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History of Indian Buddhism (ASH 3931 / REL 3938) Syllabus, Fall 2008
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Short Description: the transmission of Buddhism within South Asia (including Afghanistan, Pakistan, ... Week 1: Course introduction and sources for studying Indian Buddhism ...
Content Inside: 1 History of Indian Buddhism (ASH 3931 / REL 3938) Syllabus, Fall 2008 Tuesday period 4 (10:40-11:30), Flint 119 Thursday period 5 (10:40-12:35), Turlington 2350 Instructor: Dr. Jason Neelis Office: Department of Religion, 130 Anderson Hall, 352-273-2935 Office hours: Tuesday, 12- 2 p.m. and by appointment e-mail: jneelis@religion.ufl.edu website: http://www.clas.ufl.edu/users/jneelis/ Description: This intermediate-level course surveys historical and cultural contexts for the establishment and expansion of Buddhist institutions, religious practices, and ideological movements which originated in South Asia and flourished for almost 2500 years. This class will investigate a wide range of devotional practices for venerating kyamuni Buddha, various interpretations of his teachings (dharma), and patterns in the growth of the Buddhist community (sagha) since the 5th century BCE. Relationships with other Indian religious traditions, the roles of economic and political patronage, and the importance of changing social environments and material conditions are emphasized in order to provide a broad framework for the historical development of Buddhist movements throughout and beyond the Indian subcontinent. Guided by chronology and geography, this exploration of networks for the transmission of Buddhism within South Asia (including Afghanistan, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka) extends to overland links with Central Asia (particularly the Tarim Basin of western China and the Tibetan Plateau) and maritime connections to Southeast Asia. The survey concludes with an examination of contemporary South Asian Buddhism, including challenges to its continued survival and trends towards reform and revival. Goals: This class (cross-listed in Religion and History) is intended to stimulate engagement with sources and methods for the academic study of Buddhism and South Asian history. In addition to the textbooks (see below) and selected articles (available on Library Course Reserves), students will develop skills for interpreting original Buddhist texts and inscriptions (in translation), images, and archeological materials. Prior exposure to South Asian religions, history or languages will be helpful, but is not expected or required. Textbooks (available from Goerings Bookstore, 1717 NW 1st Ave. and UF Bookstore in Reitz Union): [BR] Buddhist Religions: A Historical Introduction, 5th ed. Richard Robinson, Willard Johnson, Thanissaro Bhikkhu (Geoffrey DeGraff). Thomson/Wadsworth, Belmont, CA: 2005.
