Foundational Texts in Humanistic Buddhism

Subject Overview

This subject surveys key passages of canonical texts that contribute to the development of humanistic Buddhist values such as compassion, wisdom, committed service and practice across the Theravāda, Mahāyāna and Vajrayāna traditions. A study of more recent commentaries by humanistic Buddhist masters aims to cultivate students’ analytical ability and understanding of contemporary interpretation.

Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate reflective understanding of the development of the ‘humanistic’ concept in Buddhism based on eastern and western definitions as well as identify its impact on personal and communal growth (including the deep connection to everything else).
2. Critically summarise and evaluate humanistic Buddhist texts from different traditions and/or cultural paradigms.
3. Pose questions, investigate and analyse humanistic Buddhist values such as compassion, wisdom, committed service and/or practice, and evaluate the findings through academic reports.

Assessments

• Assessment 1: Reflective essay on the development of the ‘humanistic’ concept in Buddhism (30%, due week 5)
• Assessment 2: Annotated bibliography of humanistic Buddhist texts from different traditions and/or cultural paradigms (25%, due week 7)
• Assessment 3: Final essay on how contemporary Buddhist masters have interpreted key humanistic Buddhist values (45%, due week 10)