BUDDHIST PHILOSOPHIES

COURSE OUTLINE

SPRING 2005

1. Practical Matters/Overview

2. Indian Buddhism

A. Hindu Background

i. Harvey Text

ii. Key Texts & Ideas/Concepts

iii. Main Positions

B. The Buddha

i. Carrithers Text

ii. Buddha's Life

iii. Key Events & Their Significance

C. The Dharma

i. Theravada Texts

ii. Key Ideas/Concepts

iii. Mahayana Texts

iv. Key Ideas/Concepts

D. The Sangha

i. Theravada View vs. Mahayana View

3. Chinese Buddhism

A. Bodhidharma

i. Key Ideas/Concepts

ii. Relation to "Original" Buddhism

B. Huineng

i. Key Ideas/Concepts

ii. Relation to "Original" Buddhism

iii. Kinds of "Enlightenment"

C. Ch'an

i. Texts? & Key Ideas/Concepts

4. Japanese Buddhism

A. Zen

i. Zen Flesh, Zen Bones

ii. Key Ideas/Concepts

B. Pure Land

5. Contemporary Buddhism

A. Thich Nhat Hanh

i. Miracle of Mindfulness & Engaged Buddhism