Course Listings for Spring 2013
HR 8317 : Readings in Mahayana Texts: Lotus Sutra
Instructor(s): Leighton
Units: 3.0
This is an Online CourseCourse Level: Intermediate
Our online courses are co-sponsored by the Starr King School for the Ministry
This course will feature textual study of selected chapters from the Lotus Sutra, a central scripture in Chinese Buddhism and even more pivotal in Japan. Through colorful parables and shifting visionary viewpoints, the Lotus Sutra elaborates and expresses such key East Asian Buddhist themes as the subtle workings of skillful means; the Diversity of spiritual needs and approaches and their unity in the One Vehicle, the mystical pervasion of awakening beings in both space and time, and the centrality of faith to Buddhist awakening. In addition to examining the meaning of the sutra’s teachings and their relevance, we will also consider the sutra’s widespread influence on philosophy, art, and literature, and commentaries on the sutra by key East Asian Buddhist figures as well as contemporary scholars. Prerequisites: Some introductory course in Buddhism, including the Mahayana.
Course format: Online discussion.
Evaluation method: Term paper, midterm exam, and participation in discussion.
Auditors with faculty permission.
