| Unit name | Mahayana Buddhist Literature in East Asia |
|---|---|
| Unit code | THRSM0125 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | M/7 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
| Unit director | Dr. Lomi |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
None |
| Co-requisites |
None |
| School/department | Department of Religion and Theology |
| Faculty | Faculty of Arts |
This unit examines and explores key scriptures belonging to the so-called Mahayana or "great vehicle" Buddhism, and explore their role in impact on the East Asian Buddhist tradition.
Rather than directly discussing Mahayana Buddhist doctrines as abstract ideas or ideals, this course explores Mahayana scriptures as literary objects and attempt to uncover how the Mahayana vision of the Buddhism, the cosmos, and the path to liberation was presented to its followers in the dramatic literature of its scriptures. We will pay especially close attention to the way that these scriptures use extended narratives, plot twists, humour, and other literary devices to convey their teachings and entice their readers.
At the same time, we will see how sutra parables have inspired unique literary and visual narratives, and assess which teachings still provide an ethical blueprint for contemporary Buddhists worldwide.
Finally, we will assess the breadth and depth of these scriptures’ sway on East Asian culture, by reflecting on the different art forms, ritual practices, and literary texts they inspired. To this end will engage with a variety of materials, practices and ideas: from cave-temple frescoes and Buddhist miracle tales to modern literature and politics.
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
1. Critically assess of the content and significance of a selection of key Mahayana Buddhist scriptures.
2. Analyse Mahayana scriptures as literary documents
3. Reflect on the different strategies adopted by the scriptures and assess their didactic agendas and doctrinal teachings
4. Assess the impact of the scriptures studied on the broader East Asian religious and cultural context.
5. Show skills in critical thinking and in written communication appropriate to level M.
MA level students will also read the assigned scriptures in translation.
1 x two-hour seminar and 1 x one-hour tutorial weekly
1. Learning Journal: Students will submit 4 x 300-word interpretative reading responses. The purpose of these entries is to help students understand and analyse Mahayana scriptures as literary documents as well as explain how narrative and literary structures are used by Mahayana scriptures as teaching devices. (20%) - ILO's 1-5
2. One 4000-word essay (80%) - ILO's 1-5
Gomez, Luis O. Land of Bliss : The Paradise of the Buddha of Measureless Light : Sanskrit and Chinese Versions of the Sukhavativyuha Sutras. Studies in the Buddhist Traditions (Honolulu: University of Hawaii Press, 1996)
Reeves, Gene (ed). A Buddhist Kaleidoscope: Essays on the Lotus Sutra. (Tokyo: Kōsei: 2002)
Teiser, Stephen F. and Stone, Jacqueline I., Readings of the Lotus Sutra (New York: Columbia University Press, 2009)
Thurman, Robert A. F. The Holy Teaching of Vimalakirti : A Mahayana Scripture (University Park: Pennsylvania State University Press, 1976)
Watson, B. The Lotus Sutra. Translations from the Asian Classics (New York: Columbia University Press, 1993)
