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)

Traffic lights

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what should give you pause

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 look at indian & tibetan buddhism

According to learners, this course provides a scholarly and thorough overview of the history and philosophy of Indian and Tibetan Buddhism. Many appreciate the clear and insightful lectures delivered by the instructor, finding the material highly valuable for understanding the subject's depth and complexity. Students often highlight the course's ability to cover vast periods and concepts, from the origins in India to modern global manifestations. However, some reviewers mention that the course is quite demanding, especially for those without prior background, and that the assigned readings can be challenging. Overall, the course is seen as a rigorous and rewarding academic experience.

Covers a vast range of history and concepts.

"The course does an excellent job of covering the immense historical and philosophical scope of both traditions."

"I was impressed by how much history and philosophy was covered in a single course."

"Provides a broad but detailed understanding from ancient India to modern Tibetan diaspora."

"The journey through centuries of Buddhist development was fascinating and well-executed."

Instructor delivers engaging and clear lectures.

"The lectures are incredibly clear and well-structured, making complex ideas accessible."

"I found the instructor's delivery and insights particularly engaging and illuminating."

"The professor is clearly an expert, and it shows in the quality of the lectures."

"Listening to the lectures was a highlight; they were both informative and thought-provoking."

Provides a deep dive into Buddhist history.

"This course provides a really in-depth look at the history and philosophy, going much deeper than general introductions."

"I appreciated the rigorous academic approach and the way it covered complex historical periods."

"It's clear this course is built on solid scholarship, offering a detailed and nuanced perspective."

"The course content is incredibly comprehensive, covering both Indian and Tibetan traditions across millennia."

Assigned readings can be difficult to grasp.

"Some of the assigned readings were quite dense and difficult to understand without significant effort."

"I struggled to keep up with the readings; they felt like they were for graduate students."

"While valuable, the readings added a significant layer of difficulty to the course."

"Could use more guidance or context for the more challenging reading assignments."

Content can be challenging, especially for beginners.

"This course is not an easy introduction; it assumes a certain level of prior knowledge or willingness to work hard."

"I found the material quite challenging at times, needing to rewatch lectures or do extra research."

"Be prepared for a demanding workload, particularly with the readings."

"It can be overwhelming if you're completely new to the subject."

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

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

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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

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

Browse courses on Timeline

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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

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

Browse courses on Buddhism

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

Two other activities

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Organize course materials for efficient review

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

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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

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

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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 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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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