Buddhism and Law

01:090:295:H4
D. C. Lammerts (Religion)
W 10:20 AM - 1:20 PM
ED - 025A

 

Buddhism is often represented as a religion that rejects society as a precondition of enlightenment. Its concern with law is usually regarded as limited to monastic rules with jurisdiction over only the community of monks and nuns. It is rarely acknowledged that Theravada and Mahayana Buddhism developed robust social, legal, and political theories that have exerted, and in many cases continue to exert, a profound influence in the history of South, Southeast, and East Asia. This seminar examines Buddhist approaches to law, as well as legal approaches to Buddhism, during the past two millennia. It offers an overview of legal texts, concepts, and practices to consider Buddhist ideologies of law and society and their implications in Asian historical contexts. The seminar is devoted to the close reading and interpretation of Buddhist primary sources in translation—sutras and commentaries, vinaya texts, law codes, legal documents, inscriptions, and so on. No prior knowledge of Buddhism, or coursework in the study of religion or law, is required. Assessment will consist of in-class collaborative projects, microessays, a midterm, and a final paper. The seminar will appeal to students interested in Buddhism and Asian religions as well as in law and legal studies, political theory, Asian history, and social philosophy.