Indian & Tibetan River of Buddhism from edX

The course begins with a survey of the origins of Buddhism in the Indian subcontinent in the mid-first millennium BCE, as well as its transformation in the first millennium CE into the Sanskrit-language-based Mahayana Buddhism(s) that permeated the monastic traditions and flourished in India until around 1100 CE, and that persists up to present day in East Asia, Central Asia, and Vietnam.

The Tibetan aspect of this course surveys the Tibetan and Central Asian reception and development of these Indian Buddhist traditions that occurred in two distinct historical periods: (1) from 650 CE until ca. 850 CE, and (2) from ca. 950 CE to the present.

During the first period, the Indians' and Tibetans' massive efforts to translate into the Tibetan language the Sanskrit and Prakrit contents of the great Indian monastic university libraries resulted in the reception and preservation in Tibetan of the most essential parts of what was destroyed in India during the Persian, Turkish, and Tajik invasions and occupations in the early second millennium CE. These translations also enabled that Indian style of Buddhism to spread into the Mongolias and the Manchu empire in China. In addition to addressing such reception and preservation, we will also survey the unique ways in which these Indian forms of Buddhism were further developed in the Tibetan and Central Asian cultural spheres (throughout their histories, and especially in the second period that began after the destruction of Indian Buddhism).

Finally, we will explore 20th-21st century manifestations and developments of Tibetan Buddhism throughout the global modern world. Although in the modern era Tibet itself has lost its Buddhist culture internally due to the Chinese communist occupation and cultural revolution, that Buddhist culture has been maintained and developed in exile and diaspora, and its worldwide spread is a remarkable phenomenon in the history of American and European forms of world Buddhism.

What's inside

Learning objectives

The main elements of the buddha's biography
The four noble truths and the three super educations
The branches of the eightfold path & how they relate to the three super educations
The five principles of enlightenment social policy and political activism
The universal vehicle and the individual vehicle principles and institutions
The concept of non-duality and its core logic of emptiness as absolute relativity
The periodization and principal aspects of the three styles of indian buddhism
The process of the three super educations by outlining the reasoning underlying emptiness, relativity, and interconnectedness of all beings
The central features of the esoteric or apocalyptic vehicle

Thetransformation of tibet from imperialist conquest culture to relatively nonviolent mass monastic culture
The five-point sociological framework of the western "materialist modernity" versus the eventual modern tibetan "spiritual" or "inner modernity"
The great fourteenth dalai lama's exemplification of the qualities developed by the three super educations
Module 1
Module 2
Module 3
Module 4
Module 5
Module 6

The main elements of the buddha's biography
The four noble truths and the three super educations
The branches of the eightfold path & how they relate to the three super educations
The five principles of enlightenment social policy and political activism
The universal vehicle and the individual vehicle principles and institutions
The concept of non-duality and its core logic of emptiness as absolute relativity
The periodization and principal aspects of the three styles of indian buddhism
The process of the three super educations by outlining the reasoning underlying emptiness, relativity, and interconnectedness of all beings
The central features of the esoteric or apocalyptic vehicle
Thetransformation of tibet from imperialist conquest culture to relatively nonviolent mass monastic culture
The five-point sociological framework of the western "materialist modernity" versus the eventual modern tibetan "spiritual" or "inner modernity"
The great fourteenth dalai lama's exemplification of the qualities developed by the three super educations
Module 1
Module 2
Module 3
Module 4
Module 5
Module 6

Syllabus

Buddha and Dharma: The Individual Vehicle

The Mendicant Sangha and the Cool Revolution in Indic Societies

The Individual Vehicle Launches the Universal Vehicle (Mahāyāna)

The Three Styles of the Buddhist Development Movement

Exporting The Cool Revolution to Tibet

Tibet's Enlightenment Culture and The Example of the Dalai Lama

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Examines historical and cultural aspects of Buddhism, catering to students interested in religious studies and Asian history

Taught by Columbia University Center for Teaching and Learning and Robert A.F. Thurman, renowned scholars in Tibetan Buddhism

Provides a comprehensive overview of Tibetan Buddhism's origins, development, and global spread

May require prior knowledge of Buddhism for full comprehension, potentially limiting accessibility for beginners

Focuses on the Tibetan perspective of Buddhism, which may not provide a comprehensive understanding of other Buddhist traditions

Covers the history and development of Buddhism in India and Tibet, but may not delve deeply into other regions where Buddhism spread

Reviews summary

In-depth buddhist studies

According to students, this course provides an in-depth look at Indian and Tibetan Buddhism. They say Professor Thurman is well-educated about the subject and has met the Dalai Lama in person. He adds excerpts from in-class lectures, which gives the feel of him speaking directly to you. Supplemental readings enhance the video-led class.

Enhances video-led instruction

"Supplemental readings enhance the video led class."

Includes excerpts from in-class lectures

"Professor Thurman adds excerpts from in class lectures, which gives the feel of him speaking directly to you."

Well-educated about Buddhism

"Professor Thurman is well educated about his subject and has met the Dalai Lama in person."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Indian & Tibetan River of Buddhism with these activities:

Explore online resources on Tibetan Buddhism

Show steps

Expand your understanding of Tibetan Buddhism's practices, beliefs, and history through curated online resources.

Show steps

Visit websites of Tibetan Buddhist organizations
Watch videos on Tibetan Buddhist rituals and practices
Follow social media accounts of Tibetan Buddhist teachers

Develop a timeline of key events in the history of Buddhism

Show steps

Deepen your comprehension of Buddhism's historical trajectory by creating a visual representation of key events and their significance.

Show steps

Research and identify major historical events in Buddhism
Organize these events chronologically
Create a visually appealing timeline using online tools
Share your timeline with others for feedback

Seek guidance from experts in Buddhism

Show steps

Enhance your learning by connecting with experienced practitioners or scholars who can provide insights and support.

Browse courses on Buddhism

Show steps

Attend Buddhist events or workshops
Reach out to local Buddhist organizations
Utilize online platforms to connect with potential mentors

Two other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all five activities

Organize course materials for efficient review

Show steps

Enhance your retention and understanding by organizing and reviewing course materials regularly.

Show steps

Create a dedicated study space
Maintain a notebook for class notes
Use color-coding or highlighting to organize materials
Review materials regularly

Join a study group with fellow students

Show steps

Deepen your understanding and retention through collaboration and discussion with peers.

Show steps

Establish regular meeting times
Reach out to classmates and form a study group
Take turns leading discussions on different topics
Work together on assignments and projects

Career center

Learners who complete Indian & Tibetan River of Buddhism will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Buddhist Chaplain

This course may be useful for those interested in becoming a Buddhist chaplain, as it provides a comprehensive overview of the history, teachings, and practices of Buddhism. The course covers the Buddha's biography, the Four Noble Truths, the Three Super Educations, the Eightfold Path, and the development of Mahayana Buddhism. This knowledge would provide a strong foundation for providing spiritual care to Buddhists in a variety of settings.

See salaries and explore the career path for Buddhist Chaplain

Meditation Teacher

This course may be useful for those interested in becoming a meditation teacher, as it provides a comprehensive overview of the history, teachings, and practices of Buddhism. The course covers the Buddha's biography, the Four Noble Truths, the Three Super Educations, the Eightfold Path, and the development of Mahayana Buddhism. This knowledge would provide a strong foundation for teaching meditation to others.

See salaries and explore the career path for Meditation Teacher

Buddhist Studies Professor

This course may be useful for those interested in teaching about Buddhism, given its thorough overview of the origins and development of Buddhism in India and Tibet. The course covers the Buddha's biography, the Four Noble Truths, the Three Super Educations, the Eightfold Path, and the development of Mahayana Buddhism. This knowledge would provide a strong foundation for teaching about Buddhism at the university level.

See salaries and explore the career path for Buddhist Studies Professor

Museum curator

This course may be useful for those interested in becoming a museum curator, as it provides a comprehensive overview of the history, teachings, and practices of Buddhism. The course covers the Buddha's biography, the Four Noble Truths, the Three Super Educations, the Eightfold Path, and the development of Mahayana Buddhism. This knowledge would provide a strong foundation for working with and interpreting Buddhist art and artifacts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Museum curator

Teacher

This course may be useful for those interested in becoming a teacher, as it provides a comprehensive overview of the history, teachings, and practices of Buddhism. The course covers the Buddha's biography, the Four Noble Truths, the Three Super Educations, the Eightfold Path, and the development of Mahayana Buddhism. This knowledge would provide a strong foundation for teaching about Buddhism in a variety of settings.

See salaries and explore the career path for Teacher

Yoga Instructor

This course may be useful for those interested in becoming a yoga instructor, as it provides a comprehensive overview of the history, teachings, and practices of Buddhism. The course covers the Buddha's biography, the Four Noble Truths, the Three Super Educations, the Eightfold Path, and the development of Mahayana Buddhism. This knowledge would provide a strong foundation for teaching yoga to others.

See salaries and explore the career path for Yoga Instructor

Writer

This course may be useful for those interested in becoming a writer, as it provides a comprehensive overview of the history, teachings, and practices of Buddhism. The course covers the Buddha's biography, the Four Noble Truths, the Three Super Educations, the Eightfold Path, and the development of Mahayana Buddhism. This knowledge would provide a strong foundation for writing about Buddhism and Buddhist-related topics.

See salaries and explore the career path for Writer

Massage Therapist

This course may be useful for those interested in becoming a massage therapist, as it provides a comprehensive overview of the history, teachings, and practices of Buddhism. The course covers the Buddha's biography, the Four Noble Truths, the Three Super Educations, the Eightfold Path, and the development of Mahayana Buddhism. This knowledge would provide a strong foundation for providing massage therapy to others.

See salaries and explore the career path for Massage Therapist

Archivist

This course may be useful for those interested in becoming an archivist, as it provides a comprehensive overview of the history, teachings, and practices of Buddhism. The course covers the Buddha's biography, the Four Noble Truths, the Three Super Educations, the Eightfold Path, and the development of Mahayana Buddhism. This knowledge would provide a strong foundation for working with and preserving Buddhist records.

See salaries and explore the career path for Archivist

Librarian

This course may be useful for those interested in becoming a librarian, as it provides a comprehensive overview of the history, teachings, and practices of Buddhism. The course covers the Buddha's biography, the Four Noble Truths, the Three Super Educations, the Eightfold Path, and the development of Mahayana Buddhism. This knowledge would provide a strong foundation for working with and cataloging Buddhist texts.

See salaries and explore the career path for Librarian

Translator

This course may be useful for those interested in becoming a translator, as it provides a comprehensive overview of the history, teachings, and practices of Buddhism. The course covers the Buddha's biography, the Four Noble Truths, the Three Super Educations, the Eightfold Path, and the development of Mahayana Buddhism. This knowledge would provide a strong foundation for translating Buddhist texts from and into English.

See salaries and explore the career path for Translator

Anthropologist

This course may be useful for those interested in becoming an anthropologist, as it provides a comprehensive overview of the history, teachings, and practices of Buddhism. The course covers the Buddha's biography, the Four Noble Truths, the Three Super Educations, the Eightfold Path, and the development of Mahayana Buddhism. This knowledge would provide a strong foundation for researching and writing about Buddhist culture and society.

See salaries and explore the career path for Anthropologist

Historian

This course may be useful for those interested in becoming a historian, as it provides a comprehensive overview of the history, teachings, and practices of Buddhism. The course covers the Buddha's biography, the Four Noble Truths, the Three Super Educations, the Eightfold Path, and the development of Mahayana Buddhism. This knowledge would provide a strong foundation for researching and writing about Buddhist history.

See salaries and explore the career path for Historian

Social Worker

This course may be useful for those interested in becoming a social worker, as it provides a comprehensive overview of the history, teachings, and practices of Buddhism. The course covers the Buddha's biography, the Four Noble Truths, the Three Super Educations, the Eightfold Path, and the development of Mahayana Buddhism. This knowledge would provide a strong foundation for working with people from all walks of life.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Worker

Editor

This course may be useful for those interested in becoming an editor, as it provides a comprehensive overview of the history, teachings, and practices of Buddhism. The course covers the Buddha's biography, the Four Noble Truths, the Three Super Educations, the Eightfold Path, and the development of Mahayana Buddhism. This knowledge would provide a strong foundation for editing Buddhist texts and other works on Buddhism.

See salaries and explore the career path for Editor