RELS 213 - 01 BUDDHISM
Spring 2009 Lecturer: Daniel Veidlinger
T / Th 12:30-1:45 HOLT 170 Office: Trinity 246
Phone: 898-4637
dveidlinger@csuchico.edu
Office Hours: T 3:30 – 5:00
W 4:00 – 5:00
Th 10:00 – 12:00
This course aims to introduce students to the basic teachings, practices, and cultural expressions of the major forms of Buddhism from ancient Asia to the modern West. Drawing upon both secondary works and selected Buddhist primary texts, students will be introduced to the three major traditions of the Southern, Eastern and Central regions of Asia, known as Theravada, Mahayana, and Vajrayana respectively.
The traditions will be evaluated philosophically, and will be placed within the specific historical and social contexts within which they arose and flourished. Students will be encouraged to think critically about the issues raised in class, to question the ideas brought forth and to constantly assess them in light of their own understanding of the human condition.
This course meets the general education requirements of area C-3. It provides the key to understanding one of the world’s great bodies of literature and art and explores its influence through the ages. The course aims to cultivate a diverse view of the world and its people thereby helping students to become more conscientious global citizens.
BOOKS FOR THIS COURSE
These books are available at AS Bookstore in the BMU
Mitchell, Donald. Buddhism: Introducing the Buddhist Experience. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1990.
Rahula, Walpola. What the Buddha Taught. New York: Grove Weidenfeld, 1986.
Strong, John. The Experience of Buddhism: Sources and Interpretations. Belmont:
Wadsworth, 1995.
Class Packet Available at Mr Kopy 119 Main St.
32% Four quizzes worth 8% each will be given throughout the semester aimed at ensuring that you do the readings and pay attention in class.
20% A final exam during exam week will cover everything that we have learned in the course. MAY 19 at 2:00 pm in the classroom.
16% Two essays worth 8% each that are 3-pages (1000 words) long. These will be written on a topic posted on the course website by the professor.
Note: Originality, clarity of thought, lack of grammatical and spelling errors, and proper citations are important parts of the work, where relevant. DO NOT PLAGIARIZE!
PAPER ONE DUE: February 17
PAPER TWO DUE: March 24
Late papers will lose a point for every 24-hours it is overdue. That means an A paper would get an A- after 24 hours, a B+ after 48, a B after 72, etc…
12% A final paper of 5 pages (about 1500 words) in length on a topic that the professor has handed out or one of your own choosing that you discuss with the professor. The same criteria apply to this as to the papers noted above. DUE: May 7
10% Class participation: This includes attending class regularly, paying attention, making comments (I would rather you say something that is not quite correct than say nothing at all). It is also expected that you will come to class having done the readings and thought about them. Please don’t feel shy about asking any questions that you have – that’s what the instructor is there for. More than three unexcused absences will start to strongly impact your grade.
5% One ten-minute in-class presentation on one of the weekly readings or an online report that will be determined with the professor at the beginning of the semester.
5% You will be required to attend four events related to this course during the semester. These can include a visit to a place of worship, a movie about Buddhism, a Yoga or meditation class, a play, music or other event that you discuss with the instructor. Please write a two-page (total) report about your experiences explaining how they relate to this course. Was what you saw similar or different from what you expected based on your readings and the lectures? Think about the meaning behind what you witnessed and write this down. You may report equally on all four events or devote the bulk of the two pages to one of the events, but please at least include a brief summary of each of the events.
Due: May 12
The final Grade calculations are as follows:
A > 92%
A- 90 – 92 %
B+ 87 – 89 %
B 83 – 86 %
B- 80 - 82 %
C+ 77 – 79 %
C 73 – 76 %
C- 70 – 72 %
D+ 65 – 69 %
D 60 - 64 %
F < 60 %
Students with Disabilities
Any student who has a learning or other disability that affects classroom performance should make this known to the instructor in order to allow him to marshal resources to assist you. All disclosures will remain confidential but may require medical documentation. Please contact Disability Support Services (DSS) for coordination of your academic accommodations. The DSS phone number is 898-5959 V/TTY or FAX 898-4411. Visit the DSS website at <http://www.csuchico.edu/dss/>.
Administrative Issues
Cheating is the most serious academic offense a student can commit. Any plagiarism or cheating on any assignment will result in an F in the course and possible disciplinary action. See accompanying Academic Integrity Policy.
All students are responsible for adding, dropping or withdrawing from the course at the proper times and using the proper forms.
SCHEDULE
Jan. 27
Introduction: The Vedas and Early Indian Religion
This first session will look at the aims of the course and discuss various approaches to the study of religion. How can we study and understand other religions? We will also begin to examine the religion of India just prior to the Buddha’s time.
Readings: Class Packet (Optional): Harvey “The Buddha and His Indian Context” (1-4)
Devdas “Background of Buddhism” (5-9)
Jan. 29
The Life of the Buddha and the First Noble Truth
The encounter of a pampered prince with the harsh realities of disease and death that taught him about suffering and caused him to abandon worldly gains and seek enlightenment will be explored
Readings: Mitchell, (9-32)
Rahula, Chapter Two: “The first Noble Truth: Dukkha” (16-28)
Feb. 3
The Four Noble Truths, the Three Characteristics
We will discuss the Noble Truths discovered by the Buddha: that life is unsatisfactory because we always have desires that are unmet; that suffering can cease through breaking our attachment to desires; and that there is an eightfold path by which to do this
Readings: Rahula, Chapter Three: “The Second Noble Truth: Samudaya” (29-34)
Rahula, Chapter Four: “The Third Noble Truth: Nirodha” (35-44)
Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta, Rahula (92-3)
Feb. 5
Movie on Buddhism
Readings: Rahula, Chapter Five: “The Fourth Noble Truth: Magga” (45-50)
Feb. 10
Karma and Rebirth
The continuous cycle of birth, death, and rebirth and its connection to our good and bad actions will be explored
Readings: Mitchell, 33-45
Strong, “Enlightenment Obtained (22),” and 1.7.4 (33-36), 1.8 (36-42)
Class Packet: Thomas “Karma” (10-17)
Feb. 12
Conditioned Originationand Enlightenment
We will look at the mechanism of cause and effect called Paticcasamuppada which is fundamental to the Buddhist view of a universe in constant flux. We will also look at how the understanding of this process can lead to enlightenment, or Nirvana.
Readings: Rahula, Chapter Six: “The Doctrine of No-Soul: Anatta” (51-66)
Strong, 3.2.1 and 3.2.2 (98-104), 3.3.1 (108-110) 3.4 (114-120
Mitchell, 50-64
Adittapariyaya Sutta, Rahula (95-97)
Feb. 17 FIRST PAPER DUE
Meditation
Buddhism recognizes and uses many different types of meditation. Samatha or calming meditation is used to focus the mind and block out distractions. Brahma-Vihara Meditation is often called visualization meditation and is used to cultivate kindness and compassion for all beings. Vipassana, also known as Mindfulness Meditation, leads to insight into the workings of the body and eventually the mind itself enabling the practitioner to understand that there are thoughts, but no thinker.
Readings: Rahula, Chapter Seven: “Meditation or Mental Culture:Bhavana” (67-75)
Mitchell, (79-85)
Strong, 3.5.5 - 3.5.8 (128-138)
Metta Sutta, Rahula (97-98)
Satipatthana Sutta, Rahula (109-119)
Feb. 19 QUIZ ONE
The Community of Monks: Sangha
The rules governing the life of these “religious virtuosos” will be looked at, along with role of monks in society at large
Readings: Class Packet: Gombrich “The Sangha’s Discipline” (18-34)
Strong, 2.3 (78-85)
Feb. 24
The Role of Women and Nuns in Early Buddhism
The Buddha was originally reluctant to admit women to the Sangha, but he eventually did and they became important contributors to the religion.
Readings: Class Packet: Friedman “Introduction to the First Edition of Remarkable Women” (35-45)
Strong, 2.1.4, 2.1.5 (63-70), 8.6.3 (310-311)
Feb. 26
The Pali Canon, King Asoka, the Third Council and the Spread of Buddhism
We will look at the consolidation of many of the teachings of the Buddha into an official canon or scripture called the Tipitaka. We will then look at the progressive and remarkably modern third century BC Buddhist king, and his pivotal role in the success of the religion.
Readings: Mitchell, (65-74)
Strong, 2.5 (91-96)
Class Packet: Swearer “Buddhism as Civil Religion” (46-52)
Mar. 3
The Different Schools: Hinayana, Mahayana and the Bodhisattva Ideal
Developments in Buddhism made it more accessible by introducing a holy being who could help people in the difficult task of reaching Nirvana. This led to a split from the orthodox schools that believed each person was solely responsible for their own spiritual welfare
Readings: Mitchell (103-133)
Strong, 4.4.1- 4.4.3 (173-181)
Mar. 5 QUIZ TWO
Paramita Literature, Madhyamika and the Tathagatagarbha Doctrine
Examines early Mahayana philosophical literature which emphasizes emptiness
Readings: Mitchell, (134-149)
Strong: The Heart Sutra (154-155), 4.3.1 (157-162), 4.3.5 (169-171)
Class Packet: Rabten “Commentary to the Heart of Wisdom” (53-60)
Mar. 10
Yogacara and the Doctrine of the Three Bodies of the Buddha
This lecture examines the “Mind Only” school which believes that nothing exists save consciousness. We will see how the earthly, historical Buddha is understood to be just one manifestation of a heavenly Buddha, who in turn is merely a part of the cosmic Buddha, thereby incorporating many theistic ideas
Readings: Mitchell, (149-153)
Strong, 4.3.3 (164-168), 4.3.4 (168-169)
Class Packet: Robinson “The Celestial Bodhisattvas and Buddhas” and Griffiths “The Yogacara Tradition: Key Philosophical Ideas” (61 – 78)
Mar. 12
Buddhist Cosmology
The complex and often confusing tripartite and Creator-less universe of gods, humans and demons will be elucidated with its multiple heavens and hells
Readings: Class Packet: Blofeld “Psychic and Material Symbols: The Wheel of Life” (90-94)
MARCH BREAK – NO CLASSES
Mar. 24 SECOND PAPER DUE
Tantra and Tibet
Buddhism mixed with some Hindu and animistic ideas and focused on powerful incantations, called mantras, visualizations, and (sometimes strange) rituals, and the union of male and female powers in the universe
Readings: Mitchell, (160-196)
Strong, 5.5-5.5.2 (206-210)
Mar. 26
Tantric Buddhism
We will look in more detail at Tantric ideas and practices
Readings: Class Packet: Trungpa “Vajra Nature”
Batchelor “The Tantras” (79-89)
Strong, 5.5.3 – 5.5.6 (210-220)
Mar. 31 NO CLASS: CAESAR CHAVEZ DAY
Apr. 2
Buddhism in China : The Lotus Sutra, The Flower Ornament Sutra (Hua Yen)
These are important early Mahayana Sutras that greatly expand the powers of the Buddha and introduce the idea of skillful means whereby different methods of teaching may be used to teach people of different temperaments.
Readings: Mitchell (197-219)
Strong, 5.2.1 (191-193) , 5.4-5.4.1 (197-201), 4.3.6 (171-173
Class Packet: Cook “The Jewel Net of Indra” (95-105)
Apr. 7
Chan Buddhism
We will explore the philosophy of sudden enlightenment and the anti-intellectually oriented practices of Chan, known more commonly by its Japanese name, Zen
Readings: Mitchell, (219-226)
Strong, 9.5.1 (326-329)
Class Packet: Watts “Zazen and the Koan” and Kasulis “Nagarjuna: The Logic of Emptiness” (106-121)
Apr. 9 QUIZ THREE
Pure Land Buddhism
We will look at this Buddhist school that gained popularity in China, and placed a large emphasis on devotion to a Buddha who will help you reach Nirvana .
Readings: Mitchell, (226-244)
Strong, 5.4.1 (197-201)
Class Packet: Dobbins “Jodo Shinshu” and “Honen” (122-133)
Apr. 14
Buddhism in Japan
Readings: Mitchell, (275-301)
Strong, 9.2 (318-320), 9.4 (323-326)
Apr. 16
Buddhism in Japan
Readings: Mitchell, (301-322)
Class Packet: Victoria “Imperial-Way Buddhism” (134-143)
Apr. 21
Theravada Practice
We will examine the practice of this school in light of its philosophy and discuss the reasons for their divergence
Readings: Mangala Sutta, Rahula (98)
Strong, 6.4 (235-244)
Class Packet: Swearer “The Popular Tradition” (144-158)
Apr. 23
Buddhist Responses to Modernity in Theravadin Lands, Protestant Buddhism
We will question why the religion was claimed by its proponents to have anticipated modern Western science and philosophy, and why there were attempts to “purify” the “degraded” forms which were practiced by Asians
Readings: Mitchell, (323-333)
Strong, 6.7.3 (253-255)
Class Packet: Swearer “Modernization” (159-168)
Apr. 28
Buddhist responses to Modernity in Mahayana Lands, The Tibetan Situation
The response of Buddhism to communism, another supposedly atheistic philosophy, will be assessed, focussing in particular on the situation of Tibet
Readings: Mitchell, (333-354)
Class Packet: Tenzin Gyatso “Hope for the Future” and Thich Nhat Hanh “Please Call me by my True Names” and “The Individual, Society and Nature” (169-181)
Apr. 30 QUIZ FOUR
Buddhism in Europe, Theosophical Society
We will explore the reasons why many intellectuals embraced Buddhism as a paragon of morality, rationality and social justice
Readings: Class Packet: Harvey, “Buddhism Beyond Asia”
Read online about Olcott at: http://aryasangha.org/olcott-prothero.htm
May 5
Ambedkar and Buddhism in Modern India
Although Buddhism died out in its native land in the middle ages, many untouchables converted during the twentieth century to escape their lowly position in the Hindu caste system.
Readings: Class Packet: Sangharakshita “The Significance of Ambedkar”
(195-203)
May 7 FINAL PAPER DUE
Buddhism in North America
The continuing popularity of Buddhism in North America will be assessed. Why are so many young people in particular attracted to it?
Readings: Mitchell, (357-398)
Strong, 10- 10.2 (341-347), 10.6-10.7 (358-365)
Class Packet: Nattier “Who is a Buddhist?” (204-210)
May 12 EVENTS REPORT DUE
Buddhist Ethics
We will look at how the ideas of Buddhism have influenced the moral outlook and behavior of the faithful.
Readings: Class Packet: Harvey, “Buddhist Practice: Ethics” and Kraft “Engaged Buddhism: An Introduction” (211-227)
May 14 Wrap – Up
May 19 Final Exam at 2:00 PM in the Classroom.