Contempl Trads South/East Asia

3 Credits · Level: Undergraduate

This course is primarily focused on an exploration of the "dharmic" traditions of Asia, with an emphasis on Hindu and Buddhist schools of thought and practice. The main goal of the course is to examine the relationship between philosophical theory and spiritual practice in these traditions. Given the spiritual interactions and cross-fertilizations of Buddhism and Daoism, readings from and about the latter tradition are also included. In addition, cross-religious connections with Abrahamic traditions, particularly with Christian and Islamic mysticism, will be considered. The course aims at striking a balance between the study of primary classics of Eastern spirituality, contemporary spiritual documents such as spiritual teachings, films and biographies, and secondary academic sources.