While the art of Buddhism has an enduring tradition throughout Asia, this teaching guide focuses on the cultures of three countries in which the Smithsonian's Freer and Sackler Galleries' collections are particularly strong: India, China, and Japan. The guide identifies grade level appropriateness for some lessons and activities. It contains 15 sections: (1) "Introduction"; (2) "Overview of Buddhism; (3) Birth of Buddhism in India"; (4) "Objects of Indian and Tibetan Buddhist Art"; (5) Buddhism in China"; (6) "A Process of Transformation"; (7) "Objects of Chinese Buddhist Art"; (8) "Japanese Buddhism: Selective Adaptation"; (9) "Objects of Japanese Buddhist Art"; (10) "Buddhism Today: Interviews and Discussion Questions for High School Level"; (11) "Vocabulary"; and (12) "Lesson Plan 1--Elementary School Level" (India; Life of the Buddha); (13) "Lesson Plan 2--High School Level" (India; Siddhartha Gautama as the Buddha and as a Literary Character); (14) "Lesson Plan 3--Middle School Level" (China; Buddhist Symbols in Art); (15) "Lesson Plan 4--Elementary School Level" (Japan; Temple Guardians and Other Heroes We Trust). Resources listed include: "Buddhist Festivals" (with suggested activities for elementary and middle school levels); "Books and Magazines on Buddhism"; "Films and Videos about Buddhism"; "Web sites on Buddhism"; "Local and National Buddhist Temples and Education Centers"; "Embassies and Consulates"; and "National Educational Resources." (BT)