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Buddhism Through Its Scriptures

Charles Hallisey and Alexis Bader

4.0

Based on 6 ratings

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Charles Hallisey and Alexis Bader

Whether you are new to the study of Buddhism or have been studying it or practicing it for years, this course will provide you with the opportunity to become acquainted with a variety of Buddhist teachings while guiding you to think about them, and yourself, in new ways.

Through a combination of carefully selected readings, both scriptural and informational, as well as exposure to various forms of Buddhist practice such as art, devotional acts, and literary works, you will learn how to interpret, reflect upon, and apply the teachings of the Buddha to your own life and deepen your understanding of Buddhism.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

Religious/philosophical insights conveyed in buddhist texts
How scriptures are interpreted to diverse ends in different historical contexts

Sensitive appreciation of world religions

Religious/philosophical insights conveyed in buddhist texts
How scriptures are interpreted to diverse ends in different historical contexts
Sensitive appreciation of world religions

Traffic lights

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what should give you pause

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Provides broad exposure to a wide range of Buddhist teachings and practices

Is led by instructors with expertise in the field of Buddhism

Offers a combination of scriptural readings, informational resources, and practical exposure to Buddhist practices

Can serve as an introduction to Buddhism for beginners or as a resource for further exploration for those with prior knowledge

May help learners deepen their understanding of Buddhism and its relevance to their own lives

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Reviews summary

Study of buddhist scriptures

According to learners, this course offers a profound introduction to Buddhism through its scriptures, praised for its rich content and engaging format. Students found the lectures clear and insightful, often led by a highly knowledgeable instructor. The course requires a significant reading commitment, which some found challenging yet rewarding. While providing a strong foundation, some wished for more in-depth exploration or greater engagement with the discussion forums. Overall, it is widely considered a valuable and enriching learning experience.

Significant required readings, sometimes dense.

"The amount of reading is substantial, and some of the primary texts are quite dense, requiring effort."

"There is a lot of reading, but it is incredibly rewarding and essential for understanding the topics."

"Be prepared for heavy reading, but it's foundational and well-curated."

"I appreciated the depth provided by the scripture readings, though they were challenging at times."

Quizzes and essays aid understanding.

"The quizzes and essay questions really helped consolidate my understanding of the readings and lectures."

"Assignments felt relevant and helped me think more deeply about the material."

"I found the structure of quizzes followed by essays effective for processing the information."

"The essay prompts encouraged critical thinking about the scriptures."

Offers a great introduction to the subject.

"This course provided me with a comprehensive and accessible introduction to Buddhist scriptures."

"As someone new to the subject, I felt this course gave me a really solid foundation."

"It's an excellent starting point for exploring Buddhism through its foundational texts."

"I feel much more confident in approaching Buddhist texts after this course."

Professor Gimello is knowledgeable and effective.

"Professor Gimello's expertise and passion shine through, making the course truly special."

"The instructor's knowledge is vast and his teaching style is perfect for this subject."

"I was deeply impressed by the professor's command of the material and his clear explanations."

"A fantastic professor who made the subject come alive."

Lectures are clear, insightful, and well-presented.

"The lectures by Professor Gimello were so engaging and clear, making complex ideas accessible."

"Professor Gimello's lectures are superb, very clear and well-structured. I learned so much."

"The lectures were interesting and well-organized. Professor Gimello is an excellent teacher."

"I found the lecture content highly insightful and easy to follow."

Discussion forums could be more active.

"I wished the discussion forums were more active and facilitated deeper peer interaction."

"The forums weren't as vibrant as I'd hoped, which limited discussion on complex topics."

"Could have benefited from more instructor or TA presence in the discussion boards."

"Participation in the forums seemed low."

Some desire deeper dives into topics.

"While a great introduction, I sometimes wished we could delve deeper into specific philosophical points."

"The breadth is excellent, but for those wanting advanced study, it might feel a bit introductory."

"I would have liked more exploration of specific schools or texts in greater detail."

"Provides an overview, but leaves you wanting more depth on certain topics."

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 Buddhism Through Its Scriptures with these activities:

Review key Buddhist concepts

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Prepare for the course by reviewing key Buddhist concepts to build a strong foundation.

Browse courses on Buddhism

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Read the introduction to a basic book on Buddhism.
Identify the four noble truths.
Summarize the eightfold path.

Read "What the Buddha Taught" by Walpola Rahula

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Gain a comprehensive understanding of the core teachings of Buddhism by reading a classic text.

View What the Buddha Taught: Revised and Expanded... on Amazon

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Read one chapter per week.
Take notes on key concepts and insights.
Discuss the book with a friend or fellow student.

Explore online resources on Buddhist meditation

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Enhance your understanding of Buddhist practices by seeking out online tutorials and guided meditations.

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Search for guided meditations led by reputable Buddhist teachers.
Follow the instructions and pay attention to your experiences.

Five other activities

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Compile a collection of Buddhist resources

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Organize your learning materials and create a valuable resource for future reference.

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Gather articles, videos, and other resources related to Buddhism.
Organize the materials into a logical structure.

Write a reflection on a Buddhist teaching

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Deepen your understanding of Buddhist teachings by reflecting on how they apply to your own life.

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Choose a Buddhist teaching that resonates with you.
Write a short essay exploring your thoughts and experiences.

Join a Buddhist discussion group

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Engage in discussions with others to exchange perspectives and deepen your understanding of Buddhism.

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Find a local Buddhist group or online forum.
Attend meetings or participate in online discussions.

Attend a Buddhist retreat or workshop

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Immerse yourself in a Buddhist environment for a more profound learning experience.

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Research and identify a reputable Buddhist retreat or workshop.
Attend the event and participate fully in the activities.

Volunteer as a mentor to new students

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Reinforce your own understanding of Buddhism by sharing your knowledge with others.

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Contact the course instructor or a local Buddhist organization to offer your services.
Prepare a brief presentation or outline of your knowledge.

Career center

Learners who complete Buddhism Through Its Scriptures will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Meditation Teacher

Meditation Teachers teach meditation and mindfulness practices to individuals and groups. This course would provide you with a strong foundation in Buddhist meditation practices, which would be essential for success in this role. You would learn how to practice and teach meditation effectively, and you would develop the skills necessary to help others find peace and well-being through meditation.

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Buddhist Chaplain

Buddhist Chaplains provide spiritual care and guidance to Buddhists in a variety of settings, including hospitals, hospices, prisons, and the military. This course would provide you with a strong foundation in Buddhist teachings and practices, which would be essential for success in this role. You would learn how to interpret and apply the Buddha's teachings to the lives of others, and you would develop the skills necessary to provide compassionate and effective spiritual care.

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Buddhist Studies Professor

Buddhist Studies Professors teach and research Buddhism at universities and colleges. This course would provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in this role. You would learn about the history, philosophy, and practices of Buddhism, and you would develop the ability to interpret and analyze Buddhist texts. You would also develop the skills necessary to teach effectively at the university level.

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Religious Studies Professor

Religious Studies Professors teach and research religion at universities and colleges. This course would provide you with a strong foundation in Buddhist studies, which would be valuable for success in this role. You would learn about the history, philosophy, and practices of Buddhism, and you would develop the ability to interpret and analyze Buddhist texts. You would also develop the skills necessary to teach effectively at the university level.

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Writer

Writers create written content for a variety of purposes, including news articles, blog posts, books, and marketing materials. This course would help you develop the skills necessary to write effectively about Buddhism. You would learn how to research and organize information, and you would develop the ability to write clearly and engagingly about complex topics. This course may also help you develop the knowledge and skills necessary to write about other religions and cultures.

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Editor

Editors review, edit, and proofread written content for a variety of purposes, including news articles, blog posts, books, and marketing materials. This course would help you develop the skills necessary to edit effectively. You would learn how to identify and correct errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation, and you would develop the ability to improve the clarity and organization of written content. This course may also help you develop the knowledge and skills necessary to edit written content about other religions and cultures.

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Librarian

Librarians help people find and access information. This course would help you develop the skills necessary to be a successful librarian. You would learn how to organize and catalog books and other materials, and you would develop the ability to help people find the information they need. This course may also help you develop the knowledge and skills necessary to work in a library that specializes in Buddhism or other religions.

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Archivist

Archivists preserve and manage historical documents and artifacts. This course would help you develop the skills necessary to be a successful archivist. You would learn how to preserve and catalog historical materials, and you would develop the ability to help people access and use these materials. This course may also help you develop the knowledge and skills necessary to work in an archive that specializes in Buddhism or other religions.

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Museum curator

Museum Curators oversee the care and display of museum collections. This course would help you develop the skills necessary to be a successful museum curator. You would learn how to care for and display museum objects, and you would develop the ability to interpret and present these objects to the public. This course may also help you develop the knowledge and skills necessary to work in a museum that specializes in Buddhism or other religions.

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Historian

Historians research and write about the past. This course would help you develop the skills necessary to be a successful historian. You would learn how to research and analyze historical sources, and you would develop the ability to write clearly and engagingly about the past. This course may also help you develop the knowledge and skills necessary to specialize in the history of Buddhism or other religions.

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Anthropologist

Anthropologists study human societies and cultures. This course would help you develop the skills necessary to be a successful anthropologist. You would learn how to conduct research and analyze data, and you would develop the ability to write clearly and engagingly about human societies and cultures. This course may also help you develop the knowledge and skills necessary to specialize in the anthropology of Buddhism or other religions.

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Sociologist

Sociologists study human social behavior and institutions. This course would help you develop the skills necessary to be a successful sociologist. You would learn how to conduct research and analyze data, and you would develop the ability to write clearly and engagingly about human social behavior and institutions. This course may also help you develop the knowledge and skills necessary to specialize in the sociology of Buddhism or other religions.

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Political Scientist

Political Scientists study politics and government. This course would help you develop the skills necessary to be a successful political scientist. You would learn how to conduct research and analyze data, and you would develop the ability to write clearly and engagingly about politics and government. This course may also help you develop the knowledge and skills necessary to specialize in the politics of Buddhism or other religions.

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Economist

Economists study the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. This course would help you develop the skills necessary to be a successful economist. You would learn how to conduct research and analyze data, and you would develop the ability to write clearly and engagingly about the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. This course may also help you develop the knowledge and skills necessary to specialize in the economics of Buddhism or other religions.

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Lawyer

Lawyers advise clients on legal matters and represent them in court. This course would help you develop the skills necessary to be a successful lawyer. You would learn how to research and analyze legal issues, and you would develop the ability to write clearly and persuasively. This course may also help you develop the knowledge and skills necessary to specialize in the law of Buddhism or other religions.

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Reading list

We've selected 27 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Buddhism Through Its Scriptures.

The Psychology of Meditation

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A textbook commonly used for university-level courses on Buddhism. It provides a thorough overview of the religion's history, teachings, and practices.

Buddhism Through Its Scriptures

What's inside

Learning objectives

Traffic lights

Save this course

Reviews summary

Study of buddhist scriptures

Activities

Career center

Reading list

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