HC3044 TO BECOME BUDDHA & IMMORTAL: DAOISM & CHINESE BUDDHISM

This course has two aims: a philosophical and historical aim. The philosophical aim seeks to explore the theoretical underpinnings of religious Daoism and Chinese Buddhism in order to examine their contemporary signifi cances. To name a few specifi c philosophical issues this course will cover: their attendant metaphysical worldviews, issues on soteriology, debate on consciousness, and so on. The historical aim serves to uncover important information which serves to contextualise their respective discourse for a deeper understanding. For Daoism, this course will investigate the evolution of Daoism as a school of thought to Daoism as a religion; for Buddhism, you will delve into the spread and naturalization of (Indian) Buddhism in China. Students who are interested in the religious thought of Daoism and Chinese Buddhism and its contemporary signifi cance are encouraged to take the course.