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Department of the Study of Religions

Central Concepts and Tenets of Indian Buddhism

Course Code:
15PSRH010
Status:
Course Not Running 2013/14
Unit value:
0.5
Year of study:
Any
This course provides a survey of the key Buddhist concepts and theories across the entire spectrum of Indian Buddhism. All such concepts and theories are examined individually and then related to each other so that, as the course progresses, there eventually emerges a coherent image of Indian Buddhism as a diversified whole.

Objectives and learning outcomes of the course

This course aims to treat in some depth the principal concepts and doctrinal tenets of Buddhism viewed as a whole, and to provide students with an opportunity to concentrate on theoretical issues.

The intended learning outcome of this course is the acquisition of knowledge and understanding of the essential pan-Buddhist teachings and the interrelationship of the various concepts and theories developed by the different forms of Indian Buddhism.

Scope and syllabus

Among the major concepts to be covered are: 

  • existence (bhav), 
  • karma and dependent origination (pratitya-samutpada); 
  • conditioned (samskrta) and unconditioned (asamskrta) dharmas; 
  • human body (kaya) and mind (citta), emptiness of beings (nairatmya) and dharmas (dharmasunyata); 
  • pathways to deliverance: 
  • eightfold path, 
  • Bodhi-sattva career, 
  • tantra methods; 
  • levels of spiritual liberation (arhat, Bodhi-sattva, Pratyekauddha, Buddha, siddha); 
  • two levels of truth (satyadvaya). 

The various concepts may not be necessarily treated in the order given above, and some concepts not indicated here may be added.

Method of assessment

Coursework: one 6,000 word essay. Assessment: essay 80%, oral examination 20%.