| Unit name | The Practice of Tibetan Religion |
|---|---|
| Unit code | THRSM0130 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | M/7 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24) |
| Unit director | Dr. Susannah Deane |
| 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 the historical and contemporary practice of Tibetan religions, taking in the varieties of Vajrayana (Tantric) Buddhism and the Bon tradition of Tibet. We will explore how Buddhism became established in Tibet across two “transmissions” from India through the teachings and practices of several key figures, examining how Buddhism absorbed pre-Buddhist concepts and practices as it spread across the Tibetan plateau, and how Buddhism came to define many aspects of Tibetan culture. The unit explores some of the greater and lesser known esoteric practices which endure to this day, and looks at Tibetan perspectives on monasticism, life, death, oracles and divination, and the role of women. Finally, we will consider some western appropriations of Tibetan Buddhism and the practice of Tibetan Buddhism in non-Tibetan contexts in the contemporary world.
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
1.Identify the main characteristics of the Tibetan religious context
2.Synthesise and critically evaluate religious issues appropriate to the Tibetan context
3. Recognise and assess the concerns of Tibetan society at different historical moments
4.Differentiate between different doctrinal teachings and ritual practices
5.Evaluate the influence of Tibetan religious practices and beliefs in the modern West.
3 hours of seminars per week
One 5000 word summative essay (100%) [ILOs 1-5].
•J. Powers, (1995) Introduction to Tibetan Buddhism
•G. Samuel (1993) Civilized Shamans
•G. Samuel (2012) Introducing Tibetan Buddhism
•D. Snellgrove (1987) Indo-Tibetan Buddhism
• D. Snellgrove and H. Richardson (1968) A Cultural History of Tibet
