REL 245 Tibetan Civilization (Not offered 1999-2000)*
Often depicted in novels and movies as Shangri-la, a mythical and ideal country, Tibet has had the dubious privilege of being a focus of Western orientalism. In recent years, this fascination has given rise to a veritable craze, which has affected particularly the entertainment culture. One cannot but wonder about the motives and sources of this mythology. But, rather than focus narcissistically on "our" representations, this course mostly looks at "them," examining more particularly the cultural and historical aspects of Tibetan civilization. We first consider the early history of Tibet, the introduction of Buddhism in this country, the relations between Buddhism and the indigenous religion, and some of the stages in the development of Tibetan Buddhism. In this way we see how Buddhism in Tibet, like in other Buddhist countries, is integrated in an overall religious system that comprises much more than the doctrines and practices often essentialized as "Buddhism." We also examine the historical developments that led to the development of the institutions (such as the Dalai-Lama) unique to Tibet and consider the more recent tragic events and what they augur for the future of the Tibet. Throughout the course we examine the unusually-central role that the complex interreaction that religion and politics has had in Tibetan history. In this way, we get a footing in the Tibetan world and the final part of the course, the assessment of Western representations of Tibet, becomes not just an exercise in self-reflection but also a gate to a better understanding of a remarkable civilization. Readings: Snellgrove and Richardson, A Cultural History of Tibet; Stein, Tibetan Civilization; Lopez, Religions of Tibet in Practice and Prisoners from Shangrila; Khyentse Rimpoche, Excellent Path to Enlightenment; Mumford, Himalayan Dialogue; Goldstein, The Snow Lion and the Dragon; Schwartz, Circle of Protest; Nalanda, The Life of Marpa; Powers, Introduction to Tibetan Buddhism; Lobzang Gyatso, Memoirs of a Tibetan Lama; David-Neel, Magic and Mystery in Tibet. Requirements: two 4- to 6-page papers. Open to all classes without prerequisite.