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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.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/lvq7mx/buddhism
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
Good to know
Good to know
Know what's good ,
what to watch for , and
possible dealbreakers
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
Save this course
Save Buddhism Through Its Scriptures to your list so you can find it easily later:
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Reviews summary
佛教经典之旅
Learners say that this course provides interesting content on Buddhist scripture. Although one learner found the materials in this course to be uneven, other learners were very happy with this course and enjoyed the videos and commentary. It's important to note that learners will lose access to the course content after 4 weeks.
内容信息丰富、有吸引力
"I was impressed with the information, videos, and commentary."
"This course was interesting."
"I was very happy to discover this class and was enjoying the content..."
课程材料参差不齐
"This course was not well-suited to what I wanted to learn, and I found the course matierials uneven and inconsistent."
课程时间太短，无法完成
"I do not believe this course could be completed in one month..."
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
Show steps
Prepare for the course by reviewing key Buddhist concepts to build a strong foundation.
Browse courses on
Buddhism
Show steps
-
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
Show steps
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
Show steps
-
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
Show steps
Enhance your understanding of Buddhist practices by seeking out online tutorials and guided meditations.
Show steps
-
Search for guided meditations led by reputable Buddhist teachers.
-
Follow the instructions and pay attention to your experiences.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Compile a collection of Buddhist resources
Show steps
Organize your learning materials and create a valuable resource for future reference.
Show steps
-
Gather articles, videos, and other resources related to Buddhism.
-
Organize the materials into a logical structure.
Write a reflection on a Buddhist teaching
Show steps
Deepen your understanding of Buddhist teachings by reflecting on how they apply to your own life.
Show steps
-
Choose a Buddhist teaching that resonates with you.
-
Write a short essay exploring your thoughts and experiences.
Join a Buddhist discussion group
Show steps
Engage in discussions with others to exchange perspectives and deepen your understanding of Buddhism.
Show steps
-
Find a local Buddhist group or online forum.
-
Attend meetings or participate in online discussions.
Attend a Buddhist retreat or workshop
Show steps
Immerse yourself in a Buddhist environment for a more profound learning experience.
Show steps
-
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
Show steps
Reinforce your own understanding of Buddhism by sharing your knowledge with others.
Show steps
-
Contact the course instructor or a local Buddhist organization to offer your services.
-
Prepare a brief presentation or outline of your knowledge.
Review key Buddhist concepts
Show steps
Prepare for the course by reviewing key Buddhist concepts to build a strong foundation.
Browse courses on
Buddhism
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Show steps
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
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Show steps
Enhance your understanding of Buddhist practices by seeking out online tutorials and guided meditations.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Search for guided meditations led by reputable Buddhist teachers.
- Follow the instructions and pay attention to your experiences.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Compile a collection of Buddhist resources
Show steps
Organize your learning materials and create a valuable resource for future reference.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Gather articles, videos, and other resources related to Buddhism.
- Organize the materials into a logical structure.
Write a reflection on a Buddhist teaching
Show steps
Deepen your understanding of Buddhist teachings by reflecting on how they apply to your own life.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose a Buddhist teaching that resonates with you.
- Write a short essay exploring your thoughts and experiences.
Join a Buddhist discussion group
Show steps
Engage in discussions with others to exchange perspectives and deepen your understanding of Buddhism.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a local Buddhist group or online forum.
- Attend meetings or participate in online discussions.
Attend a Buddhist retreat or workshop
Show steps
Immerse yourself in a Buddhist environment for a more profound learning experience.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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
Show steps
Reinforce your own understanding of Buddhism by sharing your knowledge with others.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- 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:
Buddhist Chaplain
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.
Meditation Teacher
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.
Buddhist Studies Professor
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.
Religious Studies Professor
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.
Editor
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.
Writer
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.
Sociologist
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.
Political Scientist
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.
Anthropologist
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.
Librarian
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.
Museum curator
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.
Lawyer
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.
Historian
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.
Archivist
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.
Economist
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.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/lvq7mx/buddhism
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.
A textbook commonly used for university-level courses on Buddhism. It provides a thorough overview of the religion's history, teachings, and practices.
Collection of some of the most important Buddhist texts from the Pali Canon, including the Dhammapada, the Sutta-nipata, and the Majjhima Nikaya. It is an excellent resource for anyone who wants to study the original teachings of the Buddha.
Widely acclaimed and lucid introduction to the core teachings of Buddhism. It provides a concise overview of the Buddha's life, his teachings on the Four Noble Truths, the Noble Eightfold Path, and other fundamental Buddhist concepts.
This great introductory book to Buddhism, which provides a comprehensive overview of the religion's history, teachings, and practices. It is written in a clear and concise style, making it accessible to readers of all levels.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the core teachings of Buddhism, including the Four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Path, and the concept of karma. It great starting point for anyone who wants to learn more about Buddhism.
Save
Collection of essays by Thich Nhat Hanh, one of the most influential Buddhist teachers of our time. It offers a practical guide to the Buddha's teachings, with a focus on mindfulness and compassion.
Save
Provides a practical guide to the practice of Vipassana meditation, a technique that is said to lead to the development of insight and compassion. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about meditation.
Explores the concept of the bodhisattva, a being who has vowed to achieve enlightenment for the benefit of all beings. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the Mahayana tradition of Buddhism.
Save
Collection of verses from the Dhammapada, one of the most popular Buddhist scriptures. It offers a concise and practical guide to the Buddha's teachings.
Practical guide to the practice of mindfulness meditation. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about meditation.
An introduction to Buddhism that is written in a clear and engaging style. It covers a wide range of topics, including the Buddha's life and teachings, Buddhist history, and the different schools of Buddhism.
Save
Collection of talks and essays by Shunryu Suzuki, a Zen Buddhist teacher. It valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about Zen Buddhism.
Classic guide to the Tibetan Buddhist approach to death and dying. It offers a compassionate and insightful perspective on one of life's most difficult challenges.
An introduction to Buddhist ethics that is written in a clear and accessible style. It covers a wide range of topics, including the Buddha's teachings on morality, the different schools of Buddhist ethics, and the application of Buddhist ethics to contemporary issues.
A textbook commonly used for university-level courses on Buddhism. It provides a comprehensive overview of the religion's history, teachings, and practices.
Save
Collaboration between the Dalai Lama and Howard C. Cutler, a psychiatrist. It offers a unique perspective on the Buddhist approach to happiness, with a focus on compassion and mindfulness.
Guide to the practice of mindfulness. It offers a practical guide to living in the present moment, with a focus on letting go of the past and future.
A guide to Buddhism that is written in a clear and accessible style. It covers a wide range of topics, including the Buddha's life and teachings, the different schools of Buddhism, and the application of Buddhist principles to contemporary life.
Save
A biography of the Buddha that is written in a clear and engaging style. It provides a detailed account of the Buddha's life and teachings.
The Bhagavad Gita is one of the most important Hindu scriptures. It dialogue between the god Krishna and the warrior Arjuna, and it offers a practical guide to the spiritual life.
Save
A beginner's guide to Buddhism that is written in a clear and engaging style. It covers a wide range of topics, including the Buddha's life and teachings, the different schools of Buddhism, and the application of Buddhist principles to everyday life.
Save
The Analects collection of sayings and teachings from Confucius, the founder of Confucianism. It offers a practical guide to living a virtuous life, with a focus on ethics and social responsibility.
Save
A book that explores the relationship between Buddhism and science. It is written by a Buddhist scholar who is also a scientist.
Save
The Tao Te Ching classic guide to the Taoist tradition. It offers a practical guide to living in harmony with the natural world, with a focus on simplicity and non-interference.
Save
A book that teaches meditation and other Buddhist practices for beginners.
A book that teaches mindfulness meditation and other Buddhist techniques for overcoming anxiety.
Save
The Upanishads are a collection of ancient Hindu scriptures. They offer a philosophical guide to the nature of reality, with a focus on the unity of all things.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/lvq7mx/buddhism
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Effort
5 to 10 hours per week for 4 weeks
Level
Introductory
Via
edX
Institution
Harvard University
Instructors
Charles Hallisey
Alexis Bader
Language
English
Transcript
English
This course belongs to a
collection
called
World Religions Through Their Scriptures. It's comprised of seven courses:
Good to know
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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