Academic Programs

About

Events

Contact

Spring 2008 Course Schedule

Introduction to Buddhist Meditation
HRSP 1508
Course Level: Introductory

Instructor: Seelawimala
Thursday 9:40AM - 12:30PM
An examination of samatha and vipassana methods of Buddhist meditation found in the early sutras and viewed in light of Visudimagga, a 4th century commentary by Buddhaghosa. Early Buddhist meditation is a carefully developed system of mental exercises for general mental health and the ultimate cure for all mental disorders.

Buddhist Traditions of East Asia
HRHS 1518
Course Level: Introductory
This course is being offered online only

Instructor: Grumbach
Introduces the Buddhist traditions transmitted to East Asia and the development of new traditions. Second half of the required year long introductory survey of the entire Buddhist tradition. Usually offered each spring semester.

Life and Teachings of the Buddha
HR 1550
Course Level: Introductory

Instructor: Seelawimala
Wednesday 9:40AM - 12:30PM
Course examines the life and fundamental teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha, providing an understanding of the Buddha's time and world. It then follows the developments in the story of the Buddha as the popularity of Buddhism increases and spreads throughout Asia. Recommended for introductory study.

Chinese Buddhist Philosophy
HRPH 3006
Course Level: Intermediate

Instructor: Williams
Thursday 2:10PM - 5:00PM
Study of one of the schools of Chinese Buddhist thought, such as Huayan, Tiantai, Sanlun, Chan, and Mijiao. While reading primary sources in translation will be central, attention will also be given to textual, doctrinal, historical, and social aspects of the different philosophic traditions. May be repeated for credit when a different school is being studied.

Shin Buddhist Texts: Classical Japanese I
HR 3072
Course Level: Intermediate

Instructor: Kurioka
Monday/Thursday 11:10AM - 12:30PM
Reading tutorial introducing the study of Shin Buddhist Texts written in classical Japanese. Course is required for ministerial aspirants. Fulfills the Area Distribution Requirement for Area I. HR 3070 Shin Buddhist Texts: Modern Japanese, or instructor's permission is prerequisite to enrollment.

History of the Shin Buddhist Tradition I: Modern Japan
HRHS 3074
Course Level: Intermediate

Instructor: Nasu
Mon 2:10PM - 5:00PM
This course takes the history of the Shin Buddhist Tradition forward from the seven masters, examining the formation of the tradition by Shinran and its revitalization by Rennyo, as well as further developments into the Tokugawa and modern eras. Required of ministerial aspirants. HRHS 3250 History of the Pure Land Tradition: Seven Masters recommended as background.

Esoteric Buddhism
HR 3101
Course Level: Intermediate
This course is being offered online only

An over view of the rise of tantric Budhism in India, together with its spread throughout the Buddhist world. Covers history, practices, doctrines, texts, and key figures. Format: Seminar. Evaluation: Participation and term paper.

Topics in Japanese Religions: Japanese Religious Landscape
HR 4542
Course Level: Advanced

Instructor: Grumbach
Tuesday 2:10PM - 5:00PM
This course explores Japanese Buddhism and kami worship (Shinto) through the theoretical lens of landscape. Topics will include: the influence of geography (islands, mountains, plains, oceans) on the conceptions of kami (gods) in early Japan; ideas about landscape and space in Japanese Buddhism; how Buddhist doctrine is taught through landscape art; the practical and theoretical roles of temple and shrine architecture, grounds, and gardens; pilgrimage as movement through religious space/landscape; and changing ideas about religion and nature in modern Japan.

Topics in Buddhist Thought: Contemplative Psychology -- A Buddhist Perspective
HRPH 4556
Course Level: Advanced

Instructor: Kinst
Friday 9:40AM - 12:30PM
Based on the work of Han de Wit, contemplative psychology is the study of the lived experience of a committed practitioner in a spiritual or religious tradition. Aspects of the path such as renunciation and engagement, solitude and community, the role and types of language, dimensions of knowing, discipleship and such specific practices as mediation/zazen, study, chanting and ritual are included. This class will focus on Buddhist understandings of contemplative psychology and the qualities of experience that emerge as one follows the Buddha Way. Course may be repeated for credit, if topic is different.

Issues in the Shin Buddhist Ministry
HR 4547
Course Level: Advanced

Instructor: Matsumoto
Monday 9:40AM - 12:30PM
This course will take a look at Shin Buddhist religious organizations, past, present and future. It will focus on issues pertaining to religious orders, as organizational structure, laws, role of priests and laity, propagation, adaptation to change, challenges and so on. This investigation will take place in the
context of the tension between personal religious experience and institutional agendas.

Works of Shinran II: Teaching, Practice, and Realization
HR 4567
Course Level: Advanced

Instructor: Nasu
Tuesday 9:40AM - 12:30PM
Introduction to the teaching of Shinran through a study of his major treatise in English translation. Course required for ministerial aspirants. Fulfills Course Distribution Requirement for BIBL. Format: Seminar. Evaluation: Participation and term paper. HRPH 1614 Intro to Shin Buddhist Thought and at least one year college level Japanese, or instructor's permission.