BUD130 Foundations of Buddhism Part II: Part #1

Course Description

This course is the first of three-course series focusing on the core teachings of the historical Buddha: the Three Marks of Existence (Three Dharma Seals), the Five Skandhas (Five Aggregates), and the Noble Eightfold Path.

Course Objectives: The students will

1. Be able to elucidate the Three Marks of Existence (or dharma seals): Impermanence (aniccā), unsatisfactoriness (dukkhā), and not-self (anattā) in reference to all phenomena.
2. Understand the five functions (form, feeling, perception, mental formations, and consciousness) that constitute a human being’s experiences from a Buddhist perspective.
3. Be able to develop a plan, based on the Noble Eightfold Path, for a virtuous life.
4. Be able to realize and elaborate all human experiences based on the Three Marks of Existence and Five Aggregates and how to lead a peaceful and harmonious life without much stress.

Course Credit

Upon completion of this course, students will earn 1.2 CEUs (Continuing Education Units), stated on the certificate, from University of the West. Each student will also receive a chrono.

Class Sessions

1. The Three Marks of Existence

Reading all three articles

Essay

Using the Three Marks of Existence, discuss several instances in which you realize the impermanent, dissatisfaction, and not-self of your experiences.

2. The Five Skandhas

Reading all three articles

Essay

Explain the Five Aggregates in your own words. Also, how can the five aggregates help you in understanding the working of your mind and its related processes (body, feeling, perception, and mental formations).

3. The Noble Eightfold Path

Reading the Noble Eightfold Path

Essay

Based on the Eightfold Path, develop a plan that allows you to apply all eight steps in your life, personally or professionally.

4. The Eightfold Path (continue)

Reading the Noble Eightfold Path and the Prison World vs. the Outside World

Essay

Looking at the Eightfold Path in terms of threefold practice (morality, concentration, and wisdom) and the practice of mindfulness, how can they help you grow spiritually and professionally. OR

You can look back at your past thought processes and patterns of behavior, examine whether or not they (your thoughts and conducts) fit in the Eightfold Path as you have learned in this course.

Feedback / Evaluation

Please write your feedback on this course regarding to the topics and the assignments.

Assessment

The class is pass/fail. All essays must be completed and of your own writing in order to receive a passing grade. Each essay must be three to five pages long (handwritten) and show that you are making a sincere effort in learning about mindfulness, develop your meditation practice, describe the experience, share what is difficult, what questions you have, and most importantly your insights from the practice. Please include your name, course number, CDC number, and cell number on each essay.

If possible, please use MLA or APA style and include a bibliography in your citations (though this is not required).

If you mail your essay, PLEASE MAKE A COPY FOR YOUR RECORD in case it gets lost in the mail.​​The mailing address below is a PO box on the University of the West campus, NOT a private mailing address:

UWEST PI
c/o:
1409 Walnut Grove Ave.
Rosemead, CA 91770