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Key facts
| Type | Weekly Classes |
|---|---|
| Location | Reading |
| Address | London Road Campus Reading |
| Dates | Tue 23 Apr to Tue 25 Jun 2013 Day: Tuesday Time of meeting: 7.00-9.00pm Number of meetings: 10 |
| Subject area(s) | Religious Studies |
| CATS points | 10 |
| Fees | From £145.00 |
| Application status | Course cancelled |
| Course code | R12P429THW |
| Course contact | If you have any questions about this course, please email ppweekly@conted.ox.ac.uk. |
Overview
Theravada Buddhism, close to the religion as originally set up by the Buddha, is prevalent in the Southern Buddhist countries. Its beliefs, practices and customs are the foundation for the later forms of Buddhism to be studied on subsequent courses.Description
The practice of Buddhism can be broadly divided into three "vehicles" or pathways, which broadly correspond to its three phases of development in ancient India: the doctrine of the Elders (Theravada), the great vehicle (Mahayana) and the diamond vehicle (Vajrayana), which became prevalent in different Asian Buddhist countries. The Theravada is a mainly conservative form of Buddhism remaining close to the religion as originally set up by the Buddha, and is prevalent in the Southern Buddhist countries of Sri Lanka, Thailand and Burma etc. This course will sytematically study its beliefs, practices, customs and history, for both the monastic tradition and the lay community, and for both the meditating traditions and the traditions for philosophical study. These are the foundations upon which the other forms of Buddhism developed, so that this tutorial course will be the first of a trilogy to be given in the Trinity terms of successive years.Programme details
Week 1: Introduction: Life and nature of the Buddha.Week 2: Doctrines of the Buddha's first sermon: the four Noble Truths.
Week 3: The discourses (sutras) of the Buddha and the development of the Buddhist scriptural tradition.
Week 4: The monastic tradition.
Week 5: Monks, nuns and laity: the Buddhist social tradition.
Week 6: Non-self and dependent arising: the Buddhist analysis of reality.
Week 7: The Buddhist path of giving, morality, mindfulness, calm and insight.
Week 8: Historical development and spread of Theravada Buddhism.
Week 9: To be kept free for student presentations and topics of special interest.
Week 10: The Western encounter with Theravada Buddhism and conclusion.
Background reading:
Gethin R: The Foundations of Buddhism
Rahula W: What the Buddha taught
Rahula W: History of Buddhism in Ceylon: the Anuradhapura Period
Gombrich R: Theravada Buddhism: A Social History fromAncient Banares to Modern Colombo
Saddhatissa H: The Buddha's Way
Staff
Dr Peter Robin Ebbatson
Role: Tutor
Peter Ebbatson is a long-term researcher into Buddhist philosophy and religion, working on the translations of major Buddhist philosophical texts. He...more
Course aims
Course aim:A balanced, basic knowledge of Theravada Buddhism.
Course objectives:
1. An introductory knowledge of the practices for personal cultivation of this religion: giving, morality, compassion, calm and insight.
2. An introductory knowledge of the history, society and philosophical perspectives of this religion.
3. Greater tolerance and appreciation of ones potentialities as a human being, as exemplified by this religion.
Assessment methods
The coursework contribution can be met by either Option A, a portfolio of about three small writings upon different subjects, or by Option B, a essay, each of about 1,000 words. A further possibility will be to give a short class presentation, and this also will be encouraged and supported.Teaching methods
The basis and framework will be provided by tutor expositions of key subject areas. However, even for these, much opportunity will be provided for class discussion. Full written notes will be produced for all such classes and it is hoped a website will be set up for further discussion among class members. For some classes texts of Buddhist scriptures will be provided for class discussion, and these will be available in advance. Class presentations by students, as well as the development of special interests, will be encouraged and supported by the tutor. An excursion to a Theravada monastery in the south of England can be arranged as an extra feature if required, as has been done by previous classes, and it is hoped to arrange a visit to at least one meeting by a Theravada monk or nun, or possibly another academic scholar from the specific field.Teaching outcomes
1. An introductory knowledge of the practices for personal cultivation of this religion: giving, morality, compassion, calm and insight.2. An introductory knowledge of the history, society and philosophical perspectives of this religion.
3. Greater tolerance and appreciation of ones potentialities as a human being, as exemplified by this religion.
Apply for this course
Sorry, this course is not currently accepting applications. If you have any questions about this course, please use the course enquiry form.