Buddhist Tantra: History, Symbol & Magic

Catalog description

This course explores the development of Buddhist tantra in medieval India and its transmission to the Himalayas from the 7th– 10th century C.E. Emphasis is on tantric wizards, or, mahāsiddhas, yogic communities, Buddhist magic, and the tantric goddess, or ḍākinī. Readings from several genres include social, biographical, and sacred histories, realization literature, and meditation manuals. The challenges of interpreting symbols and iconography in religion, especially when they are gendered, are examined. Offered alternate years. Prerequisite REL614 or REL661. (The instructor will consider alternative fulfillment of the prerequisite on a case-to-case basis.)