THRS 332 - Introduction to Buddhism

5 credit hours

This course will consider the many ways that Buddhists have defined and engaged with the “Three Jewels” of Buddhism: the Buddha, the Dharma (the teaching) and the Sangha (the Buddhist community). Using this framework, students will examine doctrines, practices, and cultures in different parts of the Buddhist world in a variety of historical periods and reflect upon the many ways people have lived and continue to live as Buddhists. Special focus will be placed on the particular dimensions/diversity of Buddhist thought and practice unique to Theravådin Buddhism, Pure Land Buddhism, and Tibetan Buddhism. Students will engage in close interpretive readings of a wide range of Buddhist materials including Buddhist sutras (“scriptures”), anthropological studies, autobiographical and biographical works, and modern guides to Buddhist thought and practice written by and for practitioners. WR