarters in a
way that is in accordance with noble conduct. Buddha replies by saying
that there are several ways to do so, and they include much more than
simply praying. One must give up the four vices of action, do no evil
deed caused by any of the four motives, and must not follow the six
ways of squandering ones wealth. A person should also be careful of
the four types of people who pretend to be friends but are really
enemies, and must strive to befriend the four types of people who are
friends "true of heart".

2. Buddha claims that good men strive to help you, will stand by you
no matter what, will give you good advice and be sympathetic to your
circumstances. This is similar to the definition most people would
offer today about a true friend. People that one should avoid include
grasping men (who give a little but expect a lot in return), smooth
spoken men, men who tell you only what you want to hear and wastrels.
All these people are fun to be around but they can really harm you if
you try to make friends with them.

3. These teachings might be attractive to his followers because of the
preexisting culture. Asian culture usually dictates putting away at
least a little money for the future, and a religion that reiterates
this fact would be widely accepted in Asia. Also, the teachings about
abstinence help provide strict moral guidelines as to how a person
should act, allowing anyone to accept the teachings and make a
conscious effort to better him or herself.

4. The evidence that Buddha was an inspired human teacher lies in the
fact that Singala automatically defers to Buddha when he sees him and
asks him for advice. Singala is very willing to take this advice, as
well, when it is offered. The Buddha also goes out and begs, which you
would not expect a god to do. Rather than granting miracles like a god
he leads people on the path to wisdom and enlightenment so they can
find their own path to letting go of the material world.

On May 5, 11:42 am, "Mr. J." <glen.jaskelew...@rtsd.org> wrote:

[Lauren]

1. Singala asks Buddha to clarify how the six quarters should be
worshipped correctly. Buddha responds by telling Singala that if he:
gives up the four vices of action (injury to life, taking what is not
given, base conduct in sexual matters, and false speech), does not
submit to the four motives of evil deeds (partiality, enmity,
stupidity, and fear), and does not squander his wealth in six ways
(becoming addicted to drink, being careless, roaming the streets at
inappropriate times, frequenting fairs, gambling, keeping bad company,
and idleness). Only by avoiding these evils is a person able to
embrace the quarters correctly.
2. There are four types of men that are considered enemies: a grasping

man, a smooth-spoken man, a man who only says what you want to hear,

and a man who helps you waste your money. A grasping man gives little,
but they expect much more in return; a man like this only performs an
action out of fear, and only to benefit himself. A smooth-spoken man
attempts to persuade others with empty promises, but when he is
supposed to hold up his end of the bargain, he falls short. A man who
only says what you want to hear will consent to an evil deed; a man
like this is two-faced, they are nice to your face, but will stab you
in the back when you turn around. A man who helps you waste your money
is your drinking, roaming, and gambling companion. There are also four
types of good man; one who seeks to help you, one who is in the same
situation, one who gives good advice, and one who is sympathetic.
3. Buddha’s teachings are attractive to his followers because they are
more like guidelines than actual rules. His teachings allowed people
to see that they can make their lives pure, simple, and gratifying;
and they can also reach the ultimate goal of nirvana. “Enemies” are
revealed in these teachings; by knowing these enemies, followers are
able to follow a more righteous path.
4. In most religions, when a person asks a question to a god or other
deity, there is no vocal response. In the selection, Singala asks
Buddha a question, and he receives an answer. This supports the claim
that Buddha was not a god, but a revered teacher. Like any teacher
would do, Buddha also helps Singala to understand how to worship
correctly.

On May 5, 11:42 am, "Mr. J." <glen.jaskelew...@rtsd.org> wrote:

[abol...@yahoo.com]

1. Singala asks Buddha to clarify how to worship the six quarters in

accordance to noble conduct. Buddha replies that if he gives up the
four vices of action, if he does no evil deed from the four motives
and if he doesn't follow the six ways of squandering wealth then he
can worship the six quarters.

2. Buddha says that a friend is someone who seeks to help you, a man
who is the same in well-being, a man who gives good advice and a man
who is sympathetic. Buddha also says that there are four types of
enemies; a grasping man, a smooth spoken man, a man who only says what
you want to hear, and a man who wastes your money. A grasping man is
someone who asks for a lot but doesn't give an equal share. A smooth
spoken man is someone who speaks fairly about everything and wins you
over with empty promises, but doesn't follow through when he is
needed. A man who only says things pleasing to you says good things to
you but runs you down behind your back. A wastrel is a man who
influences you to spend your money on pointless things.

3. People might be attracted to Buddha's teachings because they
provide a way to a better life where you will be happier. This is
especially true for money spending because people are more motivated
to follow his teachings so they don't have to spend all their money,
and will therefore be happier. Buddha's teachings also help provide a
religion mixed in with a lifestyle that is built to help the
individual in a way that isn't too strict.

4. There is evidence in the reading that Theraveda viewed Buddha as an
inspired human teacher because since Buddha isn't labeled as a god he
is able to provide Singala with answers that demonstrate wisdom and
truth. In other religions there is simply a path to what is right, and
it is supposed to work as long as you follow it, but in this reading,
Buddha seems more believable because he can answer specifically to
give good advice.

On May 5, 11:42 am, "Mr. J." <glen.jaskelew...@rtsd.org> wrote:

[Mike Stavrakos]

1. Singala asks for guidance in clarification on how he is supposed
pray and worship in noble conduct. Originally, Singala had been
worshiping the north, east, south, west, above, and below sections of
the earth and sky, but the Lord told him that was not correct. The
Lord then goes on to explain the vices that Singala should avoid, as
well as the type of people who he should not befriend or trust. In the
end, however, he describes the type of man that should be trusted
based on his character.
2. The Buddha is rather precise when describing how an enemy acts and
how a good man should act. For instance, most of the descriptions of
enemies end up with the man being described taking advantage of you in
one way or the other. The wastrel is around when you are spending
money and assists in being careless for their own gain. Also, the man
who only says what you want to hear is an enemy because he is being
dishonest to you and slandering you behind your back. Good men, on the
other hand, are the type who will stick around whether times are good
or bad because they are true friends and they care. Also, a good man
may be someone who gives good advice that will truly help you rather
than serve their own personal purpose or agenda.
3. These teachings may be attractive because they legitimately will
teach you how to live a more fulfilling and useful lifestyle. If you
are someone who is constantly spending money or nor remaining
abstinent, then you may have an empty life without moral or good
judgment. This seems attractive to his followers because they may want
to turn their life around in some way or possibly they want to have a
greater motivation for abstinence or money saving.
4. There is much evidence that the Buddha was seen as an inspired
teacher based on the way Singala addressed and spoke to the Buddha.
For instance, Singala referred to the Buddha as "Sir". This is much
different than if he had referred to him in ways such as, "Lord," or
even "Father." Sir is a much more general term used to address someone
who you respect, but they don't have to be a holy man or a divine
being to receive that title. Second, Singala seems very eager and
gracious to learn from the Buddha, but it is described similarly to a
student questioning a teacher rather than a child groveling at the
feet of a divine man who so graciously will teach him.

[Kevin Xiao]

1.Singala asks Buddha to show him the correct way to worship the six
quarters. Buddha says that he most avoid the four motives of evil
deeds, the six ways of squandering wealth, give up the four vices of
action. If one can avoid all fourteen evils, he can embrace the six
quarters.

2. Good men will help you, are in the same well being and woe, gives
good advice, and are sympathetic. Evil men come in four types:
grasping men, smooth-spoken men, men who only say what you want to
hear, and a men who help you waste your money. The grasping man gives
little and expects a lot in return. The smooth spoken man speaks well
of you and tries to win you over with empty promises but shows his
short comings when there's something to be done. The man who says what
you want to hear praises you to your face and runs you down behind
your back. The wastrel helps you waste your money by being your
companion when you drink, roam streets at improper times, go to fairs,
and gamble.

3. Buddha's teachings might seem attractive to his followers because
his teachings will improve your lifestyle in general. If one does not
waste money gambling or drinking, or engaging in immoral behaviors,
then he will generally have a better life. Not only does this improve
the quality of followers' lives, but it also helps them worship the
six quarters properly.

4. Buddha is addressed throughout as "sir", which puts him at a
similar level to Singala. Buddha tells Singala exactly what to do and
does not act like he is a divine being in any way when addressing what
needs to be done. Buddha personally tries to enlighten Singala and
teach him the correct way to worship. He offers him an explanation to
his advice instead of just demanding him to follow them. All of these
qualities show that the Theravada viewed Buddha as an inspired
teacher.