Explores the history, development, theology and practices of the religious traditions of Buddhism. Provides an introduction to the role of ‘The Buddha’ and his teachings. Special attention is paid to the Four Noble Truths, The Three Jewels, The Three Baskets, and the evolution of Theravada Buddhism and Mahayana Buddhism. Describes the relationship of Buddhism to modern societies and the impact of Buddhism upon Euro-American culture.
Goals, Topics, and Objectives
Students will explore the development of Buddhism as it moved from a small community in Northern India into a world religion, and some of its influence on the Eastern and Western world today.
- The Buddha's early life as prince Siddhartha Gautama
- Explain Siddhartha Gautama's life as a prince
- Classify his life stage and the caste to which he belonged, showing how these fit within classical Hinduism
- Examine The Four Passing Sights and the impact they made upon Siddhartha
- Analyze The Great Going Forth and explain how these relate to the formation, later, of such teachings as The Four Noble Truths
- The Quest for Enlightenment
- Summarize Siddhartha's experience with asceticism and his companions, indicating the impact of this experience on his post-enlightenment teachings.
- Explain his enlightenment experience under the Bodhi tree.
- Compare the terms "bodhi" and "buddha", showing linguistic similarities and shared meanings.
- Setting in Motion the Wheel of the Law
- Explain the Buddha's first sermon and why this event is known as "Setting in Motion the Wheel of the Law"
- Show how his encouragement for followers to seek a path in life that avoids the extremes of luxury and asceticism constitutes a "Middle Way"
- Analyze "The Three Jewels"
- The Three Marks of Reality
- Explain that a significant aspect of the Buddha's enlightenment was his understanding of what are called The Three Marks of Reality
- Analyze the Three Marks of Reality
- Describe ways in which these stand in contrast to Hindu teachings about the nature of reality and the existence of a permanent and unchanging self.
- The Four Noble Truths
- Explore the development of The Four Noble Truths, indicating ways in which these represent a significant aspect of the Buddha's enlightenment
- Analyze The Four Noble Truths, paying particular attention to nuances in Sanskrit words pertaining to "desire" and "suffering"
- Summarize the Noble Eightfold Path, comparing and contrasting its categories of thought and action
- Theravada or "Southern" Buddhism
- Explain Theravada's geographical distribution in Asia
- Describe the value placed upon meditation and monastic life
- Explain the characteristics of an "arhat"
- Define the term "bikkhu"
- Summarize general differences between lay and monastic life in the sangha
- Compare basic aspects of major texts-- the Tipitaka, explaining key differences between each of the three "baskets" (Vinaya, Sutta, and Abhidamma)
- Mahayana or "Northern" Buddhism
- Explore Mahayana's geographical distribution in Asia, connecting that distribution with relevant events and key personalities
- Analyze the shift in emphasis from the attainment of individual enlightenment in Theravada to that, in Mahayana, of the bodhisattva and the desire to save all sentient beings from their suffering
- Differentiate the term "bodhisattava" from the Theravada concept of "arhat"
- Show that in Mahayana, in contrast to the fully earthly and human Buddha of Theravada, the Buddha obtained a transcendental character. Discuss a specific example. Such examples may include, but are not limited to:
- The Three-Body Doctrine
- Mahaparinirvana Sutra (Nirvana Sutra)
- Angulimaliya Sutra
- Srimala Sutra
- Tathagatagarbha Sutra
- Explain that Mahayana has divided into numerous subgroups. Significant forms of Mahayana that an instructor may discuss includes, but is not limited to :
- Zen
- Vajrayana
- Pure Land
- Nichiren
- Buddhism in America
- Analyze Theravada's movement to Europe and the United States ("the West")
- Summarize influences of Theravada on Western thought and practice. Examples of such influences may include, but are not limited to:
- Theosophy
- Vispassana meditation
- Show influences of Mahayana on Western thought and practice. Examples of such influences may include, but are not limited to:
- Buddhist Missions of America (later known as Buddhist Churches of America)
- Dr. D.T. Suzuki, who blended Asian buddhism with western notions of transcendentalism
- Herman Hesse's book, Siddhartha
- Jack Kerouac and The Dharma Bums
- Various popular books by American-born Tibetan nun Pema Chodron
Assessment and Requirements
This instructor will identify and implement appropriate methods to assess the achievement of the learning objectives of the course. These methods will include, but are not necessarily limited to, True/False, Multiple-choice, matching, essays, examinations, as well as critical thinking written exercises, comparing and contrasting passages from sacred texts, extended essays, papers, discussion boards, questions for student interactions, audio-visual internet assignments and films.
Texts will be selected by the instructor.
Outcomes
- Humanities and Fine Arts
- Category 5: Humanities and Fine Arts