Introduction to Buddhism (210-0-20)

Instructors

Kevin Delaney Buckelew

Meeting Info

Fisk Hall 217: Mon, Wed 12:30PM - 1:50PM

Overview of class

This course offers an introduction to Buddhist history, culture, philosophy, and practice. We explore the major doctrinal varieties of Buddhism, from its inception through the rise of the Mahayana and Tantric or Vajrayana traditions. At the same time, we also investigate Buddhist visual, material, and ritual cultures—which offer windows onto aspects of Buddhism as a lived religion not always visible in scriptural sources. In the process we engage themes like the meaning of suffering, the cosmology of cyclical rebirth, the social role of monasticism and its intervention in traditional family structures, the place of women and gender in Buddhism, the relationship between religious ideals and everyday life, the question of self-reliance versus divine assistance, and the power of images and icons. Our readings of primary sources offer close engagement with Buddhist ideas and practices, allowing us to understand how the religion shaped the ways people in pre-modern Asia saw and interacted with their worlds. Readings in secondary scholarship help us set these materials in historical context and connect them to the bigger picture of Buddhism's spread across Asia.

Teaching Method

Class Materials (Required)

Class materials will be uploaded to Canvas.

Class Attributes

Ethical and Evaluative Thinking Foundational Disci
Ethics & Values Distro Area

Associated Classes

DIS - Locy Hall 106: Thurs 9:00AM - 9:50AM

DIS - Locy Hall 110: Thurs 10:00AM - 10:50AM

DIS - Locy Hall 106: Thurs 1:00PM - 1:50PM

DIS - Kresge Centennial Hall 2-435: Thurs 9:00AM - 9:50AM

DIS - Kresge Centennial Hall 4-410: Thurs 11:00AM - 11:50AM

DIS - Kresge Centennial Hall 4-410: Thurs 12:00PM - 12:50PM