ASIAN 6638 - [Monks, Texts, and Relics: Transnational Buddhism in South and Southeast Asia]

(crosslisted)
(also RELST 6638)

Spring. 4 credits.

Next offered 2014-2015. Co-meets with ASIAN 4438/RELST 4438.

A. Blackburn.

What role did magic and ritual play in the growth of Buddhism in South and Southeast Asia? Where did Buddhist monks travel and why? This course examines how Buddhist communities were formed by networks that carried monks, potent texts, and relic talismans throughout these regions, from the beginning of Buddhism to the present day. (RL)