This course introduces the key philosophical concepts (meditation practices, and rituals) that have defined Buddhist traditions in India and beyond. We will analyze central Buddhist teachings and their relationship to these three important domains, which interweave theory and practice. First, we will explore the historical figure of the Buddha. We will then examine the three phases of Indian Buddhist traditions: (1) Theravada, which emphasizes ascetic ideals and monasticism; (2) Mahayana, which prioritizes compassion, wisdom, and the ideal of the bodhisattva; and (3) Vajrayana, the tantric tradition that claims the human body as central to enlightenment and explores the relationship between each living being and the cosmos. We will explore the contrasts among the meditative and ritual practices across these three traditions and analyze how these practices reflect varying philosophies. We will discuss Buddhist iconography, ritual objects, and art.

Instructor: Eileen Goddard is a lecturer and PhD student at the University of California Santa Barbara. Eileen’s dissertation research focuses on the 16th century Gaudiya Vaisnava tradition and comparatively analyzes Indian religious constructions of “perfected” minds and bodies. Eileen’s broader research interests include comparative Indian philosophy, Sanskrit literature and poetics, devotion (bhakti), perception, and gender and sexuality. Eileen completed her MA in Religion at Rutgers University and BA in Philosophy at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. 

Course dates: Tuesdays, January 21 to February 25, from 3:00 to 4:30 PM (Eastern)

Course preview (video): https://vimeo.com/961226561?share=copy

Registration is required to attend, and limited space is available.

Osher Online is a shared program exclusively for members of select Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes (OLLIs). This collaboration between the Osher National Resource Center and the School of Professional Studies at Northwestern University presents lecture and discussion-style courses over four academic terms – fall, winter, spring, and summer – yearly. The purpose of Osher Online is to share quality online courses and occasional special community events with local OLLIs.