Tibetan Buddhism AT
As an introduction to Tibetan Buddhism, we will follow how a small shrine in Central Tibet called, "Lhasa (the place of the gods)" developed into the "navel" of Tibetan culture as well as a burgeoning metropolis and tourist destination. We will trace major features of Tibetan religion as they have been expressed in relation to Lhasa including etiological myths, religion and the state, pilgrimage, and monasticism. At the end of the semester, we will consider Western constructions of Tibetan culture by surveying various media including Lhasa in film. 3 hrs. lect./disc.