Course Outline: BP209 Theory and Practice of Bodhisattva Ideal, 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: 
BP209 - The Theory and Practice of the Bodhisattva Ideal
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: Motilal Banarsidass, 2000.
  • Dutt, Nalinaksha. Aspects of Mahayana Buddhism and its Relation to Hinayana. London: Luzc & Co., 1930.
  • Dayal, Har. The Bodhisattva Doctrine in Buddhist Sanskrit Literature. 2nd ed. Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass,1978.
  • Endo, Toshichi. Buddha in Theravada Buddhism. Sri Lanka: Buddhist Cultural Centre,1997.
  • Hirakawa, Akira. A History of Indian Buddhism: From Sakyamuni to Early Mahayana. Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass, 1993.
  • Kawamura, Leslie S. The Bodhisattva Doctrine in Buddhism. New Delhi: Satguru Publications, 1997.
  • Kalupahana, D.J. Buddhist Philosophy- A Historical Analysis. Hawaii: The University Press, 1976.
  • Warder, A.K. Indian Buddhism. Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass, 1970.
Course Organization: 
  • 1. The Bodhisattva Concept – Development in Theravāda Buddhism.
  • 2. Mahāsanghikas and the Bodhisattva Ideal.
  • 3. Mahāvastu and the new inventions in the Bodhisattva concept.
  • 4. The special significance of the Bodhicittotpada (Production of Thought of Enlightenment) in Mahāyāna.
  • 5. What are the special activities of the Bodhisattva as mentioned in the Bodhicaryavatara.
  • 6. The relationship of Bodhicitta and the Buddha Gotra as mentioned in Mahāyāna texts.
  • 7. The way of the Bodhisattva prolongs his Samsara for the welfare of others.
  • 8. The Development of Yāna Doctrine and the Bodhisattvayāna.
  • 9. How the Bodhisattvayāna becomes Mahāyāna.
  • 10. The development of Pāramitas as the highest attainment of the Bodhisattva.
  • 11. Special significance of Mahāyāna Pāramitas in conncetion with the Anatma doctrine.
  • 12. Prajnāpāramita as the major practice of the Bodhisattva in Mahāyāna.
  • 13. The importance of Bhumis (Stages) of Bodhisattva career in Mahāsanghika and in Mahāyāna.
  • 14. According to Bhumis the Bodhisattva has to gain the knowledge of all the Arts, Literature, Medicine, the knowledge of Metals, Astrology and Dreams.
  • 15. The Bodhisattva doctrine is the teachings of ethical philosophy of Mahāyāna Buddhism.
Course Requirements: 

The students are expected to improve their knowledge on the subject covered in the course description. The class participation questions and discussions will be encouraged. Class presentations are also arranged 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 Examinatio 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
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