Textual Traditions and Practices of Buddhism: Immersion through Language

Course

URL study guide

https://studiegids.vu.nl/en/courses/2024-2025/G_TTPB

Course Objective

The student is able to:
- read and work with Pali canon with confidence and attention to details.
- apply that knowledge, understanding and reflections in all/any (variety of) Buddhist spiritual care settings by conforming to other living Buddhist traditions.
- translate this knowledge and understanding into Buddhist caregiving, performing rituals, sharing theoretical and practical knowledge and understanding with students and care receivers.

Course Content

Students will have studied key Buddhist principles such as: 3 characteristics of existence, Four Noble Truths, Eight-fold Noble Path, Dependent Origination, Kamma and Rebirth, Five Khandas, Lokiya and Lokuttara dhammas. Ethical foundations in Buddhism based on textual traditions and apply them in a variety of care settings.

Teaching Methods

Reading texts in Pali and translating them to English by reflecting on the ancient deep meaning, discussing the content towards a holistic understanding of the texts and context with exercises, case studies and reflective sessions. 3 mandatory contact hours per week.

Method of Assessment

End of year exam (40%), presentations and continued assessment throughparticipation and homework (60%).

Literature

Tipitka Pali canon (chattha Samgayana version) with Bhikkhu Bodhi’sEnglish translations. (Buddhist Publication Society in Kandy Srilanka,and Wisdom Publications). Details to be found in an AnnotatedBibliography to be provided with the course time-table and other relevant details.

Target Audience

Open to all those who wish to study ancient Theravada Tipitaka Studies and to those who wish to gain a firm background in that tradition.

Recommended background knowledge

VU Pali dhammavicaya course or passing the entrance test.
Academic year1/09/2431/08/25
Course level6.00 EC

Language of Tuition

  • English

Study type

  • Master