Over the course of the past century, Tibetan Buddhism has gone from being the most maligned form of Buddhism to the most exalted. This course will survey the development of Buddhism in Tibet from its origins to the present day, focusing on its doctrines and practices. The course will begin with a close reading of a famous work on Tibetan Buddhist practice and will then turn to consider selections from a wide range of Tibetan works, including ritual manuals, meditation texts, pilgrimage guides, and prayers. The course will conclude with an assessment of the current state of Tibetan Buddhism and the Dalai Lama’s efforts to preserve it. The format of the course will be lecture and discussion. Readings will consist entirely of primary texts in translation. No previous knowledge of Buddhism is required.

Course Requirements:

Class attendance, participation in the discussion section, completion of reading assignments, short papers, midterm, final

Intended Audience:

Undergraduate students who are interested in Buddhism, Tibet, and tantra

Class Format:

Two 90-minute lectures in addition to 1-hour discussion section weekly