Exam II: REL 440/540 Buddhist Scriptures, Spring
2004
1. There is a subtle relation between emptiness theory and the
bodhisattva ideal in Mahðyðna Buddhism. Emptiness/oneness
implies that the true self of the Buddhist seeker is none other than
the cosmos itself, and by implication all beings in the universe. The
appearance of Vimalakirti and the Goddess
What is the social significance of Vimalakirti as the protagonist and
of the Goddess as a key character in the Holy Teaching of
Vimalakirti?
Why isn’t Vimalakirti able to cure himself if he is such a
powerful bodisattva?
What is the relation between the bodhisattva ideal and emptiness
theory?
What are the three vehicles according to the Lotus Sutra,
and how are they related to 1) the parable of the burning house
and three carriages, and 2) the problem of classifying the hierarchy
of sacred scriptures (sutras)?
Why is Devadatta held up as such a positive figure in the
Lotus Sutra?
What is the relation between Vaidehi, Bimbisara, and Amida (Amitabha)
Buddha in the Sutra on Contemplation of Amitayus (Amida
Buddha)?
Based upon the Sutra on Contemplation of Amitayus, what is the
relation between Sakyamuni, Queen Vaidehi, and the status of sacred
scripture?
What does Chih-I of the T’ien-t’ai school mean when he
asserts that “human nature is evil,” and that the Buddha
contains both good and evil natures.
What is Kenneth Tanaka’s main point about Ch’ing-ying
Hui-yuan in the Pure Land Buddhist tradition?
What is the parable of the White Path in Shan-tao? What is
Shan-tao’s view of nien-fo, literally "thinking of the
Buddha,” but in fact the practice of saying or chanting the Name
of Amida Buddha (Na-mo-a-mi-t’o-fo in Chinese; Namu Amida Butsu
in Japanese).
How does Zen Buddhism define itself in relation to the problem of
sacred scripture, with particular reference to Bodhidharma and
Hui-neng the Sixth Patriarch, and the Platform Sutra?
According to the Platform Sutra, what is the relation
between sudden and gradual enlightenment?
According to John McCrae, what is the relation between sudden and
gradual enlightenment in the Platform Sutra?