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Lesson One: Buddhism on the Big Map

Objectives:

to become familiar with the geography of Buddhist origins
to visualize the spread of Buddhism
to introduce students to the Silk Routes and how trade is a conduit for ideas
to extend the Big Map of Asia project

Procedure:

Project this Map of Asia onto your chosen medium (oaktag, covered bulletin board, etc) and position it so it extends the existing map beyond India and the Himalayan region, and have students trace the outline.

Break students into teams and provide one team with the political map, another with the Silk Route Map, and another with the locations of the Buddha's life map. The geographical features map might also be a good choice. Have each team locate the features of their map on the Big Map.

Use this activity as a foundation for discussing the origins of Buddhism in North India and its spread along the Silk Routes into other parts of Asia.

For more Information on Buddhism and the Silk Route, follow these links:

Complex map of the spread of Buddhism

Clear and simple map of the spread of Buddhism

Good maps of the area of the Buddha's life

Map with a Key of sites important in the Buddha's life

Comprehensive article on Buddhism and the Silk Route

Several good Asia/Buddhism maps