Course Details
Country:
Netherlands
Institution:
Free University of Amsterdam
Course Title:
Living Chinese Buddhism
Course Number:
G_BATRSAL095
Course Description:
While Buddhist traditions such as Japanese Zen, Tibetan Vajrayana Buddhism, and Southeast Asian Theravada are well-known in the Netherlands, Chinese Buddhism remains relatively unknown, despite its immense historical influence and having the largest number of followers worldwide. This course focuses on Chinese Buddhism, specifically the Mahayana tradition as it developed in central Asia and China, and is practiced in the People’s Republic of China, Southeast Asia, Taiwan, and increasingly globally. The course will provide a brief introduction to its historical development, but the central focus will be on understanding Chinese Buddhism through a lived religion lens. We will adopt a multidisciplinary approach, combining historical, anthropological, and sociological perspectives to examine how Chinese Buddhism is lived and practiced today. Topics covered include history, modernization, and globalization; different schools and practice lineages; the roles of laity and monasticism; cultural practices like tea culture and vegetarianism; and societal issues such as gender dynamics.
Language:
English
Approved Equivalent:
Pending For Approval
Attachment Files:
Studyguide (10)_16.pdf
