Mad yogis, reincarnated monkeys, headless dancers, enlightened prostitutes, good monks, bad monks, naughty monks, runaway nuns, crazed princesses, Bodhisattvas, Buddhas, demons, and demonesses. This course will introduce the lived and imagined lives of major Buddhist figures throughout the long history of the Buddhism with an emphasis on the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. Together, we will explore the social, cultural, mythological, doctrinal, and historical implications of Buddhism on societies and vice versa throughout history as depicted in notable life stories from the tradition. The course materials range from original works from India, Tibet, China, and Mongolia in translation, relevant secondary literature as well as Buddhist lives as portrayed in contemporary film and media. By the end of the course, students will have gained an overview of the Buddhist tradition, its history, its practices, and its modern-day manifestations in the West.

Intended Audience:

First-year students with an interest in religion, history, philosophy, Buddhism, Asia, Tibet, and Mongolia

Class Format:

Two 90-minute meetings weekly