Buddhist Studies

Spring 2024: Buddhism in the Himalayan Borderlands

The Himalayas serve as a natural barrier between India and China. For centuries Tibetan and Indian Buddhists risked life and limb to cross these mighty mountains to spread the Buddhist religion. Along the way they encountered many micro societies that straddle the cultural hegemonies to the North and South. This course will examine forms of Buddhism in this high-altitude borderland, and examine the ways that they have developed unique and exciting forms of Buddhism, that differ significantly from one valley to the next.
Repeat rules: Course may be repeated for credit when topic changes.