Course Outline: BH 203 History of Buddhism in India, 2010/2011, Semester 2

Basic Data
Program: 
Bachelor of Arts (Buddhist Studies)
Semester: 
Second Semester (December 06, 2010 – April 09, 2011) Academic year 2010/2011
Subject: 
BH203 - History of Buddhism in India
Credit / status: 
3 Credits / Core subject
Instructor: 
Tilak Kariyawasam教授
Recommended Texts: 
  • Bhattacarya, N.N. “Buddhism in the History of Indian Ideas.” New Delhi: Munshiram Manoharalal, 2000.
  • Bapath, P.V. “2500 years of Buddhism.” New Delhi: Asian Education Service, 1987.
  • Basham, A.L. “The Wonder that was India.” New Delhi: Rupa & Co., 1993.
  • Goyal, S.R.“A History of Indian Buddhism.” Jodhpur: Kusumanjali Prakashan, 1994.
  • Hirakawa, Akira. “History of Indian Buddhism – From Sakyamuni to Early Mahayana.” Translated by Paul Growner. Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass, 1993.
  • Hazra, Kanai Lal.“The Rise and Decline of Buddhism in India.” Munshiram Manoharalal, 1998.
  • Joshi, Lal Mani.“Studies in the Buddhist Culture of India.” 2nd ed. Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass, 2000.
  • Saunders, K.J.“Epochs in Buddhist History.” 2nd ed. Delhi: Pilgrims Book, 1998.
  • Thomas, E.J. “The History of Buddhist Thought.” 2nd ed. London: Motilal Banarsidass,1951.
  • Warder, A.K. “Indian Buddhism.” Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass, 1970.
Course Organization: 
  • 1. Buddha’s missionary activity and the spread of Buddhism during the time of the Buddha.
  • 2. Buddhist Councils and their importance in the history of Buddhism.
  • 3. Developments of various rituals such as Buddha vandanā, Bodhi & Cetiya Vandanā.
  • 4. Growth of controversies of the Buddhist teachings and Buddhist sects.
  • 5. King Aśoka’s conversion to Buddhism and how he became a major benefactor of Buddhism.
  • 6. Aśoka Dhamma and his attempt to become a King Cakkavatti.
  • 7. Support and oppose of Śuńga and kānva dynasties towards Buddhism.
  • 8. King Kaniska’s help for the growth of Buddhism and Buddhist Culture.
  • 9. Analysis of Chinese travelers’ information regarding the spread of Buddhism.
  • 10. The importance of King Menander and King Harsa towards the spread of Buddhism.
  • 11. Rise of Pāli Atthakathācariyas and Buddhist Sanskrit Literature authors and logicians.
  • 12. Famous teachers of Staviravāda and Mahāyāna traditions.
  • 13. Major Centers of Buddhist studies and their influence to develop philosophical traditions and tantrism.
Course Requirements: 

The students are expected to expand their knowledge of the subject covered in the description. The class participation, questions and discussions will be encouraged. Class presentations are encouraged to improve the knowledge on the subject and a suitable amount of time will be allocated at the end of the course for review and preparation for the examination. Attendance at lectures 80%, a written assignment on a topic given by the Department, between 1000-1500 words and final examination will be required.

Allocation of Marks: 
  • Class participation 5%
  • Written assignment 20%
  • Presentation 15%
  • Final Examination 60%
Course Objectives: 

NULL

Grading: 

All tests, assignments and examinations are graded as follows with grade point and numerical marks:

Grade Performance Grade value Percentage Equivalence
A+ Excellent 4.0 90-100
A Almost Excellent 3.75 85-89
A- Fairly Excellent 3.5 80-84
B+ Very Good 3.25 75-79
B Good 3.0 70-74
B- Fairly Good 2.75 65-69
C+ Fair 2.5 60-64
C Satisfactory 2.25 55-59
C- Minimum Satisfactory 2.0 50-54
D+ Fairly Poor 1.5 40-49
D Poor 1.0 30-39
F Fail 0.0 29 or less
I Incomplete
W Withdrawn
WF Withdrawn because of failure
AU Audit