Religion 251 - Buddhist Civilizations in Asia II: Central and East Asia

Institution:

Whitman College

Subject:

Description:

not offered 2008-09 Although in India proper the significance of specif ically Buddhist cultures gradually gave way to other religious orientations, becoming virtually extinct there by the 15th century, A.D. (20th century, B.E.), from the fifth century, B.E. to the present ever-new interpretations of the Buddha's life and significance have maintained an important presence in kingdoms and cultures located to the north and to the east of the Buddha's Indian homeland. This course tracks philosophical, liturgical, political, artistic and soteriological developments in the so-called "Northern Tradition," identified especially with the Mahayana and Vajrayana (Tantrayana) divisions of the Buddhist world. Beginning with the rise of the Mahayana sutras in India (ca. fifth century, B.E.), the course traces the development of the Northern Buddhist tradition from ancient times to the present in Tibet, China, Japan and, through them, in the modern United States. Careful reading of primary texts will be supplemented with readings in secondary scholarship, lectures, and audio-visual materials. Offered every other yea

Credits:

4.00

Credit Hours:

Prerequisites:

Corequisites:

Exclusions:

Level:

Instructional Type:

Lecture

Notes:

Additional Information:

Historical Version(s):

Institution Website:

www.whitman.edu

Phone Number:

(509) 527-5111

Regional Accreditation:

Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities

Calendar System:

Semester

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