PHIL 31147

About this course

This course surveys the origins, evolution and growth of Buddhism, and Buddhism?s current position in the global village. We revisit Siddhartha Gautama?s reformation of orthodox Indian philosophy, and Buddhism?s re-absorption by the Vedic tradition. We examine the Theravada- Mahayana bifurcation, and the development of Tibetan, Chinese and Japanese traditions. Our survey of contemporary Buddhism traces its migration to Western civilization, its reception and rooting in the West, and its role in 21st century world affairs. Readings will be assigned from both classical and contemporary sources. Buddhist practices or exercises are optional, and not required in this course.