Buddhism Goes to the Movies

Catalog description

This seminar delves into the lively expressions of being Buddhist, "doing Buddhism," or just thinking along Buddhist lines across the cinematic world. It also queries the rich emanations of Buddhist teachings and practices that inspired cinematic expressions beyond those traditionally labeled as "films about Buddhism." Taking seriously the claim that the practice of seeing brings about spiritual liberation and interpreting films as Buddhist scriptures, students will critically and creatively examine these visual contemplations on the Buddha, his teaching, Buddhist communities, history, practice, and stories of Buddhists in the many worlds they inhabit. Prior knowledge of Buddhism (for example, RLGN 101 or RLGN 217 ) is strongly preferred but not strictly required. Students may wish to take RLGN 217 and RLGN 346 at the same time. Offered as ASIA 346 and RLGN 346 . Counts as a Communication Intensive course. Counts as a Human Diversity & Commonality course. Counts as a Understanding Global Perspectives course.