| Unit name | The Foundations of Buddhist Thought and Practice |
|---|---|
| Unit code | THRS20031 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | I/5 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24) |
| Unit director | Professor. Gethin |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
None |
| Co-requisites |
None |
| School/department | Department of Religion and Theology |
| Faculty | Faculty of Arts |
Buddhism has its origins in eastern India in the 5th century BCE. During the next 1500 years it flourished across nearly the whole of Asia, from Afghanistan in the west to Japan in the east. This unit focuses on the fundamental ideas and practices of Buddhism as they developed in India until the end of the 5th century CE: the figure of the Buddha, Buddhist cosmology, ideas of karma and rebirth, Buddhist ethics, Buddhism and society, Buddhist philosophy (the doctrines of no-self and dependent origination), Buddhist meditation, and the origins of Mahayana Buddhism. While the main focus is historical, ancient ideas and practices will be illustrated by reference to more recent examples and developments.
On successful completion of this unit students will have
(1) developed a detailed knowledge and critical understanding of the fundamental ideas and practices of Buddhism which can form the basis for the further study of particular forms and aspects of Buddhism;
(2) gained a familiarity with some significant primary Buddhist textual sources in translation;
(3) demonstrated the ability to analyse and evaluate competing perceptions of the development of Buddhist ideas and practice;
(4) demonstrated the ability to identify and evaluate pertinent evidence/data in order to illustrate/demonstrate a cogent argument.
(5) developed more sophisticated analytical skills as demonstrated in their formal assessments, in a seminar presentation, and in their participation in class discussions.
1 lecture + 1 seminar per week
One summative coursework essay of 2500 words (50%) and one exam of 2 hours (50%).
Gethin, Rupert, The Foundations of Buddhism (Oxford: OUP, 1998)
Sayings of the Buddha: A Selection of Suttas from the Pali Nikyas, Oxford Worlds Classics (Oxford: OUP, 2008)
Harvey, Peter, An introduction to Buddhism: teachings, history and practices, 2nd ed. (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2013).
Robinson, Richard H., Buddhist religions: a historical introduction, 5th ed. (London: Thomson/Wadsworth, 2005).
Strong, John S., The Buddha: a beginner's guide (Oxford: Oneworld, 2009)
Williams, Paul, Buddhist thought: a complete introduction to the Indian tradition (London : Routledge, 2000)
