Tibetan Buddhism
RELI 343
Spring 2009 not offered
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| Crosslisting:
EAST 343 |
| Course Cluster: Southern Asia Studies |
For centuries Tibet and Tibetan Buddhists have held an allure and mystique in the minds of Westerners and others that is akin to that of the magical kingdom of Shangri-La. This seminar will seek to explore the realities as well as the myths of Tibet and Tibetan Buddhism. We will begin with a brief review of Indian Mahayana Buddhism, with particular emphasis on Tantric thought and practice. We shall then focus on the introduction and subsequent development of Buddhism in Tibet, paying particular attention to the myriad and complex ways in which Tibetan culture and politics were shaped--and were shaped by--Tibetan Buddhist thought and practice. Toward that end, we will engage in a close, critical reading of religious texts, histories, myths, and images. In closing, we will consider the intersection of Buddhism and politics in the context of present day Tibet, exploring periodicals and literature to apply our insights to the analysis of contemporary realities. |
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Essential Capabilities:
None |
| Credit: 1 |
Gen Ed Area Dept:
SBS RELI |
| Course Format: Seminar | Grading Mode: Graded |
| Level: UGRD |
Prerequisites: [RELI242 or EAST242] |
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Fulfills a Major Requirement for: (CEAS-MN)(CEAS)(CEAS-Phil/Reli)(GSAS-MN)(GSAS)(RELI-MN)(RELI)(STS) |
Major Readings:
Terry Clifford, TIBETAN BUDDHISM MEDICINE AND PSYCHIATRY
Robert E. Fisher, ART OF TIBET
Melvyn C. Goldstein, THE SNOW LION AND THE DRAGON: CHINA, TIBET, AND THE DALAI LAMA
Sonam Gyaltsen, THE CLEAR MIRROR: A TRADITIONAL ACCOUNT OF TIBET'S GOLDEN AGE
Matthew Kapstein, THE TIBETANS, PEOPLES OF ASIA
John Powers, INTRODUCTION TO TIBETAN BUDDHISM
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Examinations and Assignments:
One short essay; one class presentation; a take-home midterm exam and final essay. |
Additional Requirements and/or Comments:
RELI242 is recommended. |
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