Religion 261 - Women and Buddhism

Institution:

Bard College

Subject:

Description:

Asian Studies, GIS, GSS This course explores the sacred images and social realities of women in the Buddhist world. Specifically, it considers the ways in which categories such as "woman," "feminine," "gendeand "nun" have been explained and imagined byBuddhist communities (as well as by academics and feminists) through various historical and cultural locations. It examines early Buddhist sources, the stories surrounding the founding of the nun's order and the songs of women saints (Pali Therigatha), and considers gender(ed) imagery in Mahayana sources, with a sustained focus on the evolution of the bodhisattva Kuan-Yin in China, along with the feminine principle as envisioned by Vajrayana Buddhists in Tibet. A significant portion of the course focuses on how real women in the contemporary Buddhist landscape, especially those who have taken vows, resolve tensions inherent in the Buddhist tradition. Readings include recent, provocative books in the field of Buddhist studies.

Credits:

4.00

Credit Hours:

Prerequisites:

Corequisites:

Exclusions:

Level:

Instructional Type:

Lecture

Notes:

Additional Information:

Historical Version(s):

Institution Website:

www.bard.edu

Phone Number:

(845) 758-6822

Regional Accreditation:

Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools

Calendar System:

Semester

The Course Profile information is provided and updated by third parties including the respective institutions. While the institutions are able to update their information at any time, the information is not independently validated, and no party associated with this website can accept responsibility for its accuracy.