HSUHK | CCCO

TRA1224 Living in Buddhism: In Dialogue with Bilingual Sūtras

Common Core Curriculum Office (CCCO) > TRA1224 Living in Buddhism: In Dialogue with Bilingual Sūtras
Department
School of Translation and Foreign Languages
Cluster
1 (Humanities)

Prerequisite

GEN1000 Perspectives on General Education

Exclusion

Nil

Module Description

With reference to selected Mahāyāna sūtras in Chinese and English, the module is designed to help students get familiar with the wisdom of living in Buddhism and ways of expressing Buddhist concepts in both languages. In addition to acquiring a comprehensive understanding of the history of Buddhist scripture translation, students are encouraged to (1) explore the essence of Buddhist philosophy and the internationalisation of Buddhism and (2) identify solutions to personal challenges and social issues through Buddhist scriptures.

Module Intended Learning Outcomes (MILO)

Upon completion of this module, students should be able to: 
a. demonstrate a good understanding of Buddhist scriptures and their global dissemination
b. analyse common terms and expressions in Buddhist scriptures
c. identify solutions to personal challenges and social issues through Buddhist sūtras
d. explain the essence of Buddhist philosophy

Module Content

1. Introduction

  • 1.1 The biography of the Buddha
  • 1.2 Buddhist scripture translation: Key concepts and history
  • 1.3 The global dissemination of Buddhist scriptures

2. Emptiness: The wisdom of the Heart Sūtra

  • 2.1 An introduction to the translation of the Heart Sūtra
  • 2.2 What is “the Perfection of Wisdom” (prajñāpāramitā 般若波羅蜜多)?
  • 2.3 What is “Emptinesss” (śūnyatā 空 性) ?
  • 2.4 The Mantra: gate gate pāragate pārasaṃgate bodhi svāhā

3. Non-abidance: The wisdom of the Diamond Sūtra

  • 3.1 An introduction to the translation of the Diamond Sūtra
  • 3.2 The true nature of Buddhas
  • 3.3 The spiritual life of Bodhisattvas
  • 3.4 The practice of the Perfection of Wisdom in daily living

4. Non-duality: The wisdom of the Vimalakīrti Sūtra

  • 4.1 An introduction to the translation of the Vimalakīrti Sūtra
  • 4.2 Allusions in the Vimalakīrti Sūtra
  • 4.3 Vimalakīrti and his teachings
  • 4.4 The idea of nondualism in Buddhism

5. Concentration: The wisdom of the Platform Sūtra

  • 5.1 An introduction to the translation of the Platform Sūtra
  • 5.2 What is “Chan” (dhyana 禪)?
  • 5.3 The history and practice of Chan Buddhism
  • 5.4 Meditation and enlightenment in Buddhism

6. Non-retrogression: The wisdom of the Amitābha Sūtra

  • 6.1 An introduction to the translation of the Amitābha Sūtra
  • 6.2 Where is “the Pure Land” (sukhāvatī 極樂)?
  • 6.3 The Practice of Pure Land Buddhism
  • 6.4 Thoughts on establishing Humanistic Pure Land

7. Filial piety: The wisdom of the Kṣitigarbha Sūtra

  • 7.1 An introduction to the translation of the Kṣitigarbha Sūtra
  • 7.2 The story of Kṣitigarbha Bodhisattva
  • 7.3 “Filial piety” in Buddhism
  • 7.4 The perception of afterlife in Buddhism

8. Buddhist scripture translation in the 21st century

  • 8.1 The re-translation of Buddhist scriptures
  • 8.2 Digital tools for reading and translating Buddhist scriptures
  • 8.3 Innovative approaches to promoting Buddhist doctrines

Assessment Methods

  1. Participation (10%)
  2. Exercises/Assignments (30%)
  3. Quizzes/Tests (10%)
  4. Project
    1. Presentation (10%)
    2. Essay (40%)