This module will explore the initial introduction of Buddhism into Tibet, and will trace Tibetan Buddhism’s historical developments from the 8th century to the present day. We will discuss the long history of connections between Buddhism and politics, the influences of Chinese and Indian forms of Buddhism on Tibet, and the global spread of Tibetan Buddhism since the mid-20th century. In the course of exploring Tibetan Buddhism’s long and fascinating history, we will encounter the taming of demons, assassination plots, political infighting, and attempts at modernization while maintaining respect for tradition.

Key questions include: How did Buddhism come to Tibet? What’s “Tibetan” about Tibetan Buddhism? What has become of Tibetan Buddhism since the mid-20th century, as Tibetan communities have spread across the globe?

This module will cover the development of Tibetan Buddhism as it organized itself into a number of different sects or schools, each with its own set of beliefs, practices, and organizational structures. Today, the four main schools of Tibetan Buddhism are Nyingma (“Old School”), Kagyu (“Oral Lineage”), Sakya (“Grey Earth”), and Gelug (“Virtuous Tradition”). This module will discuss the formation of each of these sects, and discuss key figures, as well as important beliefs and practices in each school.

Key questions include: How and why did different sects of Tibetan Buddhism develop? What is the relationship between Buddhism and politics in Tibet? How does reincarnation work?

Key Questions include: What is the theory of "Mind Only"? Does it suggest external objects (or all objects) are unreal? If so, how do beings experience the same (or similar) worlds? If everything is generated by mind, does this mean the mind is real (and not empty)? Given the pervasiveness of our delusion, how can we know anything (including the truths taught by the Buddha)? Are experience and reason reliable sources of knowledge or are they irretrievably contaminated by delusion? What sources of knowledge can we rely upon to become liberated from suffering? 

This module will cover key ideas in Tibetan Buddhist philosophy: We will begin with concepts that are core to the Mahāyāna (“Great Vehicle”) tradition such as emptiness, interdependence, and compassion. We will then discuss some of the philosophical debates and controversies surrounding different interpretations of these ideas. Finally, we will turn our attention to various understandings of nonduality, as emphasized in the esoteric Vajrayāna (“Diamond Vehicle”) tradition.

Key questions include: What is the difference between emptiness and nothingness? How does an understanding of emptiness lead to the cultivation of compassion? What sorts of things have Tibetan Buddhist philosophers debated about, and why? What is tantra, and why is it important in Tibetan Buddhism?

Tibetan Buddhist practices are closely connected to Tibetan Buddhism’s history and philosophy. In this module, we will look at different kinds of meditation and visualization practices, and explore the important roles that ritual plays in Tibetan Buddhism.

Key questions include: Why is meditation important for so many Buddhists? What kinds of practices do Tibetan Buddhists perform aside from meditation? What are mandalas, and why are they sometimes made out of sand?