THEO 5007 Mahayana Buddhism: Thought and Practice
This course explores Mahayana Buddhist thought, meditation practice, narrative, and ritual practice across Asia. We consider texts ancient and modern. After a basic introduction to Buddhism, we take up topics ranging from meditation, to compassion, nirvana, emptiness, Buddha nature, Zen, and Mahayana Buddhist ethics. Our focus is on fundamental theological questions: What are the causes of suffering? How can meditation and ethical practices illuminate sufferings causes, and put an end to them? What is the state of unconditioned awareness, freedom, and joy that lies beyond suffering? Most importantly, what does this all have to do with me? No background in Buddhism is required.
Course overview
- Department
- Theology
- School
- MCAS
- Credits
- 3
- Level
- Both
- Offered
- Periodically
Requirements fulfilled
Course evaluations
- Course rating
- 4.28 / 5 · Very Good
- Instructor rating
- 4.53 / 5 · Excellent
- Terms evaluated
- 3
| Term | Instructor | Course overall | Instructor overall | Well organized | Clear learning objectives | Intellectually challenging | Helpful assignments | Applicable beyond course | Attendance necessary | Weekly effort | Responses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2024 | Matthew Vale | 4.2 | 4.3 | 4.2 | 4.3 | 4.6 | 4.3 | 4.4 | 4.5 | 4–6 hrs/week | 14 of 22 |
| Spring 2024 | Matthew Vale | 4.2 | 4.2 | 4.2 | 4.2 | 4.7 | 4.2 | 4.4 | 4.3 | 4–6 hrs/week | 15 of 22 |
| Spring 2023 | Matthew Vale | 4.4 | 4.9 | 4.6 | 4.6 | 4.7 | 4.7 | 4.9 | 4.6 | 4–6 hrs/week | 21 of 27 |