Naturalisation of Buddhism in China and Beyond

ABS940

This subject provides a historical survey of the impact of Buddhism in Chinese culture, exploring its growth and transformation through significant people, doctrines, practices and institutions from the turn of the Common Era to the present.

It begins with the transmission of Buddhism from India to China and follows the development of a uniquely Chinese Buddhism after a period of initial conflict before integration with the local culture.

The second part of the subject uses Buddhist sacred sites as experiential windows to further explore major aspects of the Chinese Buddhist tradition and its interaction with Chinese literature, philosophy, art, architecture and indigenous religious practices.

This subject offers an insight into how Buddhism became one of the three pillars of traditional Chinese religions.

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Older Person’s Mental Health (Online)

MH913

Given a choice, the majority of older people would prefer to live in their own homes, despite challenges such as such as disabilities, loneliness and the problems of health care. This subject considers the healthcare needs of older people and the ways in which older people are represented through the media, health and social policies and legislation. The way that these representations impact on the mental health and wellbeing of older people and their access to healthcare will be analysed.

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Healing Traditions: Buddhism and Psychotherapy (Online)

MH916

‘Healing Traditions: Buddhism and Psychotherapy – Mindfulness for the Helping Professions’ is an ideal study opportunity for anyone interested in the interface between Buddhism and Psychotherapy, and the significant advantages this new spiritual dimension of psychotherapy has on modern life.

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Coaching and Counselling for Health and Wellbeing

MH912

Promoting, motivating, and supporting health, wellbeing, and positive behaviour change, is a highly valued and necessary competency for many professional roles, particularly in the areas of health/mental health, psychology/counselling/coaching, disability and rehabilitation, complementary medicine, welfare, community outreach, human resources, and management.  Many people, however, would like to feel better equipped and trained in this area of their work, particularly when working with people experiencing mental distress and severe challenges to their mental health. In this subject, you will examine a range of evidence-based and best-practice approaches to coaching and counselling for health and wellbeing, and develop practical skills via peer and client practice, under supervision to work with people in recovery. 

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Research Methods and Evidence-Based Practice (Online)

MH903

Evidence-based practice (EBP) is central to contemporary health research and practice. In this subject, students will learn how to approach research in mental health by effectively searching the literature, critically appraising evidence, and assessing its significance. Students will also critically analyse mental health research from an ethical perspective and will understand the importance of lived experience perspectives in research. Students will learn how to apply scientific methods and statistical principles to a variety of research situations and questions and to understand the ways in which knowledge in the health and social sciences is validated and communicated.  

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Research Methods and Evidence-Based Practice (Online)

HSW903

Evidence-based practice (EBP) is central to contemporary health research and practice. In this subject, students will learn how to approach research in mental health by effectively searching the literature, critically appraising evidence, and assessing its significance. Students will also critically analyse mental health research from an ethical perspective and will understand the importance of lived experience perspectives in research. Students will learn how to apply scientific methods and statistical principles to a variety of research situations and questions and to understand the ways in which knowledge in the health and social sciences is validated and communicated.  

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Nutrition Through the Lifespan

HSW902/HSW702

This subject takes a lifespan perspective to nutrition, diet and exercise, addressing nutritional requirements fundamental to human growth through the lifespan, drawing on different health and science disciplines to provide a basis for understanding nutrition.

You will discuss the many factors that impact on healthy food choices and how foods can be utilised to enhance wellbeing.

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Indian Buddhism

ABS941

‘Indian Buddhism’ recounts the growth of Buddhism in South Asia, and covers the teachings and precepts of the different perspectives from the early beginnings, through the development of Mahayana Buddhism.

This subject provides a survey of the growth of Buddhism in South Asia – from its origins in about the fifth century BCE, through to the major developments in India and Sri Lanka, including the appearance of early Mahayana forms. It integrates developments in doctrine with relevant archaeological and historical evidence from the field.

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Research Methods of Religious Studies

ABS903

‘Research Methods of Religious Studies’ is an introduction to critical thinking and the modes of research used in Applied Buddhist Studies. The basic skills and processes associated with developing research questions, reviewing relevant literature and conducting research are discussed. Qualitative and quantitative research methods are reviewed. The subject also covers key basic principles in academic writing, including referencing and citation methods.

As part of the subject, students are encouraged to develop their own original ideas and formulate research proposals that demonstrate their understanding of applied research. The subject particularly focuses on the principles of research and critical evaluation, which are key skills required in the process of reviewing and expanding the literature base of Buddhism and its applications. The subject also covers the basics of academic writing to help students present discussion and arguments effectively in written form.

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Ethics, Mental Health and Buddhism

MH904

This subject provides an overview of ethics in the context of the experience of mental ill health which can place individuals in a position of disadvantage through diminished autonomy. Normative ethical approaches are problematic when applied to the moral deliberations of mental health care, such as the medicalisation of behaviour, coercion and involuntary treatment.

Inherent ethical challenges within mental health care will be explored through the lens of differing frameworks and traditions, including medical ethics and the core concepts of Buddhism.

This subject also explores range of issues of contemporary concern, including the natural world, (environment, animals, conservation, bioethics), death and dying (abortion, suicide, euthanasia, war), health, gender and sexuality, business and social responsibility.

Increasing individual ethical behaviour is at the heart of this subject: understanding the nature of ethical choices is also fundamental to a sound comprehension of Buddhism. This subject critically investigates a range of responses in relation to contemporary moral dilemmas, thereby highlighting possible contributions from—or gaps in—traditional Buddhist paradigms and perspectives.

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Nutrition and Mental Health

MH902

This subject takes a lifespan perspective to nutrition, diet and exercise, addressing nutritional requirements fundamental to human growth through the lifespan, drawing on different health and science disciplines to provide a basis for understanding nutrition in the context of mental health. Increasing evidence has emerged suggesting a link between dietary habits and mental and behavioural manifestation. Strong links between mental health treatment and nutrition have been identified. Dietary intervention is essential for people taking psychotropic medications. Students will discuss the many factors that impact on healthy food choices for people experiencing mental health conditions and how foods can be utilised within interventions to enhance mental health and wellbeing.

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Buddhism, Environment and Sustainability

MH921

Buddhism, Environment and Sustainability examines the relationship between Buddhist traditions, including contemporary Buddhist practice, and global issues in sustainability and environment. It explores both classic and new sources of Buddhist environmentalism, as well as the position of environmentalism from other spiritual paths. Spiritual traditions have a key role in engaging creative responses to environmental and associated social challenges.

This subject will analyse scales of Buddhist environmentalism from the global to the personal, and situate them in both local and global geographic contexts. The subject places emphasis both on theory and on practice: apart from the study and critical examination of primary and secondary sources on Buddhist environmentalism, students will participate in field activities examining local environmental issues.

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Dr Eng-Kong Tan

Dr Tan is a medical doctor, consultant psychiatrist and analytic psychotherapist.  He is the Founder and Chairman of the Metta Clinic, an established group psychological practice in Pymble, Sydney.

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Buddhism, Environment and Sustainability

ABS921

The subject “Mindfulness and Cognitive science” examines the foundations as well as some of most recent developments in the field of cognitive science – a rapidly growing area of research, integrating insights from a broad spectrum of disciplines concerned with the study of human mind.

The aim of the subject is to put this relatively young research project vis a vis the two and a half millennia old Buddhist endeavour of exploration in the same area.

The subject begins with an interdisciplinary overview of the so called “paradigms” of cognitive science, each of them representing one of the basic views on the nature of mind. The following paradigms are examined:

• Information-processing paradigm
• Cognitivistic paradigm
• Embodied cognition
• Phenomenology

The latter position is explored in more detail: some of the most recent developments in the area of the study of lived human experience are examined (theoretically and experientially). Together, the students will investigate how modern science of lived experience relates to Buddhist studies of the same subject. By studying research papers, cases, and personal accounts and through inquiry into personal experiences, they will be encouraged to compare, validate and critically examine methods and insights of both cultures.

The subject will examine intersections of mindfulness meditation and scientific studies of consciousness. Students will be encouraged to compare and reflect on the validity of knowledge obtained by both paths. Special attention will be drawn to parallels between mindfulness and phenomenological reduction.

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Nutrition Through the Lifespan

HSW902/HSW702

This subject takes a lifespan perspective to nutrition, diet and exercise, addressing nutritional requirements fundamental to human growth through the lifespan, drawing on different health and science disciplines to provide a basis for understanding nutrition.

You will discuss the many factors that impact on healthy food choices and how foods can be utilised to enhance wellbeing.

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Buddhism Enviroment and Sustainability

ABS921/ABS721

Buddhism, Environment and Sustainability examines the relationship between Buddhist traditions, including contemporary Buddhist practice, and global issues in sustainability and environment. It explores both classic and new sources of Buddhist environmentalism, as well as the position of environmentalism from other spiritual paths. Spiritual traditions have a key role in engaging creative responses to environmental and associated social challenges.

This subject will analyse scales of Buddhist environmentalism from the global to the personal, and situate them in both local and global geographic contexts. The subject places emphasis both on theory and on practice: apart from the study and critical examination of primary and secondary sources on Buddhist environmentalism, students will participate in field activities examining local environmental issues.

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Buddhist Ethics

ABS904/ABS704

Buddhist Ethics provides an overview of Buddhist ethics in different traditions; it also examines issues arising from their application in the contemporary world. After outlining the framework of Buddhist ethics, a number of contemporary issues are reviewed and discussed using the lens of Buddhist ethical traditions: issues examined include the natural world (environment, animals, conservation), abortion, suicide, euthanasia, war, gender and sexuality, economics, social responsibility, etc.

Increasing individual ethical behaviour is at the heart of Buddhist traditions: understanding the nature of ethical choices and behaviours is also fundamental to a sound comprehension of Buddhism. This subject presents an introduction to the major areas of ethical consideration important in Buddhist teachings and then critically investigates a range of contemporary issues in order to highlight possible contributions from—or gaps in—traditional Buddhist paradigms and perspectives.

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Coaching and Counselling for Health and Wellbeing

HSW912

Promoting, motivating, and supporting health, wellbeing, and positive behaviour change, is a highly valued and necessary competency for many professional roles, particularly in the areas of health/mental health, psychology/counselling/coaching, disability and rehabilitation, complementary medicine, welfare, community outreach, human resources, and management. Many people, however, would like to feel better equipped and trained in this area of their work. Coaching and Counselling for Health and Wellness examines a range of evidence-based and best-practice approaches to coaching and counselling for health and wellbeing, and develops practical skills via peer and client practice, under supervision.

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Applied Mindfulness for Professionals

HSW907

Arts Therapy

HSW915/HSW715

Art is a form of psychotherapy for individuals, families and groups in which the participants engage in artistic processes within a therapeutic relationship. It is a valuable therapeutic approach to a wide range of psychological, social and physical conditions. This subject examines the diversity of art therapy models and methods.

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Foundational Texts in Humanistic Buddhism

HB901

This subject serves as a survey of texts contributing to the development of Humanistic Buddhism worldwide.  Students will become acquainted with recent scholarship on doctrines and historical development based on key passages from canonical texts such as Majjhima Nikāya, Buddhacarita, Diamond Sūtra, Platform Sūtra, Lotus Sūtra, Bodhicaryāvatāra, Vimalakirti Sūtra and Sumati Sūtra.

A study of more recent commentaries of these sūtras by humanistic Buddhist masters aims to cultivate students’ analytical ability and understanding of contemporary interpretation.  In addition, the subject informs students about different methodological approaches to textual analysis, issues with translation, as well as the writings and lives of exemplary Buddhist practitioners.

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Principles of Professional Engagement

HB902

This subject provides student practitioners with advanced skill development and understanding of best practices in engaging the public and devotees.  Building upon materials covered in previous aspects of the course, students will explore the effectiveness of a variety of communication and teaching strategies in multicultural and multi-faith communities.

A learning environment is provided from which students can analyse best practices, appraise competencies, and apply theory in the teaching and exercise of humanistic values and Buddhist wisdom in a contemplative and ethical manner.  Topics covered include ethical engagement, teaching methodologies, contemplative learning strategies, religious promotion, and project management in both faith-based and secular communities.  Guest lecturers will be invited to share best practices and facilitate learning activities.

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Healing Traditions Buddhism and Psychotherapy

HSW916

‘Healing Traditions: Buddhism and Psychotherapy – Mindfulness for the Helping Professions’ is an ideal study opportunity for anyone interested in the interface between Buddhism and Psychotherapy, and the significant advantages this new spiritual dimension of psychotherapy has on modern life.

This theoretical and experiential subject looks at contemporary mental and psychological disorders and diseases, and examines how Buddhism and Psychotherapy practices can respond, manage and impact on them.

In the last decade there has been an exponential increase in interest in the relationship between Buddhism and Psychotherapy. This subject explores the interface between Buddhism and psychotherapy and the therapeutic actions of Buddha’s core teachings and practice of mindfulness which are now incorporated in many mainstream psychotherapies. The theoretical and neurobiological basis of meditation training and the art and science of meditation useful in psychotherapy practice is discussed, demonstrated and practiced.

The subject also covers the Buddhist and psychological concepts and foundations of suffering pertaining to psychological distress, psychic pain, difficult relationship issues, stress induced diseases, addictions, ageing, sickness and death.  There will be experiential exercises to cultivate various clinically beneficial meditative practices. Content also touches on the social, cultural and ethical issues involved in the Integration of Buddhism and Psychotherapy for health professionals.

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Research Methods and Evidence Based Practice

ABS/HSW903

‘Research Methods and Evidence-Based Practice’ examines Evidence-Based Practice (EBP), which is central to contemporary health research and practice. Students will learn how to apply scientific methods and statistical principles to a variety of research situations and questions, and to understand the ways in which knowledge in the health and social sciences is validated and communicated.

Complementary and alternative medicine is a thriving sector of health care. Case studies will enable students to study the philosophies, practices and supporting evidence base for selected therapies such as meditation, traditional medicine, qigong, yoga, spiritual healing, acupuncture, hypnotherapy, shiatsu, iridology and kinesiology.

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Critical Inquiry Online

NTI900

This subject is designed to prepare students to be successful in their postgraduate studies.

The subject strengthens existing academic abilities and literacies, usually gained through undergraduate study, and introduces contemporary topics to help students develop critical thinking, research and communication skills. The subject includes an introduction to contemplative inquiry which underpins the postgraduate curriculum.

The subject will support students in their first session of postgraduate study; facilitate an understanding of the nature and structure of their degrees; provide resources and peer support to enhance academic and digital literacies needed for success in their degree.

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Critical Inquiry

NTI900

This subject is designed to prepare students to be successful in their postgraduate studies.

The subject strengthens existing academic abilities and literacies, usually gained through undergraduate study, and introduces contemporary topics to help students develop critical thinking, research and communication skills. The subject includes an introduction to contemplative inquiry which underpins the postgraduate curriculum.

The subject will support students in their first session of postgraduate study; facilitate an understanding of the nature and structure of their degrees; provide resources and peer support to enhance academic and digital literacies needed for success in their degree.

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Compassion at Work

HSW905/705

Compassion has been identified as a priority area for improvement in health care. Explicit training in compassion is now necessary within health care settings, which are becoming increasingly complex and fast-paced.

This subject examines the implications of compassion in health care for individuals, organisations and society and draws from the growing field of Compassion Science, which suggests that compassion is central to positive outcomes in health care.  

This subject also examines physiological, psychological, philosophical and sociological evidence, which proposes a positive correlation between compassionate health care enhanced by contemplative practice and staff and clients’ quality of life.

It is grounded in a strength-based, resilience-building approach while offering both applied and theoretical experience of compassion for personal and professional development in health care. This subject is also highly relevant to a range of business professionals.

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Therapy Through Art

MH915

The emerging correlations between health, art and culture are being recognised as important determinants of health and wellbeing. Healthy individuals create healthy societies. This subject explores Mental Health, Art and Culture in a broader context and how they relate to individual and societal wellbeing.

Art is a form of psychotherapy for individuals families and groups in which the participants engage in artistic processes within a therapeutic relationship. Art can be practised within therapy and as therapy. Art is a valuable therapeutic approach to a wide range of psychological, social and physical conditions. This subject examines the models and methods of art therapy and explores use within a range of mental health conditions.

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Compassion at Work Online 

HSW905

Compassion has been identified as a priority area for improvement in health care. Explicit training in compassion is now necessary within health care settings, which are becoming increasingly complex and fast-paced.

This subject examines the implications of compassion in health care for individuals, organisations and society and draws from the growing field of Compassion Science, which suggests that compassion is central to positive outcomes in health care.  

This subject also examines physiological, psychological, philosophical and sociological evidence, which proposes a positive correlation between compassionate health care enhanced by contemplative practice and staff and clients’ quality of life.

It is grounded in a strength-based, resilience-building approach while offering both applied and theoretical experience of compassion for personal and professional development in health care. This subject is also highly relevant to a range of business professionals.

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Introduction to Buddhism

ABS901/ABS701

‘Introduction to Buddhism’ outlines and explores the fundamentals of Buddhist thought. Students examine ideas around the origin and development of Buddhism, key Buddhist doctrines, and the basic concepts of Buddhist philosophy across various traditions. The role of Buddhist philosophy, meditation, and practice in approaching morality and ethics, as well as contemporary developments in global Buddhism, is introduced and critically appraised. Students critically examine the meaning of life through Buddhist perspectives.

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Buddhism and Modern Society

ABS922

The various schools of Buddhism teach systems of beliefs and practices based on the principles of change and interdependence.

This subject surveys how major Buddhist Schools today respond to contemporary issues and events around the world by adapting and reinterpreting the ancient doctrines to the modern world. This process is studied in both directions: how traditional Buddhist communities adapt to modernity and how Buddhist teachings are interpreted, reinvented or embraced.

The topics include Buddhist responses to globalisation, science and technology, economics, consumerism, workplace management, ethical leadership, bioethics, gender issues and environmental sustainability. This subject will provide an opportunity to discuss how Buddhists in East Asia, South Asia and the West can continue to grow the religion in the future.

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Mindfulness Theory and Practice

ABS902/ABS702

Mindfulness Theory and Practice examines the systems of meditative practice taught in Buddhist traditions, focusing on mindfulness as the key component in the Buddhist doctrinal framework. It explores the theoretical foundations for meditative practice as well as the practical methods and techniques of meditation, and it also looks at the variety of applications of mindfulness in new contexts and environments.

The subject places emphasis both on theory and on practice: apart from the study and critical examination of primary and secondary sources on Buddhist meditation, the students also explore several techniques and aspects of mindfulness in practice. They are expected to devote two hours per day to the practice of mindfulness and record and reflect on their experiences. The classes are accompanied by practical sessions of meditation as appropriate to the development of each topic.

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Research Methods of Religious Studies

ABS903

‘Research Methods of Religious Studies’ is an introduction to critical thinking and the modes of research used in Applied Buddhist Studies. The basic skills and processes associated with developing research questions, reviewing relevant literature and conducting research are discussed. Qualitative and quantitative research methods are reviewed. The subject also covers key basic principles in academic writing, including referencing and citation methods.

As part of the subject, students are encouraged to develop their own original ideas and formulate research proposals that demonstrate their understanding of applied research. The subject particularly focuses on the principles of research and critical evaluation, which are key skills required in the process of reviewing and expanding the literature base of Buddhism and its applications. The subject also covers the basics of academic writing to help students present discussion and arguments effectively in written form.

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Buddhism and Interreligious Understanding

ABS920

Mindfulness Theory and Practice for Schools

‘Mindfulness: Theory and Practice for Schools’ is a two-day workshop distinctively tailored for school teachers.

This NESA accredited course looks at the variety of applications of mindfulness in schools and examines how teachers can use mindfulness in the creation and maintenance of supportive, safe and effective learning environments.

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Mind Body Wellness

HSW901/HSW701

‘Mind-Body Wellness’ explores and analyses psychological, emotional, physical, social, and environmental factors that can contribute to, or work against, the mental health and wellbeing of individuals and societies. The subject examines mind-body wellness research from a range of perspectives, as well as exploring practical tools and interventions to assist others in improving mind-body wellness in the context of challenges to mental health.

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Mental Health and Wellness

HSW914/HSW714

A state of wellbeing is defined as every individual having the opportunity to realise their own potential, cope with the normal stresses of life, work productively and fruitfully and make a contribution to their community.

Rapidly evolving evidence and the emergence of new research technologies are forcing revision of historical truths,  beliefs, traditions and approaches to mental health and wellness.

This subject explores recent developments in our understanding of mental health and wellbeing, including severe challenges to mental health and the associated impact on the lives of people having these experiences and their families and communities.

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Social Policy Health and Welfare

HSW904

‘Social Policy, Health, and Welfare’ examines the nature of public health and public health policy frameworks and issues and explores the cultural and social dimensions of health and wellness and the economic and political environment in which health policies and strategies are developed and implemented. The importance of social justice and equity in health care is emphasised.

This subject addresses the determinants of health and achieving improved health outcomes for individuals, carers, communities and populations. Students will practise the skills needed to conduct a needs analysis and plan and evaluate an intervention for a health promotion project.

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Tradition and Change

ABS930

The subject is intended as a comprehensive survey of Buddhism from its early beginnings to the present day. It aims to give students an insight into the origins and the spread of Buddhism across Asia and beyond.

The subject will familiarize students with the rich spectrum of Buddhist traditions and schools of philosophy and give an overview of their developments from the early beginning till the present day. Special attention will be given to the rich variety of Buddhist practices, particularly to meditation.

The lectures will provide a comprehensive survey of tradition and change in Buddhist thought and practices throughout the history, while specific topics (such as politics, gender issues, society and environment in Buddhist context) will be investigated through film viewing, seminars, group discussions and projects.

Exploration of various facets of Buddhism will provide an opportunity for deeper appreciation and understanding of Buddhism as a living tradition, which is expanding fast beyond Asia and becoming a transnational religion of the 21st century.

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Health as Buddhist Practice

ABS923

In this subject, you will explore the meaning of health and illness and how different traditions – especially the Greek-origin European ‘science’ tradition, Indian-origin Buddhist understandings, and traditional Chinese medical approaches – conceive of and act on mind-body health and ill health.

The subject content will include the philosophy, history and political economy of health practices as they have developed within different cultural and environmental contexts. You will be introduced to a range of different medical approaches including indigenous Australian, Ayurveda and traditional Chinese as well as examining the reality of mainstream science-based medicine as it exists in Western societies.

You will be taught a range of practices that are said to influence health. You will be asked to adopt and critically examine the impact of one practice on your own health. How does your own experience compare to the reported expected outcomes and evidence base for this practice? What does the practice tell us about the ideas that are the implicit underpinnings of such a practice?

It is hoped that the mix of theoretical input and student experiences will allow us to explore health and illness in depth and in new ways.

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Buddhist Art as Visual Communication

ABS933

The aim of this subject is to teach the knowledge and interpretative skills necessary to fully engage with Buddhist material culture. The subject will be structured thematically across 4 days, with the fifth day for presentations during an excursion to the Art Gallery of NSW.

It will start with a brief assessment of Buddhism from the viewpoint of select contemporary Western writers, before presenting the evolution of the image of the historical Buddha Sakyamuni, including aniconic and synoptic representations. Other sessions will include an analysis of the characteristics and distinguishing qualities of diverse buddhas and bodhisattvas (with special attention to Avalokitesvara); symbols that convey the values and beliefs of Buddhism; the generation of merit through commissions; the visualisation of a deity; and the power of inscribed dharani and ‘seed’ syllables.

In this intensive course there will be sessions devoted to the visual communication of Buddhist teachings, e.g., the Wheel of the Six Realms of Existence, the Pure Lands, and the mandala. Select teachers, such as the First Patriarch of Zen, Bodhidharma, and noted monks, lamas, and laymen, will be considered as well.

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Dr Martin Kovacic

Martin Kovacic (aka Martin Kovan) graduated with a PhD. (Philosophy) at Melbourne University in 2020, with a thesis in Buddhist and cross-cultural ethics and philosophy. Some of this research was commissioned as a chapter on the theme of Buddhism, suicide and Tibetan Buddhist self-immolation for the Oxford Handbook of Buddhist Ethics (OUP, 2018).

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