BSTD 403: Buddha Nature Thought

This course introduces the various ways that Buddha nature, or Tathāgatagarbha, is understood and expressed within the various Buddhist traditions. The ways that Tathāgatagarbha is envisioned (as a seed, as the fully perfected Buddha nature hidden by stains, as emptiness, and so forth) have a profound effect on the doctrine and contemplative practices of the various traditions. The relationship between Buddha nature thought and other currents of Buddhist thought, such as Yogācāra, Madhyamaka and tantra is considered. The course explores these issues through readings of sūtra, śastra, and the secondary literature.

Prerequisites

BSTD 303: Yogācāra Thought or permission of the instructor.