Buddhism

Course Overview

Explore new spiritual paths in this introduction to the precepts of Buddhism—an intriguing world religion that is utterly unlike any other.

Course Description

Buddhism has captivated millions around the world, transforming civilizations in India, Southeast Asia, Tibet, China, Korea, and Japan. Curious about how a religion without a god accomplished this? In this series of 24 lectures, you will delve into the history, principles, and evolution of Buddhism. Learn about Siddhartha Gautama, the Buddha, who abandoned a privileged life to seek the meaning of life and death and whose teachings have profoundly impacted the world.

After his death, followers began sharing his insights about the “Four Noble Truths” and the “Path” to Enlightenment. Discover how Buddhist beliefs evolved as they spread across cultures, adapting uniquely to different societies, while maintaining core principles.

Video Lectures

1. What is Buddhism? (32 min)
   The unfolding story of the Buddha and the diversity of Buddhism.
2. India at the Time of the Buddha (31 min)
   The cultural and religious context that shaped Buddhism.
3. The Doctrine of Reincarnation (31 min)
   Understanding the concept of samsara in Buddhism.
4. The Story of the Buddha (31 min)
   Exploring Siddhartha Gautama’s life and its impact on followers.
5. All Is Suffering (31 min)
   Understanding the notion of suffering as a central tenet in Buddhism.
6. The Path to Nirvana (31 min)
   The Buddha’s teachings on the cessation of suffering.
7. The Buddhist Monastic Community (31 min)
   The development of the early Buddhist community after the Buddha’s death.
8. Buddhist Art and Architecture (31 min)
   Artistic expressions that communicate Buddhist teachings.
9. Theravada Buddhism in Southeast Asia (31 min)
   The influence of Theravada Buddhism in Southeast Asia.
10. Mahayana Buddhism and the Bodhisattva Ideal (31 min)
    The emergence and significance of the Bodhisattva ideal.
11. Celestial Buddhas and Bodhisattvas (31 min)
    Understanding heavenly beings in the Mahayana tradition.
12. Emptiness (31 min)
    Exploring the concept of Emptiness in Mahayana Buddhism.
13. Buddhist Philosophy (31 min)
    Different schools of thought regarding Emptiness.
14. Buddhist Tantra (31 min)
    The emergence and practices associated with Tantric Buddhism.
15. The Theory and Practice of the Mandala (31 min)
    The use of mandalas in Buddhist practice.
16. The First Diffusion of the Dharma in Tibet (32 min)
    The arrival of Buddhism in Tibet and its development.
17. The Schools of Tibetan Buddhism (31 min)
    The establishment of various schools of Tibetan Buddhism.
18. The Dalai Lama (31 min)
    The significance of the Dalai Lama in Tibetan Buddhism.
19. The Origins of Chinese Buddhism (31 min)
    The introduction of Buddhism to China and its adaptation.
20. The Classical Period of Chinese Buddhism (32 min)
    Major developments during the Tang Dynasty.
21. The Origins of Japanese Buddhism (31 min)
    The arrival and integration of Buddhism in Japan.
22. Honen, Shinran and Nichiren (31 min)
    The contributions of key figures in Japanese Buddhism.
23. Zen (31 min)
    Understanding the Zen school of Buddhism and its practices.
24. Buddhism in America (32 min)
    The modern practice and influence of Buddhism in American culture.