Tibetan Buddhism: From Ancient India to Shangri-la
RELI 229
Spring 2018 not offered
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| Crosslisting:
CEAS 343 |
This seminar will explore the philosophies and practices of Tibetan Buddhism as well as the ways Tibetan Buddhism has been mythologized by Tibetans and non-Tibetans alike. We will begin with a review of Indian Buddhism, placing particular emphasis on Tantric thought and practices. We will then focus on the subsequent development and core practices of Tibetan Buddhism's key schools, drawing on careful analyses of histories, myths, biographies, and religious discourses. Finally, we will explore the ways in which Tibet and Tibetan Buddhism have been mythologized in the minds of Westerners and others. We will pay especial attention to the intersection of these imaginings with contemporary Tibetan nationalist movements to apply our insights to the analysis of present-day realities. Readings will draw from primary Buddhist texts, histories, autobiographies, and scholarly journals and will be complemented by in-class film screenings. |
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| Credit: 1 |
Gen Ed Area Dept:
SBS RELI |
| Course Format: Seminar | Grading Mode: Graded |
| Level: UGRD |
Prerequisites: None |
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Fulfills a Requirement for: (CEAS-MN)(CEAS)(CEAS-Phil/Reli)(GSAS-MN)(GSAS)(RELI-MN)(RELI)(STS) |
Major Readings:
Patrul Rinpoche, THE WORDS OF MY PERFECT TEACHER (Shambhala 2010)
Tsangnyon Heruka/Andrew Quintman, trans., THE LIFE MILAREPA (Penguin Classics 2010)
Dalai Lama (Tenzin Gyatso), FREEDOM IN EXILE: THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF THE DALAI LAMA (HarperPerennial 2008)
John Powers, INTRODUCTION TO TIBETAN BUDDHISM (Snow Lion 2007)
Sam van Schaik, TIBET: A HISTORY (Yale UP, 6/28/11)
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Examinations and Assignments:
4 short papers (2-3 pp.); 1 final paper (10-12 pp.) |
Additional Requirements and/or Comments:
This course fulfills the "Historical Traditions" requirement for the Religion Department major. |
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