The Dharma Bums | Teaching Setting, Symbolism and Objects

Object Descriptions

This section provides a short description of all the major objects in the book. This can be printed out as a study guide for students, used as a "key" for leading a class discussion, or you can jump to the quiz/homework section to find worksheets that incorporate these descriptions into a variety of question formats.

Objects

Dharma - This object is literally the body of philosophy expounded by Buddha and the duty to pursue a life of conduct in harmony with that philosophy, which will lead to enlightenment. In the novel, the word is often used in a more general sense of being in the "right" place and doing the "right" thing; "right" being what is personally productive toward one's enlightenment.

Buddhism - This item is the teaching that life is filled with suffering caused by desire; that suffering ceases when desire ceases and that enlightenment obtained through good...
(read more)