| Syllabus | Study Guide | Schedule/Assignments |
The Sacred Journey:
Religions of the World
Integrated Seminar 101
Study Guide for the Third Exam
(tentative, corresponding to what we are able to cover during class sessions)
Specific Class Study Questions for the Third Exam, with readings including the sections from Maguire and Muller's Dhammapada, Buddhist Doctrines, and chapter 3 "Buddhism," from Smith's The World's Religions. Also consider supplemental materials, readings and video.
Buddhism
Who was the Buddha and what are his primary teachings? What was the significance of the the Bo Tree and Lotus?
What is the ultimate goal in Buddhism? How does that goal differ from Hinduism?
What is the ultimate nature of the human self and soul, as well as of the world, cosmos and divinity? What is "reality"? How do these concepts differ from Hinduism?
What is the meaning of the Eight-spoked Wheel?
How is Buddhism like a great journey across a vast river, from one shore to another? How do each of the three main Buddhist yana's or schools differ from one another?
What is the ultimate meaning and implications of yana?
Who is the ultimate acting agent who determines when you will reach Liberation?
What did you get out of the video, The Great Liberation? What were the significant topics considered and insights gained?
How would you define the "there, there" in Buddhism?
Key Buddhist Concepts and Terms:
- Siddhartha Gautama - his life and significance
- Kama-Mara
- Nirvana and Sunyata
- Yana
- Three Jewels: Dharma, Sangha, and the Buddha
- Four Noble Truths: Dukkha, Tanha, Overcome Tanha, the Eightfold Path
- Eighfold Path: Prajna, Sila, Dhyana as well as such actions as ahimsa and karnua
- Karma and Samsara
- Yana
- Anicca, Skandas, and Paticcasamuppadda
- Bardo
- Anatta and ________
- Theravada (Hinayana)
- Mahayana, Bodhisattva, and Zen (Stupas, Haiku, Zazan and Koan)
- Vajrayana, Mandala, Bhavacaka, Mantras, Wheels, Mudra
- The Tibetan Book of the Dead - Bardo Thodol