Course Descriptions

Using the wisdom of Buddhist teachings, this course examines spiritual awakening as liberation from oppressions based in gender, race, class, and sexuality. The concept of “liberation” is explored as an experience of freedom and healing from both personal and collective suffering. We will examine the role of women in Buddhism, both historically and in contemporary times; social movements based in engaged Buddhism; tantric Buddhism; Ecobuddhism; and struggles for racial justice in Western sanghas. This course will include experiential activities such as meditation, reflective dialogue, and embodied practices. These practices will complement the course texts and provide tools for students to more authentically engage with each other within spiritual and social justice environments.