MEDITATION IN INDIAN BUDDHISM AND HINDUISM

ASIAN/RELIGST 430

Explores how ancient Indian traditions have been reframed for the modern age. Topics include the Ramayama in popular media, negotiations over sacred spaces, and popular Tantra. We will also examine recent controversies, such as the one surrounding the ancient Jain practice of fasting until death (sallekhana) in the modern age.

ASIAN/RELIGST 650

Advanced topics in theories focused on the mechanisms of contemplative practices such as mindfulness, focused attention and compassion practices, with special emphasis on the interaction of traditional theories from contemplative traditions such as Buddhism and more recent theoretical accounts in psychology and cognitive science.

ASIAN/HISTORY/RELIGST 308

The basic thought, practices and history of Buddhism, including selflessness and relativity, practices of meditation, merit- making and compassion from both local and translocal perspectives. Includes a discussion of Buddhism as a contemporary, North American religion. Not open to students with credit for E ASIAN or LCA 308 prior to Fall 2019.

ASIAN/RELIGST 306

A historical survey of Hindu scriptures, rituals, philosophies, and ethics from the ancient to the contemporary world. Concepts such as karma, yoga, and reincarnation will be put in the broader contexts of Hindu theism, worship, and law. Not open to students who completed RELIG ST 355 prior to Fall 2019.

ASIAN/RELIGST 466

Survey of the fundamental trends in Buddhist thought through the works of major philosophers. Themes include the concept of "selflessness" and concomitant theories of essencelessness, perception, language and rationality. Not open to students with credit for E ASIAN or LCA 466 prior to Fall 2019.