🌸3.3 The buddhas ascetic life

• How long did Siddhartha live as an ascetic?

  Six years
• What conclusion did Siddhartha reach about asceticism?

  It was not the path to spiritual wisdom
• What is the 'middle way' Siddhartha proposed?

  A balance between indulgence and self-denial
• What lifestyle do ascetics typically lead?

  • Simple and strict lifestyle
  • Few pleasures or possessions
  • Extreme self-discipline and self-denial
• What inspired Siddhartha to follow ascetic practices?

  The peace he felt from a holy man
• What were some of Siddhartha's ascetic practices?

  • Living in hostile forests
  • Sleeping on a bed of thorns
  • Eating very little
• What did Siddhartha learn under various masters?

  Meditation techniques
• What is meditation according to the study material?

  Calming and focusing the mind
• What was the effect of Siddhartha's ascetic practices on his ability to meditate?

  He became too weak to meditate effectively
• What did Siddhartha ultimately decide about asceticism?

  It was ineffective for finding answers
• What did Siddhartha accept to restore his health?

  Rice and milk from a cowgirl
• What did Siddhartha do after rejecting asceticism?

  He collected alms from villagers
• What realization did Siddhartha have about luxury?

  It was not the path to spiritual wisdom
• What did Siddhartha realize about suffering through self-denial?

  It was not the path to enlightenment
• What arguments support the statement that Siddhartha's asceticism was necessary for his enlightenment?

  • Taught self-discipline
  • Confronted his fears
  • Led to the realization of a middle way
• What arguments oppose the statement that Siddhartha's asceticism was necessary for his enlightenment?

  • He became too weak to meditate
  • It did not provide answers to suffering
  • It was a waste of time