Universität Wien

142125 PS Sexuality and Femininity in Indian Esoteric Buddhism (2026S)

5.00 ECTS (2.00 SWS), SPL 14 - Orientalistik, Afrikawissenschaften, Südasien-, Tibet- und Buddhismusk
Continuous assessment of course work
Moodle
We 20.05. 14:00-15:30 Seminarraum 6 ISTB UniCampus Hof 4 2C-O1-37

Registration/Deregistration

Note: The time of your registration within the registration period has no effect on the allocation of places (no first come, first served).

Details

max. 36 participants
Language: German

Lecturers

Classes (iCal) - next class is marked with N

  • Wednesday 04.03. 14:00 - 15:30 Seminarraum 1 ISTB UniCampus Hof 2 2B-O1-25
  • Wednesday 11.03. 14:00 - 15:30 Seminarraum 1 ISTB UniCampus Hof 2 2B-O1-25
  • Wednesday 18.03. 14:00 - 15:30 Seminarraum 1 ISTB UniCampus Hof 2 2B-O1-25
  • Wednesday 25.03. 14:00 - 15:30 Seminarraum 1 ISTB UniCampus Hof 2 2B-O1-25
  • Wednesday 15.04. 14:00 - 15:30 Seminarraum 1 ISTB UniCampus Hof 2 2B-O1-25
  • Wednesday 29.04. 14:00 - 15:30 Seminarraum 1 ISTB UniCampus Hof 2 2B-O1-25
  • Wednesday 06.05. 14:00 - 15:30 Seminarraum 1 ISTB UniCampus Hof 2 2B-O1-25
  • Wednesday 13.05. 14:00 - 15:30 Seminarraum 6 ISTB UniCampus Hof 4 2C-O1-37
  • Wednesday 27.05. 14:00 - 15:30 Seminarraum 1 ISTB UniCampus Hof 2 2B-O1-25
  • Wednesday 03.06. 14:00 - 15:30 Seminarraum 1 ISTB UniCampus Hof 2 2B-O1-25
  • Wednesday 10.06. 14:00 - 15:30 Seminarraum 1 ISTB UniCampus Hof 2 2B-O1-25
  • Wednesday 17.06. 14:00 - 15:30 Seminarraum 1 ISTB UniCampus Hof 2 2B-O1-25
  • Wednesday 24.06. 14:00 - 15:30 Seminarraum 1 ISTB UniCampus Hof 2 2B-O1-25

Information

Aims, contents and method of the course

The goal of this seminar is to gain initial insights into the Buddhist-Tantric traditions as they emerged in India from the middle of the first millennium and spread to Central Asia and the Himalayan regions.
Specifically, in this seminar, we will dedicate ourselves to the closely linked aspects of sexuality and the role of femininity, and how these two thematic areas can be classified culturally, textually, historically, and spiritually-religiously.
The seminar requires no prior reading or knowledge of primary languages (Sanskrit, Tibetan, etc.) and is thus aimed at all interested students. Since the Tantric traditions are comparatively still little explored, in addition to some academic contributions, we will primarily read selected texts in translation.
A particular difficulty in adequately addressing these two topics lies in their complexity. Therefore, it will be unavoidable that in the first hours we will deal with Tantric Buddhism or the Tantric traditions in a somewhat more general form. This will include the clarification of central concepts such as "Tantra" or "Yoga," as well as an explanation of the underlying philosophical and soteriological principles of these concepts and ideas.
The seminar will be roughly divided into three blocks:
1. Tantric World of Thought: Fundamental Aspects
2. Femininity in and outside the Tantric milieu
3. Sexuality in spiritual practice

Assessment and permitted materials

The final grade is composed as follows:

40% Essay or Paper (or, where applicable, an annotated translation) at the end of the seminar
40% Regular Attendance
20% Journal

There are no restrictions regarding permitted sources or tools. It is recommended to follow the guidance of the literature selected for this seminar. Furthermore, the standard rules for academic writing and research must, of course, be observed.

Minimum requirements and assessment criteria

To pass the seminar, a minimum of 50% of the total points must be achieved. Additionally, regular attendance is required. Reading the assigned literature, as specified for each session, is mandatory and a prerequisite for active participation in the seminar.
The grading scale is structured as follows:
100–91%Very Good (1)
90–81%Good (2)
80–65%Satisfactory (3)
64–50%Sufficient (4)
49–0%Insufficient/Fail (5)

Examination topics

The examination material is based exclusively on the content covered in the seminar. Topics for presentations, the final essay, and the corresponding required readings will be provided.

Reading list

A reading list and seminar materials will be made available via moodle in due time before the course.

Association in the course directory

BA14
EC 147 (B+T)_2

Last modified: Tu 12.05.2026 14:26