1..The emergent Mahayana tradition utilized texts from the Tripitaka to create new conceptions of buddhas and bodhisattvas. What texts did they look to? How does the notion of the bodhisattva and buddha differ between the Tripitaka and the Mahayana sutras?
2. Discuss King Asohka's attitude toward the different varieties of religion. In what ways does this mirror the freedom of religion in the First Amendment? In what ways does it differ?
3.Discuss how the Buddhist teachings concern both worldly happiness and awakening. If the goal of the Buddhist teachings is awakening, why would the Buddha spend time discussing happiness in ordinary life?