DU DC I, DC II and Applied Course Syllabus – Buddhist Studies

BUDDHIST STUDIES Syllabus for D.C. II PREAMBLE

Buddhist Studies developed out of teachings of the Buddha that deals with every aspect of our life. It carries the legacy of the 2600 years of our history. For an ordinary person, the teaching of the Buddha are something which deals with some sorts of religion and spirituality. But, the minute perusal of the Buddhist literature reveals that it is a vast repository of information that deals with philosophy, psychology, ethics, sociology, history, anthropology and so on. So keeping these aspects of the Buddhism as well as the new invention and design in modern curriculum in view, the course of Buddhist Studies as a subject of Discipline II under the new scheme of B.A. 4 years course, aims to make the students aware of the ethical, psychological, historical, philosophical, economical, trans-national, cultural, and linguistic functioning of the subject at individual, social, national and international level, besides facilitating the acquisition of basic knowledge of Buddhism, its literature and relevance in the changing scenario of the modern times. It will facilitate inculcation of relevant attitude, values, and a sense of empowerment and responsibility. It recognizes multiplicity in ways and means of knowledge creation and its application. The Course shall allow students enter in future in specialized domains of Buddhist Studies, along with quest for personal growth and citizenship.

Objective:

1. To make student aware of the basic facts and features related to Buddhism and its cultural legacy such as Buddhist Art and Architecture.

2. To make the students aware of the Buddhist responses while dealing with the current social issues or global problems.

3. To develop healthy attitudes among students towards the current social and religious atmosphere including our relationship with our natural surroundings.

4. To make students aware of the methods of stress management and developing healthy and harmonious relationships in society.

5. To prepare a graduated ground for the entry of students into the higher domain of Buddhist learning.

6. To develop and inculcate moral values and ethical approach among students to deal with their day to day problems and to become an ideal citizen of the nation.

Every semester, teaching will be spread over 16 weeks.

PAPER: 1

INTRODUCTION TO BUDDHISM

Marks : 100 (25+75)
12hrs

1. Background of the Origin of Buddhism

A General Introduction about the political, social, economic and religious aspect of India before the origin of Buddhism.

Essential Readings

•  Bapat, P.V. (Ed.) Bauddha Dharma Ke 2500 Var?a, New Delhi, Government of India, Publication Division, Hindi Edition, Chapter-I & II

•   Bapat, P.V., (ed.), 1964, 2500 Years of Buddhism, Publications Division, Ministry ofInformation and Broadcasting, Government of India, New Delhi, Chapter – I & II, Pp. 1-17

2. Biographical Account of ??kyamuni Buddha

Students will be made known about the life of the Buddha on the basis of literary and archaeological sources. Essential Readings

•  Davids, T.W.Rhys, History and Literature of Buddhism, Munsiram Manoharlal PublisherPvt. Ltd., 1999, pp. 46-62

•  Pande, G.C., Bauddha Dharma Ke Vik?sa K? Itih?sa, Hindi Samiti, U.P., pp. 1-131

3. Basic teachings of the Buddha

In order to make students acquainted with the foundation of Buddhism, a brief account of the basic teachings of the Buddha will be given.
Essential Readings

•  Bapat, P.V. (Ed.) Bauddha Dharma Ke 2500 Var?a, New Delhi, Government of India, Publication Division, New Delhi, Chapter-III

•   Bapat, P.V., (ed.), 1964, 2500 Years of Buddhism, Publications Division, Ministry ofInformation and Broadcasting, Government of India, New Delhi, Chapter – III, pp. 18-30

4. Compilation of Buddha’s teachings: Buddhist Councils

Students will be introduced to the first four Buddhist councils that played a greater role in the preservation and dissemination of teachings of the Buddha.

Essential Readings

•  Bapat, P.V. (Ed.) Bauddha Dharma Ke 2500 Var?a, New Delhi, Government of India, Publication Division, Chapter-IV

•   Bapat, P.V., (ed.), 1964, 2500 Years of Buddhism, Publications Division, Ministry ofInformation and Broadcasting, Government of India, New Delhi, Chapter-IV, pp. 30-49

DESIRABLE READINGS:

•  Acharya Baldev Upadhyaya, Bauddha Dar?ana Mim?ns?, Chaukhama Prakashan, Varanasi, 1999, pp.3-6, 15-31

•   Acharya Narender Dev, Bauddha Dharma Dar?ana, Motilal Banarsidass, Delhi, 2001, pp1-24

•  Law, B. C., Buddhist Studies, Indological Book House, Delhi, 1983, Pages 26-72

•  Dharmanand Koshambi, Bhagaw?na Buddha : J?vana Aura Dar?ana, LokabhartiPrakashan, Allahabad, pp 36-53

•  Dutta, N., & K. D. Bajpai, Development of Buddhism in Uttara Pradesh, PublicationBureau, Lucknow, 1956

•  E. H. Brewster, The Life of Gotama, the Buddha, Bhartiya Publishers Varanasi, Pages 09-44

•  Pande, G.C., Studies in the Origins of Buddhism, Allahabad University, Allahabad, 1957

•  Wagle, N. , Society at the time of the Budhda, Popular Prakashan, Bombay, 1966

•  Journal of Department of Buddhist Studies, Nov. XXXV, pp. 181-186

•  K.T.S. Sarao, Origin and Nature of Ancient Indian Buddhism, R & R Publications, Delhi, Ch-II, pp 7-14

•   K.T.S. Sarao, Pr?c?na Bh?rat?ya Bauddha Dharma : Udbhava, Swarup Patana, The Corporate Body of the Buddha Educational Foundation, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C, Ch-
  1, pp. 1-94

•  K.T.S. Sarao (ed.), A Text Book of the Therav?da Buddhism, Department of Buddhist Studies, 2007, Department of Buddhist Studies, University of Delhi, Delhi, Chapter I-IV, pp. 1-24

•   Walpola Rahula, What the Buddha Taught (First Published in 1978), The Corporate Body of the Buddha Educational Foundation, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C, Chapter II-V, pp.16-50

PAPER: 2

BUDDHIST CULTURE AND HERITAGE

Marks : 100 (25+75)
12hrs

1. A General Study of Buddhist Art and Architecture in India

Students will be introduced to the Buddhist Art and Architecture with special reference to Buddhist sculpture, iconography, monasteries, cave temples, caityas, and stupas.

Essential Readings

•  Bapat, P.V., (ed.), 1964, 2500 Years of Buddhism, Publications Division, Ministry ofInformation and Broadcasting, Government of India, New Delhi, Chapter – XI, pp. 244-269

•  Mitra, Debla, Buddhist Monuments, Calcutta, 1971 pp. 21-52

2. Royal Patrons and Emergence of Buddhist learning Centers.

Students will be made known about the prominent royal patrons of Buddhism such as A?oka, Kani?ka, Har?a etc., and the emergence of Buddhist learning centers like N?land?, Vikrama?il? etc.

Essential Readings

•  Bapat, P.V., (ed.), 1964, 2500 Years of Buddhism, Publications Division, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, New Delhi, Chapter – V, VIII & IX, pp. 50-85,156-171& 172-224

•   K.T. S. Sarao, A Text Book of the History of Therav?da Buddhism, 2007, Department ofBuddhist Studies, University of Delhi, Delhi, Chapter V , pp. 77-98

3. Buddhist Heritage sites

Students will be introduced to the important Buddhist sites, such as Lumbini, Bodha- Gay?, S?rn?tha, R?jag?ha, Vai??li, Ku??nagar etc.

Essential Readings

•  Bapat, P.V., (ed.), 1964, 2500 Years of Buddhism, Publications Division, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, New Delhi, Chapter – XII, pp. 270-296

•   Mitra, Debla, Buddhist Monuments, Chapter –III, Calcutta, pp. 57-90

4. A General Survey of Buddhist Literature

•   Bapat, P.V., (ed.), 1964, 2500 Years of Buddhism, Publications Division, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, New Delhi, Chapter–VII, pp.122-155

DESIRABLE READINGS:

•  A.K. Coomaraswamy, Elements of Buddhist Iconography, p. 1-36 (1979)
•  A.L. Basham, Adbhut Bh?rata, Agra 1993
•  Chakrabarti, Dilip K., The Archaeology of Ancient, Indian cites, New Delhi, Oxford University Press, 1975.
•  Ahir, D.C., Buddhist Sites and Shrines In India, Sri Satguru Publicatrions, Delhi, 2003
•  Dutta, N., Evam K. D. Bajpai, Uttar Pradesh Mein Bauddh Dharma K?Vik?sa, Lucknow, 1956, pp. 205
•  Pande, Govind Chand, Bauddha Dharma KeVik?sa ka Itih?sa, Hindi Samiti,U.P,192-225
•  Joshi, Lal Mani, Studies in the Buddhistic Culture of India, Motilal Banarasidass, 2002, Delhi, Ch-III, pp. 46-64.   P.V. Bapat, (Ed.) Bauddha Dharma Ke 2500 Var?a, New Delhi, Government of India, Publication Division, pp. 147-212, 228-234   Ram Swaroop Rakesh, Aitih?sika Va Bhaugolika Pr?china Bauddha Sthala, Samyak Prakashan. 7-10, 35-39, 42-45, 110-116, 229-231
•  Sharma, R. S., Ancient India, New Delhi 1993
•  Sheilal,Weiner, Ajant?: Its place in place Buddhist Art, University of California Press, 1977, pp. 36-74.
•  Singh, Madan Mohan, Buddhak?l?na Sam?ja or Dharma, Hindi Madhyham Nideshalaya, University of Delhi,   Upadhyaya,Vasudev, Prac?na Bhartiya Stupa Guh? Mandira 1-90 & 91-117
•  Winternitz, M., A History of Indian Literature, Vol. II, University of Calcutta, Calcutta, 1933
•  Bhattacharya, H., The Cultural History of India, Vol. IV, Calcutta, 1956

PAPER: 3

LANDMARKS OF INDIAN BUDDHISM

Marks : 100 (25+75) Time : 3 hrs
12hrs

1. Establishment of Buddhist Monastic Institution for monks and nuns

Students will be introduced to the facts of the establishment of Buddhist Monastic Institutions, their functions, the procedure of admission in the Sangha, the rights and duties of the members of the Buddhist monastic institutions etc.

Essential Readings

•  Dutta. Sukumar, Buddhist Monks & Monasteries, Motilal and Banarsidass,2008,pp.45-92.

2. Formation and Development of Buddhist Schools

Students will be made known about the factors leading to the formation and development of Buddhist Schools.

Essential Readings

•  Bapat, P.V., (ed.), 1964, 2500 Years of Buddhism, Publications Division, Ministry ofInformation and Broadcasting, Government of India, New Delhi, Ch. VI, pp. 86-108

•  Srivastava, Srinarayan, 1981, Bh?rata Mein Baudha Nik?yon k? Itih?sa, Kishor VidyaNiketan, Varanasi, Ch-vii, pp. 139-192

3. Revival of Buddhism in India: Neo-Buddhist Movement

Students will be introduced to the facts of the revival of Buddhism in Modern India with special reference to Neo-Buddhism.

Essential Readings

•  Satyapala, B., Neo-Buddhism, World Focus, International Foreign Affairs Monthly Journal, Vol. XXXII, Number 2, pp. 116-120, Editor G. Kishore Babu, World Focus, New Delhi, February, 2011.

•   Ling, Trevor, 1989, Buddhist Revival in India, The Macmillan Press Ltd. London, Ch-6, pp. 83-88., Ch-8, pp. 108-129.

DESIRABLE READINGS:

•  Benerjee, A. C., The Splendour of Buddhism, MQML, Delhi, pp. 56-73

•  Dutta, Nalinaksha, Buddhist Sects, Reprint, Firma KLM (Pvt.) Ltd., Calcutta, 1997

•  Dutta, N., Early Monastic Buddhism, 2 Vols., Calcutta, 1943

•  Dutta, Sukumar, Buddhist Monks & Monasteries of Indian: Their History and TheirContribution to Indian Culture, Reprint, Motilal Banarsidass, 1988

•  Satyapala, Prof Bhiksu, Neo-Buddhism, Buddhist Studies, vol. XXXI, Department of Buddhist Studies, University of Delhi, p.23-30

•  Warder, A. K., Indian Buddhism, Motilal Banarsidass, Delhi, 1980

PAPER: 4

BUDDHIST ETHICAL EDUCATION

Marks : 100 (25+75) Time : 3 hrs
12hrs

1. Principles and Aim of Buddhist Ethics:

Students will be introduced to the basic principles of Buddhist Ethics, such as moral code of conduct, Cultivation of Mental Culture, and Development of Insight Knowledge apart from the aim of Buddhist Ethics. Buddhist Mode of Evaluating Ethical and Non-ethical Practices

Essential Readings

•  Bhikkhu Bodhi, Aims of Buddhist Education, http://www.accesstoinsight.org

•  Walpola Rahula, What the Buddha Taught (First Published in 1978), The Corporate Body of the Buddha Educational Foundation, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C, Chapter VII Pp.67-76

2. Law of Karma: Its Ethical Implication

Students will be introduced to the different types of karma, such as wholesome and unwholesome, and also to the fact how the law of karma operates in the world. Essential Readings

•  Santina, P.D., 1997, The Tree of Enlightenment, The Corporate Body of the BuddhaEducational Foundation, Taipei, Taiwan, Ch. 8 & 9, p.95.

3. Buddhist Response to Social and Environmental Problems

Student will be introduced to the Buddhist responses to certain contemporary issues, like violence, caste-system, gender issues and women empowerment, & environment etc. Essential Readings

•   Pathak, S. K. (2011), Buddhism : World Peace and Harmony, Buddhist World Press, Delhi, Ch-2, Pp-12-24, Ch-9, pp. 91-98.

•   Sarao, K.T.S., Origin and Nature of Ancient Indian Buddhism, Taipei Taiwan, Pages 87-105, 111-131, 73-86.

•  K.T.S. Sarao, Pr?c?n Bh?r t?ya Bauddha Dharma : h r P t n , The Corporate Body of the Buddha Educational Foundation, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C, pp.95-118, 119-148, 149-180

4. Brahmavih?ra: Mode to establish equitable and just society

Students will be introduced to the concept of Brahmavih?ra as mode helpful in establishing equitable and just society.

Essential Readings

•  Mahasi Sayadaw, Buddhism, Chapter-I, pp-19-77, http://www.buddhanet.net.

•  Thera, Narad, The Buddha and His Teachings, Jayco Prakashan, New Delhi, 199804hrs

DESIRABLE READINGS:

•  Gross, Rita M., Buddhism after Patriarchy, Sri Satguru Publication, Delhi, pp. 153-185
•  Joshi, Lalmani Joshi, Discerning the Buddha, Munshiram Manoharlal, Delhi, Chapter VII,
•  K. K. Ananda, Indian Philosophy, BhartiyaVidyaPrakashan, pp-1-46
•  Mishra, J. S. P., Development of Buddhist Ethics, Munshiram Manoharlal, Delhi; Ch.-II, pp– 31-53  Pathak, S. K. (2011), Buddhism: World Peace and Harmony, Buddhist World Press, Delhi, Ch-2, pp-12-24, Ch-5, pp. 53-62.   Chakravarti, Uma, The Social Dimensions of Early Buddhism, Oxford University Press, Delhi, 1987
  Keown, D., The nature of Buddhist Ethics, New York, 1992
•  Taylor, P., Respect for Nature, Princeton University Press, 1993

PAPER: 5

BUDDHIST PHILOSOPHY

Marks : 100 (25+75) Time : 3 hrs
10hrs

1. Introduction to Buddhist Philosophy: Concerns and Goal

Students will be made aware of the concerns and goal of the Buddhist Philosophy.

Essential Readings

• Santina, P.D., 1997,The Tree of Enlightenment, The Corporate Body of the BuddhaEducational Foundation, Taipei, Taiwan, Ch. 31, p.276-283

 

•  Walpola Rahula, What the Buddha Taught (First Published in 1978), The Corporate Body of the Buddha Educational Foundation, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C, Chapter I Pp.1-15

2. Three Characteristics of the world Anitya, Dukkha, An?tma

Essential Readings

•  Santina, P.D., 1997, The Tree of Enlightenment, The Corporate Body of the Buddha Educational Foundation, Taipei, Taiwan, Ch. XI, p. 105-111
•  Thera, Narad, The Buddha and His Teachings, Jayco Prakashan, New Delhi, 1998, pp. 17-208

3. Four Noble Truths

Students will read first four noble truths and Law of Causation (Pa?iccasamupp?da), Nirv?na

Essential Readings

•  Santina, P.D., 1997,The Tree of Enlightenment, The Corporate Body of the Buddha Educational Foundation, Taipei, Taiwan, Ch. IV, X p. 29-46, 96-104
•  The Dependent Nature of Phenomenal World, Sue Hamilton, Recent Researches in Buddhist Studies, pp. 292-299

4. Four Buddhist Schools : Sautr?ntika, Vaibh??ika, Yog?c?ra & M?dhyamika

• Students will know the Philosophy of the Four Buddhist Schools (Sautr?ntika, Vaibh??ika, Yog?c?ra & M?dhyamika) Essential Readings
•   Bapat, P.V., (ed.), 1964, 2500 Years of Buddhism, Publications Division, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, New Delhi, Ch. VI, pp. 86-108
•   Santina, P.D., 1997, The Tree of Enlightenment, The Corporate Body of the Buddha Educational Foundation, Taipei, Taiwan, Ch. 14, p.125-132

DESIRABLE READINGS:

•  Benerjee, A.C., The Splendor of Buddhism, MunshiramManoharlal, pp. 56-73
•  Dutta, Nalinaksha, Buddhist Sects, Reprint, Firma KLM (Pvt.) Ltd., Calcutta, 1997
•  Singh, I. N., (Ed.) An Introduction to Abhidharmko?a Bh??yam, Vidya Nidhi Prakashan, Delhi, pp. 1-123   Dube, S.N., Cross Currents in Early Buddhism, Manohar Publication, New Delhi, 1989

PAPER: 6

Marks : 100 (25+75) Time : 3 hrs

SELECTED TEXTS RELATED TO BUDDHA’S BASIC TEACHINGS

A. A General Introduction to the Selected Pali Texts

1. Setting in Motion the Wheel of Truth: Dhammacakkappavattana-sutta

Students will be introduced to the first discourse of the Buddha, which deals with various aspects of human problems and their solutions.

Essential Readings

•  Walpola Rahula, What the Buddha Taught (First Published in 1978), The Corporate Body of the Buddha Educational Foundation, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C, Pp.92-94

2. Domestic and Social Relation: Sig?lov?da-sutta

Student will be introduced to the discourse of the Buddha which describes the duties of Children towards their parents and purpose of saluting the ten directions.

Essential Readings

•  Walpola Rahula, What the Buddha Taught (First Published in 1978), The Corporate Body of the Buddha Educational Foundation, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C, Pp.119-125

3. The Foundation of Mindfulness: Satipa??h?nasutta Simple and General Introduction to the Insight Meditation Essential Readings

•   Walpola Rahula, What the Buddha Taught (First Published in 1978), The Corporate Body of the Buddha Educational Foundation, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C, Pp.109-119

4. Ma?galasutta

Students will be introduced to the Buddha’s discourse dealing with the facts, which are auspicious for a human being.

Essential Readings

•  Walpola Rahula, What the Buddha Taught (First Published in 1978), The Corporate

Body of the Buddha Educational Foundation, Taipei, Taiwan, R.O.C, Pp.98-99

5. Par?bhavasutta

Students will be introduces to the teachings of the Buddha, which deal with the downfall of a human being.

Essential Readings

•  Dharmrakshit, Bhikkhu, Suttanipata, MotilalBanarasidass, Delhi, 1988, pp. 24-28 B. A General Introduction to the Selected Sanskrit Texts

1. A General Introduction of Saddharmapu arikas?tra with special reference to Up?yakau?alyaparivarta

Essential Readings

•  Santina, P.D., 1997, The Tree of Enlightenment, The Corporate Body of the Buddha Educational Foundation, Taipei, Taiwan, Ch. 15, p.133-140
•  Das, Rammohan, tr. Saddharamapundarikasutra, Bihar Rastrabhasa Parisada, Patna, 1966, 7-38, 31-65.

2. A General Introduction of ?righa ?c?ryasa?graha

Essential Readings

•   Singh, Prof. Sanghsena, ?righ ??c?ry s ?gr h Department of Buddhist Studies, University of Delhi, Delhi, 1979

 

DESIRABLE READINGS:

•  Bhikkhu Bodhi, 1993, A Comprehensive Manual of Abhidhamma, Buddhist Publication Society, Kandy, Ch. IX, p. 329-365
•  F. Max Muller (tr.), Sacred Books of the Buddhist, Luzac and Company Ltd., London, pp. 17-24, 96-136   Sanskrityayan, Rahul, D?ghnik?ya, Bhartiya Mahabodhi Sabha, Sarnath, pp. 45-60
•  Satyapala, B. Khuddakap??ha, Buddha Tri-Ratna Mission, Delhi, Pages 13-18
•  T.W. & C.A.F. Rhys Davids, The Dialogues of the Buddha, London, PTS, pages 96-108

Project work/Documentation, Photography, Site and Museum visit (of Buddhist Interests) Report, and Viva-voce

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