AS 401LEC - Buddhism

A survey of Buddhist thinking and practice over 2,500 years, this course investigates the historical development of the religion, its teachings, and its key practices. We will first briefly consider the life of the founder, Siddhartha Gautama, known as the Buddha ‘the enlightened one,’ then go on to examine the chief tenets of the faith, noting where various schools differ in their approach the key issues. As we look at the major schools of Buddhist thought - Theravada, Vajrayana, and Zen - particular attention will be given to three aspects or variables: 1) the cultures into which the teaching was introduced, 2) the major teachers and their impact, and 3) the real-world practices that typify Buddhist practice in each homeland. The course concludes with a discussion some of the vexing issues of the 20th century, when we will take up the (mis)conceptions about Buddhism and its (mis)appropriation as it reaches Western shores. Here we’ll address questions about interfaith dialog, “dual practitioners”, as well as authority and authenticity, among others.

Credits: 3

Grading
Graded

Typically Offered:
Spring