• PAX 350, FALL TERM, 2016

• SYLLABUS • BUDDHISM, PEACE AND

CONTEMPLATIVE TRADITION •

• Instructor: Hugh Curran

• Office Hours: Tuesdays by appointment

• Office: Peace & Reconciliation Studies

• Rm. 213 East Annex

• University of Maine

• Orono, Maine 04469

•

• Peace Studies: 207-581-2636

• E-mail Hugh.curran@umit.maine.edu

• Technical help: 1-877-947-4357 or 581-3199

• E-mail: CEDtechhelp@umit.maine.edu

•

• Required Texts: • Thich Nhat Hanh, The Heart of the Buddha’s

Teaching

• Thich Nhat Hanh, "The Sun My Heart" • Shing Yun: Only a Great Rain

• Pema Chodrin: When Things Fall Apart

• • Supplemental: “Video Lectures" (lectures 1-10 & History of Zen-Part 1-6); "Zen Readings” (see icons

above lessons): Articles include: The Way of Zen; The

Spirit of Zen; Mysticism; Sermons of a Buddhist

Abbot ;Dharma Rain; • • Recommended: • Donald Lopez, “The Story of Buddhism”

• Dalai Lama: How to Practice

Thich Nhat Hanh:"Commentaries on the Heart Sutra" •

• The UMA Bookstore 800 number is: 1-800-621-

0083

• The Fax number of the UMA Bookstore is: 1-800-

243-7338The UM Bookstore number is:1-207- 581-

1700 and e-mail at umbook@maine.maine.edu

• • Course Objective: • Course Objective: • This course is designed as an introduction to Buddhism, especially the practice of Zen (Ch'an). We will examine spiritual & ethical aspects including stories, sutras, ethical precepts, ecological issues, and how we can best embody the Way in our daily lives. • • University Policy: • In complying with the letter and spirit of

applicable laws and in pursuing its own goals of

pluralism, the University of Maine shall not

discriminate on the grounds of race, color, religion,

sex, sexual orientation, national origin or citizenship

status, age, disability, or veterans status in

employment, education, and all other areas of the

University. The University provides reasonable

accommodations to qualified individuals with

disabilities upon request. • • Grading Policy: • Journals (1st set)-----------20% • Responses to other students 10% • Journals (2nd set)----------20% • Responses to other students 10% • Mid-term-----------------------20% • Research paper-------------20% • • Note carefully: • Students are required to: Submit journal lessons weekly and add a paragraph (200-300 words) that reviews one or more other students journals. It is not necessary to criticize or give praise. Anecdotes, brief stories, or news items that relate to the issues being addressed are welcome. Be sure to quote the name of the student(s) and the journal passage you are commenting on. In terms of your own journals the questions are based on the readings and your responses to the questions would normally be 1 1/2 to 2 pages in length. If you would rather submit your lesson in an essay form that would also be acceptable. In writing your journal you may quote short passages or phrases in the texts or you may paraphrase the readings and then include your own personal comments. Although your answers are to be based primarily on the readings your personal views are important so include them where it seems most

appropriate. Please explore & clarify each question as much as possible. Assume that your reader has little understanding of the material being covered.

• You are expected to post your assignments by Saturday of each week. This gives other students an opportunity to read over and respond to your journals. You will receive feedback from me or from a teaching assistant, but due to the number of students this feedback will be intermittent. If you make a personal request for feedback you can send a note to my mailbox & I'll respond as soon as possible. If you feel the need to receive more immediate feedback you can write to my mailbox at any time and I will do my best to respond as soon as possible. You can e-mail me and arrange a meeting to discuss any matters relating to the course on any Tuesday afternoon (if you are within driving distance of Orono). You can also arrange to speak on the phone to me. I can be reached at 207-581-2636 on Mondays & Tuesdays. If I am not there please leave a message with your name & phone number & I will return your call ASAP. •

• This course is not a "classroom" course but it is a hybrid course in which two classes will be held in the classroom for those living within commuting distance. Extra credit will be given to those who can attend this class. •

• Keep in mind that you should expect to devote about six to seven hours per lesson for the course. This would include video lectures, readings, journal entries & responses to other students. • • When you send the journals be sure to send them to their respective folders. To send a one paragraph bio and a photo you can click on the folder labelled "Pax350-1Bio" then click “message” and then “new message”. Type in your responses or “paste” it into your journal and then click “send”. The same is true for “Pax350-1Lssn1”. Due to the possibility of “losing” your journal as a result of computer glitches it is recommended that you "save" your answers as often as possible or you can type your answers into "Word", or some equivalent, and then copy and paste to the respective folder. Also note that there is a certain amount of repetition and overlap in the readings but this is intended to clarify and explain the underlying meaning. • • You are expected to write one research (critical) paper, (3000-3500 words). The research paper is due by the last week of the course though a week's extension can be arranged. The paper should deal with a topic related to the course. A list of suggested topics will be posted. You are asked to confer with me in the first few weeks of the class and submit a paragraph description of your topic by the mid-term. When we confer by phone or in my office I

will be able to give you suggestions. A critical and objective paper means that the material for the paper is well researched and depends on authoritative sources rather than on personal opinion although your own views can be included. It is primarily what you choose to focus on & the sources you use that gives your paper a personal quality. Be sure to use spell check and be sure to edit carefully, Your thesis statement should be clear and you are asked to argue articulately for the position you take. Your research should include FIVE source books on your topic (which can include our texts) while TEN more can come from Internet sources. Note your sources when you paraphrase or quote, and include a bibliography at the end of the paper. Examples of former student papers are in a folder named “Sample Papers” which will give you some ideas as to what is expected in the paper. You will also find some articles in the "General Information" folder that may be useful for papers & also as helpful information. The folder "Notes & Updates" includes websites on various Buddhist topics. Avoid Plagiarism, even when it is unintentional on your part, by citing all sources when paraphrasing or using quotations. • • VIDEO LECTURES: You are expected to view the video lectures noted in each lesson. They are available on Quick Time. Check with one of the HELP staff at 1-877-947-4357 if you are having difficulty seeing or hearing the video. If you are unable to view the lectures due to lack of access to a computer with

video capability you are asked to confer with me. The lectures that are available at this time encompass topics relating to the first half of the course and are to be considered supplemental to the readings but not a substitute for them. A recent Video lecture on "Meditation" practice has been posted which may be helpful for those who would like to adopt some methods that are discussed in the course. Podcasts will be added periodically in response to questions or problems that students are facing with the readings. • Buddhist terms & definitions: • http://www.scribd.com/doc/47303664/ebook-pdf-nsO-buddhism-The-Seeker-s-Glossary-of-Buddhism-www-NorthShare-tk • • Tuesday, August 30: Brief Biography: (You can post the following in the "Bio" folder). Please post a photo of yourself. This helps all of us “to put a face to the name” on the journals. Then tell us about yourself. Feel free to expand on the following questions & to give as much background as seems relevant. Are you a traditional or non-traditional student? What year are you in and what is your major? What kind of life experiences and interests have you had that made you interested in taking this course? Are you working part-time or full-time? If you are employed will your work impact on this course? What courses have you taken that are similar to this one? Are there any other issues you are

facing, such as family responsibilities, chronic illnesses, disabilities, etc, that might influence your responses to assignments. Any other information about your background that is relevant could be added. If you feel any of your responses are too personal for other students to read you are welcome to send such information to my mailbox. • Lesson 1, Aug 30, Reading Assignment: Read pages 3-58 in "The Heart of

the Buddha’s Teaching" by Thich Nhat Hanh (TTH) & watch Video Lecture 1. Writing Assignment: You are expected to read all of the pages assigned but to answer in detail three of the following questions as well as the two concluding questions for a total of five responses. A minimum of two paragraphs per question is expected. INCLUDE your own experiences where appropriate in order to illustrate your understanding. Please develop your answer as fully as possible using examples or

anecdotes to explain your understanding.: A] Is everything suffering & how do we touch & heal our suffering to realize well-being? B] Explain the meaning of the Four Noble Truths & the noble eight-fold path that takes us out of suffering(Note: "Right"= beneficial) & how Avidya (ie lack of understanding)...is responsible for much of our pain". C] What is meant by "…call it by its true name" & "the horse is our habit energy pulling us along" & “learning the art of =“stopping [going beyond] our thinking” D] Discuss the meaning of Shamatha & Vipashyana & how we can avoid watering “the seeds of craving, anger and

violence in ourselves” & relate this to the "interbeing nature of the Four Noble Truths". E] What is “image teaching” vs “substance teaching” & how do they relate to “the suchness of things”, “prajna paramita”& “the absence of all views”? F] Demonstrate how the eight elements of the path can inter-be by drawing on your own experience to show how "Right Livelihood" is interdependent with "view, thinking, action, speech, diligence, mindfulness & concentration". G] Were there any aspects of these readings that were particularly insightful for you? Explain some specific issues that Video (Lecture 1) help to clarify in terms of the readings? H] In a 100 to 150 word paragraph discuss any aspect (that is of interest to you) regarding two other students journals. The comments are not meant to be critical but are meant to give you an opportunity to explain or develop your understanding about the material being covered. • • Lesson 2, Sept 6, Reading assignment: Read pages 51-118 in The Heart of

the Buddha’s Teaching. Writing Assignment: You are expected to read all of the pages assigned but to answer in detail three of the following questions as well as the TWO concluding questions for a total of FIVE responses. A minimum of two paragraphs per question is expected. INCLUDE your own experiences where appropriate in order to illustrate your understanding. Please develop your answer as fully as possible using examples or anecdotes to explain your

understanding.A] What is the meaning of "samyak

smriti", the seven Miracles of Mindfulness & the "Four Establishments of Mindfulness"? B] Discuss the "five kinds of meditation" & the "six realms" & the other "six realms" & three further realms. C] What are the "threefold trainings", “right speech”, “deep listening” &“mindfulness training”? D] What are the “four practices associated with “right diligence”, the “nine levels of meditative concentration”, rising above the “desire (karma dhatu) & “form realms”? E] Explain the meaning of “active” & “selective” concentration, “samadhi” & “dhyana” as well as the 7th, 8th & 9th consciousness? Give a personal example as to how you might develop the ability to concentrate on “Impermanence” & “live every moment deeply”? F]

Indicate the importance of “Right Livelihood” in the text & relate that to your own understanding with examples that you are familiar with & examples of harmful “livelihood” that can cause suffering: G] In

Video Lecture 2 there is an overlap re: questions in

lessons 2 & 3. Please consider "habit energy" ,

"impermanence", mindfulness, attentiveness & relate

this to your own experiences.H] In a 100 to 150 word

paragraph discuss any aspect (that is of interest to

you) regarding two other students journals. Your

comments are meant to deepen your understanding

about the material being covered. • • Lesson 3, Sept 13, Reading Assignment: Read page 122-175 in "The Heart

of the Buddha’s Teaching" & watch video lecture 2..

Writing Assignment:You are expected to read all of the pages assigned but to answer in detail three of the following questions as well as the TWO concluding questions (G & H) for a total of FIVE responses. A minimum of two paragraphs per question is expected. INCLUDE your own experiences where appropriate in order to illustrate your understanding. Please develop your answer as fully as possible using examples or

anecdotes to explain your understanding.A] Explain the meaning of the three Dharma Seals & the three doors of liberation & how our "notions" are conditioned by "greed, anger and delusion". B] Discuss "aimlessness" (ie egolessness) & although we are "inherently Buddhas" yet we must exert ourselves to attain Nirvana (ie Profound

Enlightenment). C] Explore the meaning of “Impermanence” (ie "dynamic change") & how it relates to Sunyata (ie Empty of Ego= “transparent” mind, not to be confused with the conventional view of

“emptiness”). D] Explain how “the Three Bodies of Buddha" relate to “Tathagata” (Suchness), Tathagatagarbha" & "the three jewels"? E] What is Brahmavihara & how can they (four Immeasurable

minds) be developed through“mudita” & “dristhta

dharma sukha viharin. Relate them to Maitreya & Karuna. F] In respect to the skandhas (five

aggregates) what is the meaning of “rupa, vedana,

samjna,“mental formation & consciousness” & if it is not these that make us suffer what does?G] Were there any specific views expressed in this lesson that resonated with you? After viewing Video lecture 3A please discuss issues that were addressed in the talk

that helped clarify questions you responded to (or any other aspects of the reading) concerning this lesson. H] In a 100 to 150 word paragraph discuss any aspect of two or more students journals in such a way as to clarify your understanding of the material being covered. • Lesson 4, Sept 20, Reading Assignment: Read pages 184-249 in "The Heart

of the Buddha’s Teaching" for the next class. Writing Assignment:You are expected to read all of the pages assigned but to answer in detail three of the following questions as well as the TWO concluding questions (G & H) for a total of FIVE responses. A minimum of two paragraphs per question is expected. INCLUDE your own experiences where appropriate in order to illustrate your understanding. Please develop your answer as fully as possible using examples or anecdotes to

explain your understanding. A] Discuss the five powers of faith, energy, mindfulness, concentration and insight & how they can help to release us from “suffering”? B] Explain the meaning & implications (in terms of yourself) regarding the Six Paramitas (ie Perfections) & why it is important to follow a more contemplative and ethical life to attain harmony and equanimity. C] “Patitya Samupada” (interdependent co-arising) is a basic construct of Mahayana Buddhism. How does it relate to “The Wheel of Life” & the “three times and two levels of cause and effect” & explain it in terms of the analogy of a tree. D] What is the Sanskrit for “Ignorance” and how is that explained

in terms of light and dark & how is it changed in the Alayavijnana to Great Mirror Wisdom? E] How is “Manas” transformed into the “Wisdom of Equality”? F] In the chapter on "The Discourse on Right View" briefly describe five of the teachings. What is the meaning of "thirst" and why is it used as a way of "teaching"? G] What was most difficult to understand

in this week's readings & what was most insightful. In

lecture 4 what is meant by the symbol of the "wheel of

life" & "being aware"? H] In a 100 to 150 word

paragraph discuss any aspect (that is of interest to

you) concerning one or two other students journals.

As already noted your comments need not be critical

but present opportunities for you to deepen your

understanding about the material being covered. • • In the following lessons from "Zen Readings" it may be helpful to print out

those pages that are particularly

relevant to the questions. •

• Lesson 5, Sept 27, Reading

Assignment: In "Dharma Rain" found in Zen Readings please read pgs 14-48. Writing Assignment: You are expected to read all of the pages assigned but to answer in detail three of the following questions as well as the TWO concluding questions (H & I) for a total of FIVE responses. A minimum of two paragraphs per question is expected. INCLUDE your

own experiences where appropriate in order to illustrate your understanding. Please develop your answer as fully as possible using examples or anecdotes to

explain your understanding. A] Discuss in brief the "tree-spirit..." story & its significance in terms of "anger when it was thus aroused" & relate that to the story of "Love for Animals" & why it is important "that you suffuse...snakes with your friendliness"(p 21-24)? B] Compare the story of the kusa grass spirit & the "wishing tree" & the moral principles underlying the sacrifice of the "Noble Hare". What is your reaction to this allegorical story & to what degree is it understandable and/or intimidating. C] "In the Metta Sutta it says "let none through anger or ill will/wish harm upon another". Relate this saying to the Hua-Yen Sutra: "how one can turn over one's merits to all" (p 32). Are any of the sentiments expressed in these sutras applicable to your own life & if so, explain! D] The Bodhisattva Path asks that one becomes the "doctor and the medicine...giving up all" as well as "the wishing jewel [and] a wish-fulfilling tree". This poem is full of simile & metaphor. Examine aspects of this poem that could be adopted or adapted to your own life (p 33-34)?E] How did Milarapa pacify the deer & the dog & what is it in Milarapa that so struck the hunter that he made a sudden & radical decision to change his way of life. (p 35-42)F] In the "Lotus Sutra" how can it be that "nature [is] teacher or refuge" & that "Dharma rain" can fall "on all equally" & that by "practicing gradually and stage by stage all beings can gain the fruits of the Way"? G] Why is it

that there is "but one truth...[and] countless teachings" & how is it that "like a clear mirror...rewards are obtained...[and] the fields of blessings/moves all living beings"? (p 49-52) H] Explain Mahakashyapa's phrase "these rocky crags do please me so!" & "seeing Dharma with a well-concentrated mind." Compare this to Han Shan's poem which ends with "all that remains is the core of truth" (p 52-55) I] Did

the stories & poems help illustrate the basic principles

in the teachings of Buddhism?. Discuss those stories

or poems that struck you as particularly relevant to

your own life.J] In a 100 to 150 word paragraph discuss any aspect of one or two students journals in such a way as to clarify your understanding of the material being covered. • TUESDAY, OCTOBER 4, CLASSROOM MTG, 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm: to take place in a classroom yet to be announced. We will meet for discussion of issues relating to PAX 350. Questions concerning "research paper" topics will be included. Although students are not required to attend extra credit is given

for attending so if you are within commuting distance you are encouraged to attend. •

• Lesson 6, October 11, Reading Assignment: In "Only a Great Rain" read pgs 20-55. Writing Assignment: You are expected to read all of the pages assigned but to answer in detail three of the following questions as well as the TWO concluding questions (I & J) for a total of FIVE responses. A minimum of two paragraphs per question is expected. INCLUDE your own experiences where appropriate in order to illustrate your understanding. Please develop your answer as fully as possible using examples or

anecdotes to explain your understanding. A] How does this author explain the meaning of Sila & the meaning of moral restraint which "involves all areas of life". B] How it can be that "moral restraint is beautiful in and of inself". Discuss the metaphors used for "moral restraint" & whether any of these are or have been applicable to your own life.C] Explain what "The Verse of the Seven Buddhas" reveals...in its simplicity (p 24) & explain why "higher levels of consciousness" can only be attained by "the control of behaviour" (p 29). D] Give a summary of the five kinds of Samadhi & the seven aspects of the "seated Vairocana Buddha" to...achieve samadhi" (P 33-34).E] Briefly describe eight additional points for a comfortable "meditation position" & the methods recommended for the "control [of] the breath"? F] What are the nine

different levels of "mental abiding" & how do they relate to the "graduated explication of the perfection of meditation & the five methods..." (p 41-44) G] What are the "most stabilizing methods of meditation" (p.45-46) explain the methods of "ending" & "arising from meditation" ?H] Explain the "three ways of cultivating prajna" and relate them to the "three trainings" (p 53) and discuss how one can practice "true cultivation of wisdom" I]What is your reaction to the readings in this

lesson? Discuss whether some or all of it was helpful

in giving you a better understanding of Buddhist

meditation practices.J] In a 100 to 150 word

paragraph discuss any aspect of one or two students

journals in such a way as to clarify your

understanding of the material being covered. • • CRITICAL PAPER. Submit a paragraph description, or outline, and include some of the sources you will be using. You are expected to use a minimum of five texts (three of which can be the books we are currently using) as well as five periodicals or on-line sources (excluding wikipedia). The research paper is to be 3000-3500 words in length. •

• FALL BREAK OCT 10-12

•

• LESSON 7: MID-TERM EXAM, OCTOBER 18: THIS IS A REVIEW EXAM WHICH GENERALLY TAKES ABOUT 7 HOURS TO COMPLETE AND WILL TAKE THE PLACE OF ONE JOURNAL LESSON ASSIGNMENT. You will have 72 hours to return it unless prior arrangements due to schedule conflicts have been made with me. In the exam you are to choose 12 out of 18 questions to respond to. They are based on the readings. Each question is to be answered with at least one or more paragraphs (minimum 150 words). • • Lesson 8, October 25, Reading

Assignment: : Please read pages 1-45 in “When Things Fall Apart” by Pema Chodrin. Writing Assignment: You are expected to read all of the pages assigned but to answer in detail four of the following questions as well

as the final question for a total of FIVE: A] Explain how fear is “a natural reaction to moving closer to the truth” how it relates to “groundlessness” and “the courage to die continually”? B] How can “things falling apart be a kind of testing and a kind of healing” how can we get “the knack of relaxation in the midst of chaos…”? C] What does Chodrin mean by “Am I going to practice peace…” & “meditation allows us to

see how we run and hide”. Relate that to the “spiritual journey means going beyond hope and fear” & “bring[ing] our mind back home”? D] How is “awakeness” found & how is “the out-breath…the object of meditation” & discuss why our thoughts are like “dream images” and how we can see into their “true nature”? E] What are the six points of good posture & the meaning of the Tibetan words “sem” and “rikpa”? Relate this to the “three kinds of awakening” & why there is “so much resentment and so much resistance to life”? F] Discuss what “refraining” means & how we avoid “not causing harm”? Relate this to the “root of all the harm we cause”? G] What does it mean to “be addicted to hope” & relate this to the phrases: “hopelessness is the basic ground” & “death in everyday life” & “not run[ning] away from [our]self”? H] What is your

impression of the way in which Chodrin responds to

questions? Is it helpful or unhelpful in clarifying

questions you have regarding your understanding? I] In a 100 to 150 word paragraph discuss any aspect (that is of interest to you) regarding one or two other students journals. •

NOVEMBER 1, TUESDAY: HYBRID CLASS, 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm: to take place in a classroom yet to be announced. We will meet for discussion of issues

relating to PAX 350. Any questions, concerns, terminology, meditation practice or "research paper" topics will be included. Although students are not required to come to this class extra credit is given for attending, so if you are within commuting distance you are encouraged to attend. • Lesson 9, November 8, Reading

Assignment: Read pages 45-97 in “When Things Fall Apart”. Writing Assignment:You are expected to read all of the pages assigned but to answer in detail four of the following questions as well as the final question for a

total of FIVE: A] What is the meaning of “ye tang che” (p 46) & how we can get over thinking that “someone ‘out there’ is to blame for our pain…?B] What are the eight worldly dharmas & give examples of each set of dharmas. How do they relate to Samsara & “nonattachment” (p 51)? C] What is meant by the phrase “in the middle way, there is no reference point” so how can we “get unstuck” & learn the meaning of “relaxing and cooling loneliness…”? D] How and why would we “label our thinking” & what are the “three

truths” or “three marks” of our existence. (p 56)? E] Why is it that we often “try to resist [impermanence]…and lose our sense of the sacredness of life”? What is Chodrin’s view of “egolessness” & relate this to impermanence & how we can “recognize impermanence as impermanence”? F] What we “regard as obstacles are …our friends” as are the “outer level and…the inner level [of obstacles]”? Relate to the four maras how “we are killing the moment by controlling our experience”? G] What is meant by “discipline is important” (p 75) & “honesty without kindness…can be just mean” & “when it hurts so bad, it’s because I am hanging on so tight.”? H] Explain the statement that when “we’re feeling rage…[ what are the ways we can deal with it] and how does this relate to the meaning of the “middle way” (p 83) as discussed by the author? I] Is "tonglen" a method you can use in

your own life & if so, explain with examples or

personal anecdotes. J] In a 100 to 150 word paragraph discuss any aspect (that is of interest to you) regarding one or two other students journals. Lesson 10, November 15, Reading

Assignment: Read pages 98-146 in “When Things Fall Apart. Writing Assignment: You are expected to read all of the pages assigned but to answer in detail three of the following questions including the last question for a

total of FOUR. A] What is “bodhisattva training” & what is meant by the paramita of “discipline”, the paramita of “meditation”, the paramita of patience, the paramita

of generosity, the paramita of exertion & the paramita of prajna? B] How do we note our “opinions” & how do we relate that to ego (p 110) & to “fact”, “aggression” & “non-aggression”? C] What is meant by “we can kid ourselves that we understand meditation and the teachings…”p 115) but then we must face “the squeeze”. D] What are the “three traditional methods for relating directly…awakening and joy”(p 121) & explain how “we can use everything that happens to us as the means for waking up”? E] Explain the meaning of “samaya bond” and “samayas of body, speech and mind” & “reversing the wheel of samsara” (p 139)? F] Discuss the phrases “the path is uncharted”, “all things are workable” and that we should “...leap out into that ambiguity”.G] In what way

was this chapter helpful or unhelpful? Sum up your

impressions of this chapter & the book as a whole. H] In a 100 to 150 word paragraph discuss any aspect (that is of interest to you) regarding one or two other students journals. •

Lesson 11, November 22, Reading

Assignment: In " Zen Readings" click on the title:

"The Sun My Heart" & read pages 3 - 60Writing Assignment: You are expected to read all of the

pages assigned but to answer in detail four of the following questions as well as the final question for a

total of FIVE: A] In the story he apple juice what is the significance of Thuy's question: "was it meditating like you...?" & the meaning of "sunshine and green

leaves". B] Explain the meaning of: "Don't be in too big a hurry to find the source"? & "the sun of awareness" (p 12-14). C] ;What is meant by "the flavour of Zen" & the "two or three hour cup of tea" & "doing the dishes just to do the dishes"? (p17) D] ;What does TNH mean by "I apply non-violence to my body" & what is a "good model for a university" (p 22-23) E] What is meant by "meditation rests the mind" whereas "thinking is strenuous work" & how do these phrases interact with "awareness, contemplation, understanding"? F] How can we examine "kung-ans [koans] & how do they relate to science & explain how awareness can be both both "cause and effect"? G] Discuss the analogy about a "grain of salt entering the sea" (p 33) & relate that to "leaving our fate in the hands of others" (p 36).H] What does TNH mean by "remember, we are what we choose" & relate that to "inside & outside" thinking (p 44) I] Explain "when we meditate...we live with it as truth" & discuss how it relates to the scientific way of observing "reality" (p 46-47). J]:;What is meant by the following expressions: "understanding is present everywhere" (p 53); "do you have a soul"; & "tasting yourself at the foot of an apple tree"?K] In a 100 to 150 word paragraph discuss any aspect (that is of interest to you) regarding one or two other students journals. • • NOVEMBER 23-25 THANKSGIVING BREAK •

• Lesson 12, November 29, Reading Assignment:: In "The Sun My Heart" read pages

61-113. Writing Assignment: You are

expected to read all of the pages assigned but to answer in detail four of the following questions as well as the

final question for a total of FIVE: A] How is it that the

"sage" sees no "inside world" & "outside world" &

relate that to "cause and effect...a system of countless

nets..." (p 61-64) B] If the universe is a "dynamic

fabric of interdependent events" where does it "come

from" & what is it that produces "great understanding"

& "great compassion" (p 70-72)? C] Explain how "all

eternity [can] be put into one ksana (ie one moment)"

which includes the "past, present, future" & why is it

important to free the "mind of all concepts"?(p 76-82)

D] How can the "mind which perceives reality create

it" & how can the "body be in the body"? (p 85-86) E]

How can a "mountain become a river [and] a river

become a mountain" & relate that to "inter-origination"

(paratantra)? F] Explain how "all of us are without

beginning and without end" & indicate how this can be

seen as "bhutatathata" (thusness). (p 93-94) G] ;We

can be free of "birth and death" yet we cannot

understand this by "intellectual comprehension".

Explain. H] What does TNH mean by "mind" & "mind

without obstacle". How does this view of "mind" relate

to the "great & perfect mirror"? I] What is the meaning

of "Manyana" (Manas) & "alaya" & explore their

meaning in the context of the "six consciousnesses".

J] Summarize your understanding of the "sun of

awareness on the Dharmakaya" & "conditioned

reality" vs "ultimate reality" (p 108-113).K] In a 100 to 150 word paragraph discuss any aspect (that is of interest to you) regarding one or two other students journals. •

Lesson 13, December 6, Reading Assignment: In "Zen Readings" click on " Zen

Meditation: Sensaki" and read pgs 3-55. Writing Assignment: You are expected to read all of the pages assigned but to answer in detail three of the following questions as well as the TWO concluding questions (I & J) for a total of FIVE responses. A minimum of two paragraphs per question is expected. INCLUDE your own experiences where appropriate in order to illustrate your understanding. Please develop your answer as fully as possible using examples or anecdotes to

explain your understanding. Writing Assignment: A] "The author asks "why do we meditate?" and then discusses the "cosmic soul". Relate his answers to the English translation of the four vows. B] Although Zen is "not a religion" in the usual sense of the word, yet other sects of Buddhism believe in heavenly realms which DL considers "relative" or "contingent truth". Explain the differences. C] On p 11 the author defines "nothingness" and then states "do not desire to become a buddha." What does he mean by this? D] "Among human beings, there are a few whose eyes are not covered with dust...". Relate this to the terms "Satori" and "buddha" as they are explained by the author. E] On p.18-20 he discussed the "great empire

of silence" and "eloquent silence". Why is such emphasis placed on silence and the "source of silence"? F] Describe the basic meditation exercises that the author recommends & relate that to the expression: "what did you look like before you were born"? (p 21) and "when I give no lecture ...you hear not a word...no object and no aim". G] There are ten guidelines for the "place of meditation" and a further ten for the "physical conditions" and "ten things about meditating you should know" (p 34-35) Explain these & what is meant by "ten things...you should know". H] Senzaki says, "from the standpoint of Zen we are all buddhas from the beginning...". What does he mean by this & explain what his definition of a "bodhisattva" was? (p 58-59). I] "We suffer according to our own

actions, and we act according to our own cravings" (p

63-64) Explain this sentence & sum up your

impressions of Senzaki's text & whether he helped

clarify some "meditation" practices for you..J] In a 100

to 150 word paragraph discuss any aspect of one or

two students journals in such a way as to clarify your

understanding of the material being covered. In addition please view the Video Lecture on the Ten Oxherding Pictures and write a summary paragraph of your impressions. •

Lesson 14, December 9: Brief Evaluation of Course: Express your views concerning the books that we have been reading: “The Heart of the Buddha’s Teaching”, “When Things

Fall Apart”, “Only a Great Rain”, “The Sun, My Heart”

as well as related material in “Zen Readings”. Are there any of these “Zen Readings” or books that you would recommend dropping? Are there any additional books or parts of books that you would like to see added? If so please explain. Do you feel there were too many readings and/or lessons/journals and, if so, what would you suggest deleting or adding? Do you feel there was not enough material or too much material to cover? Was the mid-term too long or about right or too brief? Were you given enough topic suggestions in the Research paper? Were you given enough time to write the paper? What other recommendations would you suggest in order to improve the course. In what particular way was the course helpful to you personally? Did you have specific expectations & were you pleased or disappointed in the amount of material? Please explain with a frank assessment rather than with brief opinions. This is a journal entry so a minimum of a page or two is expected. You are expected to look over the books to refresh your memory & then present your views carefully. Add any anecdotes or experiences that might be relevant to the course.

End of classes: Although your Research Paper is

due by Dec 9 you can request a one

week extension. In addition all late lessons must be posted.