Learn the practice and theory of the 13 basic movements of tai ji quan as an exercise for improving and maintaining health, as well as a form of meditation through movement. The 64 variations of the basic 13 movements will be explained in detail, with an emphasis on the “mind-body” technique for enhancing and directing the flow of qi. One new movement will be taught each week. Women only.

What is “self-cultivation”? Probe the biographies and autobiographies of selected monks and nuns who sought answers to how Buddhist practitioners struggle to interpret and integrate the Buddha’s teachings into their daily lives and the actual “walking of the Way.” The course includes a “laboratory” experience in self-cultivation, centered on a 7-day contemplative retreat at CTTB, providing in-depth exploration of primary texts as pragmatic guides to practice and catalysts for personal insight. New Fall 2010 BA degree students must concurrently enroll in BSP 158.2, Guan Yin Recitation Session. The course will begin on 08/31.

In Buddhism, Guan Yin Bodhisattva symbolizes our inherent capacity for kindness and compassion towards all living beings. The name Guan Shi Yin means “One Who Contemplates the Sounds of the World.” Engage in a one-week session of recitation of the “Universal Door” Chapter of the Lotus Sutra, bowing and meditation on Guan Yin Bodhisattva. The course begins with a one-day Orientation Seminar on 10/23. Full session attendance, evening lectures and practice journal required. Not repeatable for credit.

Investigate unique problems, challenges, and opportunities that the Buddhist tradition faces in coming to terms with the academic, cultural, and intellectual thought-ways of the West. Examine the major interpretive “lens” through which Buddhism is viewed, presented, and understood by Western interpreters; as well as some of the hermeneutical strategies the Buddhist tradition itself offers.

Learn classical Chinese through the 十習因六交報 “Ten Habitual Causes and Six Interconnected Retributions” section of the Shurangama Sutra and analyze Chinese character formation and classical Chinese phrasing. Basic knowledge of Chinese preferred; instructor permission required for students with no knowledge of Chinese.

Knowledge manifests through its relation with the past and the specific individuals who expressed it. Acquaint yourself with major world thinkers and the issues that they articulated in their efforts to cultivate humanity. Study wisdom from the Ancient Times to the Renaissance through the Euro-Asian cultural and geographic complex. This is part one of a two-semester sequence. Material will be presented through lectures and selected readings. Optional field trips and films will illustrate course material.

Sanskrit is the original canonical language of Buddhism. Learn the basics of Sanskrit grammar, including nominal and verbal forms. The course will also cover introductory Sanskrit readings and beginner translation practice.

Survey the major schools of Buddhism and the Sutras through readings from Buddhist literature and related commentary. Gain deeper understanding of Buddhist thought, understand the role of scripture in Buddhism, study the Buddha’s insights regarding life, and learn the Buddhist methods of purifying the mind. New Fall 2010 BA degree students must concurrently enroll in BSP 158.2, Guan Yin Recitation Session. An additional day-long discussion seminar will be held on a date to be determined jointly by the class.

The sense faculties – how they work and how we use them – form a topic of central importance in many Buddhist practice traditions. Trace themes in these teachings, from Pali suttas through important Mahayana texts. Based on these core texts, consider this fundamental question: How can our use of the senses be transformed from a significant source of problems to a means for liberation?

Study the Four Unalterable Aspects of Purity [四種清淨明誨] and the Shurangama Mantra. Analyze the Shurangama Sutra and learn to apply principles from the text to daily life and practice. An additional day-long discussion seminar will be held on a date to be determined jointly by the class.

Explore topics and methodologies for translating canonical Buddhist texts from Chinese to English. Learn to differentiate “literal” vs “interpretive” translations, gain fluency in construction of complex sentences to match originals, and use translation research tools. Apply these methodologies and translate passages from the Gandhavyuha [大方廣佛華嚴經入法界品]. Students should have intermediate proficiency in both English and Chinese. The class also welcomes students with extensive knowledge of the Avatamsaka Sutra and those with professional experience in editing or writing English.