This course is concerned with the world views of selected Buddhist traditions - their context, history, philosophy, manifestations and impact on Asian cultures. We will examine the Indian background of Buddhism, how it was translated into Tibet, China and Japan, and how major philosophical and religious movements in India were adapted to East Asian ideas and symbols. The course will be concerned mainly with a history of ideas in Asian Buddhism, and its aim is to give students a conceptual grasp of important Buddhist ideas, myths and symbols. In addition to these theoretical concerns, we will examine the connection between theory and practice and the cross-cultural ramifications of Buddhist thought.

Two exams or Essays (totaling 90%), Tutorial work (10%). Graduate students attend joint classes with undergraduates but may expect more rigorous assessment and additional assignment work, tailored to the graduate students’ interests.

Permission of coordinator

Kasulis, T., Zen Action - Zen Person, State University New York Press, 1981; Powers, J., Introduction to Tibetan Buddhism, Snow Lion, 1995