| Unit name | Introduction to Buddhism |
|---|---|
| Unit code | THRS11005 |
| Credit points | 10 |
| Level of study | C/4 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24) |
| Unit director | Emeritus Professor. Williams |
| Open unit status | Open |
| Pre-requisites |
none |
| Co-requisites |
none |
| School/department | Department of Religion and Theology |
| Faculty | Faculty of Arts |
An introduction to the ideas and practices of Buddhism, the unit will concentrate on the formative phase of the development of Buddhism in India, whilst making some reference to contemporary practice in Sri Lanka and South East Asia. The unit will focus on the following topics: the life of the Buddha, the four noble truths, Buddhist cosmology, the Buddhist community, the Buddhist path (ethics, calm and insight meditation), the Emperor Asoka, Mahayana Buddhism, developments in Buddhist thought (Abhidharma, Madhyamaka and Yogacara), the Vajrayana. This unit will provide a background and context for existing second level units in Buddhist thought and practice.
