R153 Religions of the East (3 Cr.) - Haberman TR 10:10-11:00 MO 007

Why does the god Ganesh have the head of an elephant?  Why did Buddha
leave the luxury of the palace?  What did Confucius really say?  What's so
good about a worthless tree? Come find the answers to these and many other
questions.  This course is designed as an introduction to the major
religious traditions of Asia, with special attention to Hinduism,
Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism.  After examining the historical
context of each tradition we will explore through primary texts the wide
range of world views and the variety of ways of being religious that
comprise Asian religions.  A central question for the course will be: "Is
the religious life a celebration of something natural or does it
necessarily involve unnatural discipline?"  Concomitant issues to be
explored include differing views of the world, concepts of human nature,
and proposals for appropriate religious action.  In addition to the
textbook, The Sacred Paths of the East, readings will be drawn from a
course reader that contains a wide variety of scriptures drawn from the
many traditions we will be examining.  There are no prerequisites.