Buddhism

This Buddhism course teaches the core beliefs and practices of the major Buddhist traditions, paying keen attention to their historical origins and development and key texts. Students will discuss, and critically evaluate, the significance of Buddhism as a religion, a philosophical perspective, a way of living and a code of ethics. Buddhist culture will be set into its local and global contexts and the students will address the dialogue that exists with other cultures and beliefs. Of particular concern to the course, are Buddhist teachings on moral matters relating to issues like the environment and discrimination, and the similarities and differences these positions share with Christianity.