Topics in East Asian Religions: Faith and Salvation in East Asia: Pure Land Buddhism

This course is an introduction to Pure Land Buddhism, one of the most popular forms of Buddhism all over East Asia, from its inception to the 21st century. Centered around the worship of a buddha called Amitabha (C. Amituo; K. Amita; J. Amida), Pure Land Buddhism is a complex tradition that during its long history has included sophisticated visualization practices, simple vocalizations, elaborated doctrinal discussions, and apocalyptic worldviews. In this course, students will adopt a multidisciplinary approach and explore the history, literature, art and practices of Pure Land Buddhism in China, Korea and Japan. In particular, the course will focus on the relationship between devotionalism, practice and salvation; and on discourses about human nature and their implications in terms of approaches to Buddhism. In other words, what do we do when the world as we know it seems to be ending? Students will read primary sources drawn from a wide range of genres - meditation manuals, letters, canonical scriptures and hagiographic narratives. They will familiarize themselves with the most important figures, deities and texts of the Pure Land traditions in East Asia, and they will study the arts and material culture of Pure Land Buddhism, one of the richest in East Asia. No prior coursework on Buddhism or East Asia is required. Fulfills premodern elective for EALC major.

Course Attributes: EN H; AS HUM; AS LCD; FA HUM; AR HUM; BU Hum; BU IS

Topics in East Asian Religions: Faith and Salvation in East Asia: Pure Land Buddhism

KOREAN 3340

Section 01