Andrew O. Fort Buddhism Office Hours

TBH 214 Thought and Practice M-F 11-12 or

257-6448 RS 30533 by appointment a.fort@tcu.edu Spring 08 personal.tcu.edu/afort

This course will introduce the religious tradition called Buddhism. We shall trace its development from India through Southeast Asia, Tibet, China, Japan, and North America. Description and analysis of Buddhist thought will be emphasized, although Buddhist practice will also be considered. Our aim will be to outline the history of Buddhism in various cultures, and to understand some Buddhist ways of thinking and acting. We shall thereby explore some of the diversity of human experience and better understand other cultures and peoples. Such understandings will necessarily entail some "self"-exploration; thus, existential inquiry is an inevitable component of this course. Our exploration will, of course, use the concepts and modes of inquiry common in the academic study of religion. Thus, this course will increase your ability to read critically, think analytically, and write effectively through the description, analysis and evaluation of Buddhist ideas, practices, and social organization.

You are expected to attend all classes (come on time, but come even if late), and to read (and think about) the assignments before class. Both are necessary to gain a full understanding; they also help you to get a good grade. If you miss four or more classes, your grade can be lowered automatically unless you have a legitimate and documented excuse. The reading load is generally not heavy, but does take time and commitment. Bring the relevant books to class; we will analyze the readings. Be ready to listen, think, question, and speak. All topics are open, but civil and respectful discourse is required.

There will be two short (4-5 pg.) papers (15% of grade each), meditation and precept observation projects (required, grading optional, 10% each), a midterm exam (20%), and a final 7-8 page course review and analysis (25%). You are also required to make a weekly entry into a computer journal; it is mandatory but ungraded. Other handouts will provide more information. Papers and exams will cover material from lectures and readings, and are intended to bring out both academic information and personal reactions to what you are learning. Unless you contact me beforehand, late papers or exam absence will be permitted only for officially excused absences. Your presence and participation in class are also part of the grade (5%). We will visit a Buddhist temple as well.

If you have a problem affecting your course participation, or must miss class, let me know. Also, if you have a disability which may affect your class performance, please inform me during the first week of class. For information about attendance, disabilities and/or academic misconduct, refer to the appropriate sections under www.studentaffairs.tcu.edu. Feel free to see me, after class or by appointment. Finally, a Buddhist hint to help you in the course: do not cling to your ideas.

Required books: D. Mitchell, Introduction to Buddhism (called “text” below)

J. Strong, The Experience of Buddhism, 3rd edition

Lama A. Govinda, The Way of the White Clouds

a packet of short readings (available at FrogPrints)

CLASS SCHEDULE

Jan. 15 Introduction to course text: 1-2, 33-34

Jan. 17 Indian thought at Buddha's birth text: 9-17

Strong: 7-mid13, 17-23, 29-33

Jan. 22 Life and teachings of the Buddha text: 17-21, 34-mid40, 42-48

Strong: 38-44

Jan. 24 " " " text: 48-64, 79-81

READING 1 Strong: 114-18, 128-36

Jan. 29 the Buddha's death and schism text: 21-32, 65-69, 134-35bottom

Strong: 45-48, 60-63, 97-99, 101-04

Jan. 31 early religious life text: 70-74

READINGS 2 AND 3 Strong: 63-70, 120-26, 75-82, 89-90

Feb. 5 " " " Strong: 72-73, 91-92, 94-95

PAPER DUE: REFLECTIONS ON THE BUDDHA'S LIFE

Feb. 7 Mahayana Buddhism text: 103-10

Strong: 143, 145-55

Feb. 12 Madhyamika text: 139-46 Strong: 157-62

Feb. 14 Vijnanavada/Yogacara text: 112-13, 149-53

Strong: 163-64, 168-69

READINGS 4 AND 5: MEDITATION PROJECT INTRO

Feb. 19 Mahayana soteriology text: 119-23

Strong: 173-83

Feb. 21 the pantheon text: 117-19, 130-32

Strong: 191-94, 196-202

Feb. 26 Tantra text: 153-58, 170-78

Strong: 206-15, 219-20

Feb. 28 MEDITATION PROJECT DUE

Buddhism in Southeast Asia text: 91-101

Strong: 221-22, 228 and 231 (intros), 233-44

March 4 Southeast Asian Buddhism today text: 323-37

Strong: 246-55

March 6 EXAMINATION

SPRING BREAK (start The Way of the White Clouds)

March 18 Tibetan Buddhism text: 178-86, 337-40, 160-70 (optional)

READING 6 Strong: 256-57, 259-77, 280-87

March 20 The Way of the White Clouds (to pg. 162)

March 25 WOWC (to p. 268) video

March 27 PAPER DUE: REVIEW OF WAY OF THE WHITE CLOUDS

Chinese Buddhism and monasticism

text: 236-39, 197-203 (optional) READING 7

Strong: 294-300, 306-14

April 1 Chinese Buddhist schools text: 209-11, 219-32

READING 8 Strong: 171-72

April 3 Ch'an Buddhism Strong: 301-03, 326-29

READING 9

April 8 Japanese Buddhism text: 275-88

Strong: 315-20, 335-37

precepts/book review handout

April 10 " " “ (Amidism) text: 288-96, 301-06

Strong: 332-34, 337-40

April 15 Zen Buddhism (Dogen) text: 296-301, 306-14

April 17 BOOK REVIEW OR PRECEPTS EXERCISE DUE

Discuss and start Modern East Asian Buddhism

Strong: 310-11 text: 314-21, 340-43, 346-54

April 22 modern East Asian Buddhism and Buddhism comes West

text: 357-79 Strong: 341-42

READINGS 10 and 11

April 24 more Buddhism in the West text: 379-88 Strong: 347-62

READING 12

April 29 Buddhism in the West and concluding thoughts

text: 388-98 Strong: 342-45, 362-65

READING 13

COURSE REVIEW/ANALYSIS DUE 3 pm TUESDAY, May 6