| Unit name | The Practice of Tibetan Religion |
|---|---|
| Unit code | THRS30021 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | H/6 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24) |
| Unit director | Emeritus Professor. Williams |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
THRS20032, and normally THRS 30020 |
| Co-requisites |
None |
| School/department | Department of Religion and Theology |
| Faculty | Faculty of Arts |
We shall begin by looking at the life of the great hermit Milarepa (11th century), who was also a layman. This will then be contrasted with the very monastically-based Buddhism of Atisa (11th century), and also Tsong kha pa (14th/15th centuries), the founder of the Dalai Lama's tradition. This leads to a consideration of the idea of 'incarnate teachers' and the history and institution of the Dalai Lamas. Next we look at monastic life, the Tibetan practice of monastic debate, oracles and divination, 'folk religion', attitudes and practices associated with death, and the role of women. A number of videos and also slides will be shown as part of this unit.
