MYSTICISM IN BUDDHISM AND CHRISTIANITY

Undergraduate

This course is an introduction to mysticism in two major traditions: Buddhism and Christianity. Some of the major Buddhist doctrines and practices are compared with those of Christianity. Special attention is given to notions of mystical experience, I-Thou relationship, God/Emptiness, sainthood/Buddhahood, and self-transformation. The approach is textual and comparative, using cross-cultural perspectives. PREREQUISITE: Any two Religious Studies, one of which must be at the 2000 level or higher, or permission of the instructor Three hours a week