ASIAN 3359 - [Japanese Buddhism: Founders, Texts, Praxis]

(crosslisted)
(also RELST 3359)(GHB) (HA-AS)

Fall. 4 credits. Letter grades only.

Next offered 2014-2015.

J. M. Law.

This course explores central dynamics and challenges in Buddhism as it established itself in Japan. We focus on six major figures central to the history of Japanese Buddhism: Saichô (767-822), Kûkai (774-835), Hônen (1133-1212), Nichiren (1222-1282), Dôgen (1200-1253), and Hakuin (1686-1769). We study their lives, key writings, core practices and doctrines and central dynamics, especially the 1) establishment of Mahâyâna ordination, 2) grounding of esoteric practice in Japan and the accommodation to Japanese understandings of the natural world 3) popularization of Buddhist religious practice for commoners through nembutsu recitation and narrative traditions, 4) uses of Buddhism as a political, proto-nationalist ideology; and 5) the establishment of Zen meditation as an iconic “Japanese” form of Buddhism. Readings are primary sources in translation with secondary sources to provide context and supplement the lectures. (RL)

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