Buddhism Reflection

Buddhism 1 Reading Assignment

Readings
Book:
An Introduction to Chinese Philosophy by JeeLoo Liu
Read Part II (Introduction and Chapters 9-12), and select one chapter from Chapters 9-12

On the Blackboard:
“The Teachings of the Buddha” and “Great Vehicle” from Introducing the Buddhist Experience by Donald Mitchell (New York; Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2008).

Internet Links:
Heart Sutra: http://webspace.ship.edu/cgboer/heartsutra.html

Selections from Lotus Sutra
On Nature of Buddha:

Parable of the Burning House:

Stories of the Mahasiddhas:
http://www.keithdowman.net/books/bme.htm
Background introduction on the Mahasiddhas (optional but helpful): http://www.keithdowman.net/essays/siddhas.htm

Prelection

For our first week exploring Buddhism, we will start with studying the basic tenants of Buddhism, and also more specifically Mahayana Buddhism. Mitchell’s chapter on the teachings of the Buddha (Siddhartha Gautama, also often referred to as the Historical Buddha) has more details on the Buddha’s “program”. Even if you have studied Buddhism before and/or practice Buddhism at home, please still read the chapter again to refresh your memory!

Mitchel’s chapter on Mahayana Buddhism or “the Great Vehicle” goes in more depth in specifically the Mahayana track of Buddhism. It outlines the key interpretations and innovations in Mahayana. Please be able to articulate how Mahayana has transformed from Buddha’s original teachings (Hint: focus your summary on this transformation). Try to take note of the central lesson(s) of each sutra/genre of sutra. Don’t forget to also look at the primary texts online to get a sense of the how these ideas are presented classically.

JeeLoo Liu’s chapters include 4 major schools of Buddhism in the Chinese culture. Please read the introduction section of each of chapters 9-12, and choose one chapter to read in its entirety. Again, note how the school you choose to focus on demonstrates the key tenants of Mahayana in general, while providing its own interpretation of how humans come to understand the world we exist in. The philosophical language and logic might seem challenging, but please try to work with the chapter as much as you can, and write down questions as you go.

Finally, please take a look at the stories of the mahasiddhas online. Don’t spend too much time on them, but just get a sense of what a few of the stories are. How do these stories compare your previous impression of Buddhism and Buddhist practices? What seems to be their goal in doing what they did?

Please don’t forget to include a half-page summary of the readings before going into reflection of the materials. In your reflection, state very clearly what topic (or 2-3 questions) you want to focus on, and reference on the readings to demonstrate your points.
In text and end text citation are needed. Please use Chicago Style Citation.
Only use the sources I give you.

An Introduction to Chinese Philosophy by JeeLoo Liu