REL 130 Asian Religions
The religions of Asia are often described as ancient, profound, and mystical, but they have also played a practical part in the daily lives of billions of people for thousands of years, shaping culture, and politics in myriad ways. In this course, we will try to appreciate both aspects of eight of Asia's major traditions, and their historical interactions. We will explore: Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Sikhism, Jainism, Confucianism, Daoism, and Shinto. Through a survey of the literature of these traditions, as well as an examination of their practices and rituals, we seek to understand how and why Asia's religions have inspired both the East and West, and have given direction and purpose to the lives of so many for so long.