Knowledge of: The cultural, social, and ethical realities in which the churches live and respond both globally and locally.

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1 Introduction to Buddhism WR 1604, Spring 2012 Margaret Barragato Phone: Course Description: After a brief look at the Hindu roots of Buddhism, we will study the life and teaching of Shakyamuni Buddha and the spread and development of Buddhist thought and practice, including Buddhism s encounter with Christianity. We will also engage in Buddhist practices of meditation and chanting, and attend to left brain (dominant in Western practice) and right brain (dominant in Eastern practice) issues. Course Outcomes: Students will: Acquire an understanding of the fundamental teachings of Shakyamuni Buddha and of the Buddhist tradition. Learn about the spread and many schools of Buddhism. Come to appreciate the great variety of Buddhist thought and practice. Learn various forms of meditation and meditate daily. Have the opportunity to reflect on how Buddhism can inform their own religious beliefs. Course Requirements: Attend class regularly, read assignments, and participate in class discussion. Do daily meditation practices and write brief reflection papers on them. (Not graded, but required.) Write reflection papers on assigned texts and discuss them in class. Write a final paper (8 to 10 pages) on any theme of Buddhism. (Clear your topic with instructor.) M.Div. degree goals addressed by this course: Knowledge of: The cultural, social, and ethical realities in which the churches live and respond both globally and locally. Ability to: Integrate the elements of the Christian tradition in a theology and practice of ministry, act with moral sensitivity and in accord with professional ethics, and advocate for compassion and justice in personal, congregational, and community settings.

2 Opportunities for: Developing one s own ecclesiastical identity within an ecumenical ethos, identifying one s strengths and limits, and learning how to engage in on-going professional development. Developing a prophetic voice within a variety of social and cultural contexts. M.A. Degree goals addressed by this course: Knowledge of: The cultural, social, and ethical realities in which faith operates and responds in the contemporary world. Ability to: Engage in critical and constructive theological reflection. Opportunities for: Growth in appreciation and understanding of a student s own religious identity within a pluralistic religious context. Personal and spiritual integration and growth. Required Texts: Rewata Dhamma. The First Discourse of the Buddha. Wisdom Publications Tenzin Gyatso, the fourteenth Dalai Lama. A Flash of Lightening in the Dark of Night. Wisdom Publications Ayya Khema, Being Nobody, Going Nowhere Donald S. Lopez Jr. The Story of Buddhism. Harper Collins B. Alan Wallace. Mind in the Balance. Columbia University Press. 2009

3 January 22 January 29 Introductions Right Brain, Left Brain Video: My Stroke of Insight Introduction to meditation Assignments: Read Lopez Introduction, Chapters 1 and 2 Read Dhamma Introduction, Chapter1 Read Wallace Part 1 Meditate at least 5 minutes per day The Buddha I Video: Life of the Buddha A little background to the beginnings of Buddhism Who Buddha is and who he is not Assignments: Read Lopez Chapter 3 Read Dhamma Chapters 2-3 Read Wallace Chapter 5-6 Write reflection paper on assigned text Begin meditation, Wallace chapter 5 February 5 The Buddha II Assignments: Read Lopez Chapter 6 Read Dhamma Chapter 4 Read Wallace Chapters 7-8 Write reflections on assigned text February 12 The Dharma I Assignments: Read Dhamma Chapters 5-7 Read Wallace Chapters 9-10 February 19 March 5 The Dharma II Assignments: Read Lopez Chapters 4-5 Read Wallace Chapters The Sangha Assignments: Read Wallace Chapters 13-14

4 March 12 March 19 April 2 April 9 April 16 April 23 Spread and Schools of Buddhism Assignments: Read Wallace Chapters The Buddhist Precepts I Assignments: Read Wallace Chapters Precepts II Assignments: Read Dalai Lama Introduction and Chapters 1-5 Read Wallace Chapters Write reflection paper on the Buddhist Precepts The Bodhisattva Way of Life Assignments: Read Dalai Lama Chapters 6-10 Write reflection paper on A Flash of Lightening first half Read Wallace Chapters The Bodhisattva Way of Life II Assignments: Write reflection on Flash of Lightening second half Read Wallace Chapters Presentation of Final Papers I April 30 Presentation of Final Papers II May 7 Wrap up Grades: Grading will be based on the following distribution: 40% Reflection papers 15% Participation in class discussions 45% Final paper

5 The letter assigned will be based on the guidelines in the BTS Student Manual, given below. Grading of Written Materials A - work is excellent. It must be punctual and demonstrate full control of the assignment, the material and the language. The writing has no English usage problems, the material is clearly and effectively organized and presented, and the writer speaks clearly and firmly from the page. B - work is very good. It should be punctual and directly address the assignment. The writing may show English usage problems, but the grammar, punctuation and spelling are good. The material is well organized but transitions may be abrupt and information may be thin. C - work is adequate. The assignment should be punctual and completed according to instructions. However, the writing may be awkward, unclear and contain English usage problems. The material is only partly grasped. D - work is barely adequate. It may be late or not according to instructions. It is careless, not well organized, and the information is not under the control of the student. F - work is inadequate Inc. - incomplete W - withdrew