PHI 3230 - Buddhist Philosophy

Credits: 4
This course explores the historical origins of Buddhism in India and traces its movement to China and Japan. We will examine early Indian Buddhist scriptures and forms of logic with an eye to their influence on Chinese and Japanese Buddhist philosophical schools. The majority of the course is devoted to close readings of the works of major figures within two prominent East Asian Buddhist traditions: Zen and Pure Land. Guiding questions include: What is the nature of reality? What is the self? And, how should one live? Another major point of focus is the relation between religious teaching and practice. Buddhist-inspired literature, poetry, and art will supplement canonical texts.
McDaniel Plan: International Nonwestern, Textual Analysis