Universität Wien

142211 SE Tibetan Texts for Stupa Consecrations and Their Ritual Significance (2025S)

10.00 ECTS (2.00 SWS), SPL 14 - Orientalistik, Afrikanistik, Indologie und Tibetologie
Continuous assessment of course work
Moodle
Th 08.05. 14:00-15:30 Seminarraum 4 ISTB UniCampus Hof 2 2B-O1-04

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. 24 participants
Language: English

Lecturers

Classes (iCal) - next class is marked with N

  • Thursday 06.03. 14:00 - 15:30 Seminarraum 4 ISTB UniCampus Hof 2 2B-O1-04
  • Thursday 13.03. 14:00 - 15:30 Seminarraum 4 ISTB UniCampus Hof 2 2B-O1-04
  • Thursday 20.03. 14:00 - 15:30 Seminarraum 4 ISTB UniCampus Hof 2 2B-O1-04
  • Thursday 27.03. 14:00 - 15:30 Seminarraum 4 ISTB UniCampus Hof 2 2B-O1-04
  • Thursday 03.04. 14:00 - 15:30 Seminarraum 4 ISTB UniCampus Hof 2 2B-O1-04
  • Thursday 10.04. 14:00 - 15:30 Seminarraum 4 ISTB UniCampus Hof 2 2B-O1-04
  • Thursday 15.05. 14:00 - 15:30 Seminarraum 4 ISTB UniCampus Hof 2 2B-O1-04
  • Thursday 22.05. 14:00 - 15:30 Seminarraum 4 ISTB UniCampus Hof 2 2B-O1-04
  • Thursday 05.06. 14:00 - 15:30 Seminarraum 4 ISTB UniCampus Hof 2 2B-O1-04
  • Thursday 12.06. 14:00 - 15:30 Seminarraum 4 ISTB UniCampus Hof 2 2B-O1-04
  • Thursday 26.06. 14:00 - 15:30 Seminarraum 4 ISTB UniCampus Hof 2 2B-O1-04

Information

Aims, contents and method of the course

This course examines the intricate body of rituals involved in the consecration of stūpas in Tibetan Buddhism as they have been practiced for centuries and are still carried out today. The focus is the detailed study of the ritual texts and associated processes, along with the symbolic meanings of sacred objects, mantras, and deities, as well as the roles of Buddhist lamas and the lay community. The texts include rituals connected to the "Twofold Vimaladhāraṇī," or the “The Ablution Ritual Moonlike Nectar” (Khrus kyi cho ga zla ba’i bdud rtsi) from Chokgyur Lingpa’s (1829–1870) famed Removal of All Obstacles cycle and more. Thus, students will gain a deep understanding of how these consecration ceremonies function within the broader context of Tibetan Buddhist cosmology and practice. The course will combine source text readings and literature study with opportunities to observe visuals of consecration rituals and stūpa sites, enabling students to appreciate the textual dimension, spiritual significance, and cultural heritage of stūpa rituals in Tibetan Buddhism.

Assessment and permitted materials

Each week, a section of the respective text is to be pre-translated. All aids are permitted, and some are also recommended. Oral participation is checked by jointly discussing and analyzing the translation and further participation. A grading scheme for the presentation will be discussed in the course, as will the detailed criteria for the written contribution.

Minimum requirements and assessment criteria

Students should already have some knowledge of classical Tibetan, and lessons can then be tailored to the individual needs of the students.
The examination comprises of:
- Regular participation
- Participation (incl. preparation of the translation, contributions in the course) 40%
- Presentation on a selected topic 25%
- Written paper with translation, analysis and commentary 35%

The evaluation scheme is structured as follows:
100-85% Very good (1)
75-84% Good (2)
65-74% Satisfactory (3)
50-64% Sufficient (4)
49-0% Unsatisfactory (5)

Examination topics

The translated primary literature and essential secondary literature (core readings) are required to prepare the presentation and written assignment. Students can choose a topic for presentation as offered in the first sessions. The written assignment will be about a text passage determined at the end of the semester. The presentation and the written assignment must be on different topics.

Reading list

Literature is divided into core readings (listed below) and additional readings (which will be provided at the beginning of the semester in class). Key works among these will be made availabe and/or found in the Handapparat of the ISTB library.

Core Readings:
Bentor, Yael. 1996. Consecration of Images and Stūpas in Indo-Tibetan Tantric Buddhism. Brill's Indological Library, vol. 11. Leiden: Brill.

Huber, Toni. 1999. The Cult of Pure Crystal Mountain: Popular Pilgrimage and Visionary Landscape in Southeast Tibet.New York: Oxford University Press.

Seegers, Eva. 2011. "Visual Expressions of Buddhism in Contemporary Society: Tibetan Stūpas Built by Karma Kagyu Organisations in Europe." PhD diss., Canterbury Christ Church University.

Association in the course directory

MATB6

Last modified: Th 06.03.2025 16:46