Courses

REL 156W/552W
Zen Intensive Weekend (1)
The teaching and practice of Zen Buddhism assumes that there is a Big Mind present in all mental and physical activities, that this Big Mind can be realized and that its realization can be matured. The class looks at how this Zen paradigm—its teachings, practices and realization—can be a personal vision and part of professional contemporary psychology.

REL 157W/501W
Theravada Vipassana Weekend (1)
When mindfulness meditation is practiced, the exquisite ordinariness of the movement of breath, of the sensation of the body sitting on the earth and of the busyness of the mind and emotions is discovered. This intensive weekend introduces insight meditation, "vipassana," from the Theravada Buddhist tradition of Southeast Asia. This course includes mindfulness practice in sitting, walking and daily life through short talks, guided meditations and the practice of "noble silence."

REL 158W/504W
The Breeze of Simplicity: Meditation Intensive Weekend (1)
Buddhist meditation is based on the path of seeing who we really are, very simply and naturally. The basics of sitting meditation practice from the Buddhist tradition are introduced. Beginning or experienced meditation students are guided through this direct experience of mind. This weekend includes lectures, discussion and meditation.

REL 160/500, 160e/500e
Meditation Practicum I (3)
Students are introduced to sitting meditation practice drawn from the Tibetan Buddhist tradition of shamatha-vipashyana. Weekly lectures emphasize experiential aspects of the practice, involving such topics as the discovery of impermanence, working with emotions and the cultivation of maitri (loving-kindness). The course includes weekly discussion groups, individual meetings with a meditation instructor and daily meditation practice, midterm and final oral exams.

REL 170/510, 170e/510e
Meditation Practicum II (3)
This course continues the instruction in meditation practice begun in the fall semester, emphasizing Mahayana practice, including the generation of an enlightened attitude (bodhicitta), the practice of the perfections paramitas), the training of the mind (lojong) and the exchange of self and other (tonglen). Midterm and final oral exams. Prerequisite: REL 160, TRA 100, TRA 209 or PSYB 215.

REL 208/608
The Life and Teachings of Chögyam Trungpa, Rinpoche (3)
An exploration of the lineage, background and context, including both India and Tibet, of Trungpa Rinpoche's life and teaching. The course explores core themes including the centrality of meditation practice; the framework of the three yanas as definitive of the stages of spiritual and psychological growth that mark the maturation of the human person; the tension between the 'lonely journey' and community and organizational life; and the role of "crazy wisdom" in the life of a realized teacher.

REL 210
Religion in Human Experience (3)
An introduction to religion as it appears in the experience of people in various cultures and traditions, both premodern and modern. This course includes discussion of both literate and
nonliterate traditions, indigenous and global traditions. Attention is paid to understanding religion as both a cause and a manifestation of identity and understanding the multiple and ambiguous power relationships it partakes in. Religions are examined not just in their "solid-state" form, but also as crucial, complex and dynamic elements on the intercultural frontier.

REL 212
Queer Theory, Feminism and Religion I (3)
Religion has greatly influenced our experiences as gendered beings in the areas of sexuality, power, gender roles, personal identity, privilege and wisdom. Feminism has identified the biases and abuses of patriarchy and sought to rectify them. It has also birthed the GLBT movement and queer theory. How have these efforts spoken to the spiritual subjectivities of women, sexual minorities or men in these traditions? On what terms can gender be appreciated and valued? This course traces the historical evolution and cultural influences of patriarchy, feminism and gay liberation on religious experience as well as religions impact on the formation of gender roles.

REL 240
Foundations of Buddhism (3)
An introduction to Buddhism including a survey of Buddhist history, philosophy and practice. Special emphasis on the basic Buddhist view and perspective as expressed in the life of the Buddha, the four noble truths and the Buddhist understanding of the mind. The course examines the close relationship between Buddhist thought and the central spiritual discipline of meditation. Grading criteria includes a final paper.

REL 245
Mahayana Buddhism: The Path of Compassion (3)
Mahayana Buddhism presents an ideal of the spiritual path that is grounded in love for all beings. This course examines the basic teachings and practices of the Mahayana path including the notion of emptiness, its inseparability with compassion, the bodhisattva vow, the cultivation of the awakened heart and the six paramitas or transcendent actions in the benefit of others. Readings are taken from the literature of both sutra (Buddha's word) and shastra (commentaries) and includes writings of contemporary teachers. Grading criteria include midterm exam, final exam and weekly writing assignments.

REL 250
Spirituality and Creative Expression (3)
This course focuses on exploring spirituality and its manifestation in our lives through creative expression. The foundation for this exploration is Maitri practice, which cultivates awareness of our own energetic makeup and how these energies manifest as the core patterns of our daily lives. Developed by Trungpa Rinpoche, the founder of Naropa, this practice is done in five different colored rooms, representing the Five Buddha Families. In addition to the Maitri room practice, we work with several contemplative art forms, such as object arrangement, painting, brush stroke and space awareness exercises. The challenge for each of us is to discover, integrate and appreciate our energetic expressions and to bring our creativity to form, individually and as a group.

REL 255W/554W
Mahayana Meditation (1)
When the vast network of pain and confusion in the world is experienced, one can become overwhelmed and full of despair. But the Buddhist tradition provides training that allows one to look deeply into this pain and confusion in order to discover the courageous heart
available to everyone. This weekend introduces the lojong (mind training) teachings of the twelfth-century Buddhist master Atisha that demonstrate in a practical way how to engage the world and to transform pain and confusion into compassion.

REL 258/547
Monthlong Meditation Intensive: A Program of Buddhist Practice and Study (1.5–6)
This intensive, called a "teaching dathun," is a four-week, 3-credit program at Shambhala Mountain Center in the mountains of northern Colorado. Participants sit for about eight hours each day, eat meals Japanese Zen or "oryoki" style and have daily talks on meditation and
the spiritual path. Other elements include meditation interviews, group discussions and community activities. Other teaching dathuns may receive 1.5 to 3 credits also with prior approval of the department. Other nonteaching dathuns may receive up to 3 credits.

REL 271/571
Centering Prayer as Christian Contemplation (3)
This course introduces the Christian contemplative practice of Centering Prayer, as taught by Fr. Thomas Keating and Contemplative Outreach. It places this practice in the broader tradition of Christian contemplation, as a path of transformation in Christ that allows greater freedom in oneself and greater compassion for others. The course includes instruction in an active practice for integrating Centering Prayer into daily life, a day of intensive practice and study of Christian contemplative practice.

REL 274/503, 274e/503e
Tibetan I (4)
This class develops a foundation in literary Tibetan and begins the study of modern spoken Tibetan. The first semester focuses on the grammatical foundation of the language, the acquisition of basic vocabulary and training in the skills of correct pronunciation, handwriting and spelling. Students should expect to study at least eight hours a week outside of class.

REL 277/507
Sanskrit I (4)
An introduction to the classical Sanskrit language. The first-year course includes developing familiarization with the Sanskrit alphabet (devanagari), mastering the conventions of euphonic combination (sandhi) and learning the basics of Sanskrit grammar. In addition, we begin reading texts from the classical Indian tradition, particularly selections from the Mahabharata and Ramayana and from some simple Buddhist texts (e.g., the Heart Sutra).

REL 284/533, 284e/533e
Tibetan II (4)
A continuation of Tibetan I. The second semester continues the work begun in Tibetan I with the addition of working on an actual Tibetan text. Students use a mandala approach of developing varied oral, aural and written skills to produce an overall knowledge of the language. Prerequisite: REL 274.

REL 287/537
Sanskrit II (4)
A continuation of Sanskrit I. Prerequisite: REL 277.

REL 302/602
Communication: Family Systems (3)
This class examines family patterns as they impact our ability to communicate with and to be present to others. By means of genograms, Virginia Satir's experiential exercises, family
sculpts and the contemplative practices of basic attendance and exchange, students explore their ability to open and their "rules for commenting" in relationship. It is recommended that students taking this class also enroll in the related 1-credit class, REL 616, Process Lab 1.

REL 310/529
Foundations of Judaism: Torah, Prayer and Acts of Kindness (3)
This course traces the evolution of rabbinic Judaism in its history, beliefs, literature and practices. Beginning with its formation in the first century of the Common Era, we follow major developments through the Middle Ages and into the modern period. Along the way, we learn about the Jewish conception of Torah in both its metaphysical and practical elements. We study material from the foundational texts of the Oral Torah: Mishnah, Gemara and Midrash, as well as later texts. Jewish law, philosophy, Kabbalah, sacred time and contemplative prayer are studied and discussed.

REL 312/585
Spiritual Models of Social Action (3)
A study of historical figures who have exemplified the spiritual ideals of nonviolent social action, tracing their unique ways of turning their personal challenges into nonviolent leadership. Utilizing film, biography, reflection papers and dialogue, students develop a personal dialogue with each of these activists, showing how the inner and outer journeys must join in spiritually based social activism. Activists studied include Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, Thich Nhat Hanh, Chan Khong, Martin Luther King, Jr., Ayatollah Khomeini and Sulak Sivaraksa.

REL 314/545
Contemplative Islam (3)
An introduction to the belief system and cultures of the Islamic world via an interactive approach. Emphasis is placed on the traditional values, beliefs and prescribed practices of the Islamic world as expounded in the key authoritative Islamic sources: the Qur'an and the Sunna of the Prophet Muhammad. A central theme that is examined is the doctrine of tawhid, or the unity of God, which underlies all Islamic thought and belief. Students participate in a variety of Islamic rituals and practices in order to gain a firsthand experience of Islam.

REL 315/615
Group Process I: Conflict and Diversity (3)
The first of two courses examining the nature of the human group-field. Of particular concern is how human groups create both helpful and harmful conditions in the world. This class provides the theoretical underpinnings of the group-field, including living systems theory, group dynamics, liberation theory, conflict theory and healthy communication models such as mediation and nonviolent communication. Woven throughout is a focus on the dynamics of privilege, power and diversity, and group-field process work as a way to engage group life.

REL 321/535
Introduction to Jewish Mysticism (3)
The course focuses on three major trends in the history of Jewish mysticism: Spanish Kabbalah, the School of Isaac Luria and Eastern European Hasidism. Topics include theosophy and theurgy, ecstatic and contemplative prayer, mystical psychology, soul transmigration and esoteric interpretation of scripture. The course provides a basic kabbalistic vocabulary and introduction to primary mystical sources that prepare a student for further study of contemplative Judaism.

REL 323/623
Religious Experience in Africa: Sacred Cosmos, Ritual and Community (3)
The course is an introduction to the cultural study of traditional African religions. We begin with close attention to cosmology, the traditional view of the world as filled with living, sacred powers. These powers are experienced in various ways—as ancestral presences, nature deities and personal guardian spirits. Therefore, we focus on ritual practices—ways of communicating with unseen forces to bring communal and personal healing, restoring balance in the human relationship to nature.

REL 325/525
Contemplative Christianity (3)
This course examines the mystical tradition in Christianity and its recent recovery by mainstream Christians through the work of Thomas Merton and others. Students also consider three current trends in the progressive wing of Christianity: 1) creation-centered spirituality, as found in the Biblical tradition and medireview mystics, now being emphasized by ecological theologians; 2) the thought and practice of liberation theologians and its impact on the struggles of the Developing World, feminists and the GLBT community; 3) the work of Jesus Seminar scholars to uncover radical messages of Jesus in his historical context.

REL 326/626
Topics in Judaism: Feminine Principle (3)
The appearance of God's feminine face is elusive in Jewish scriptures. We stalk this alluring divine presence as She reveals herself in Job, Proverbs, intertestamental texts, Rabbinic literature, in the writings of Jewish medieval philosophers and in the early Kabbalistic texts Bahir and Zohar. Students are asked to keep an ongoing journal as well as participate in a Jewish prayer community during the fall celebrations of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.

REL 330/530
Contemplative Hinduism (3)
An experiential and philosophical introduction to the scriptures and spiritual practices of Hindu traditions with emphasis on the Vedas, early tantra and the yoga sutras of Patanjali. A portion of each class is devoted to practice: meditation, pranayama, mantra and ritual.

REL 334/634
Hindu Yoga-Tantra (3)
Hindu Tantra envisions ultimate reality as intertwined aspects of Shiva and Shakti. We study contemplative theory and practices from Tantric texts and commentaries, including sacred ritual, deity forms, mantra, yantra (sacred geometry), nyasa (sacred energetic placements), chakras and visualizations. We also explore Kashmir Shaivism, a nondualistic monism, and the Srividya Goddess tradition. Tantric influences in Indian poetry, art and dance-music forms are shared whenever possible. The last class features a culminating class worship ritual (puja) incorporating many Tantric contemplative tools studied all semester.

REL 341e/536e
Buddhist Teachings on Mind and Emotions: The Abhidharma Tradition (3)
Tracing the Buddha's early discoveries about mind and emotion, this course follows the pedagogy of meditative investigation. The curriculum, called the Abhidharma, the school of refined investigation, follows the Abhidharma sources of several Buddhist traditions, especially those foundational to Vipassana meditation of the Theravada school and Shamatha-vipashyana meditation of Tibetan Buddhism. The course integrates elements from traditional monastic training adapted to a contemporary setting: weekly memorization of a passage of scripture, guided contemplations and the reading of Buddhist scripture in translation. Relevant parallels with contemporary psychology and cognitive science are also
indicated.

REL 342e/532e
Buddhism: The Way of Wisdom and Compassion (3)
Providing a basic introduction to the ideas, perspectives and practices of Buddhism, this course looks at the life and cultural context of Buddha Shakyamuni, founder of Buddhism. Students then examine the core teachings of Buddhism as found in the four noble truths. Discussions include a reflection on the importance of recognizing suffering as the first step on the spiritual path; the role of karma in human bondage and liberation; the reality of a state beyond the chaos and confusion of the human condition; and the effectiveness of the Buddhist path based on ethical behavior and meditation.

REL 343e/558e
Introduction to Zen Buddhism (3)
The course explores various aspects of Zen Buddhism, starting with instruction on Zen meditation and meditation techniques including koan study and shikantaza . Then we study the lives and teachings of important Zen masters as gateways into some of the approaches to Zen and as signposts for living our own lives. Prerequisite: Instructor approval required. Students are asked to email the instructor a short spiritual biography of themselves.

REL 344e/515e
Buddhism and Social Action (3)
An examination of Buddhism's historical and contemporary views and responses to social issues and on the emerging movement of engaged Buddhism within the larger context of engaged spirituality. While using traditional and contemporary texts, this class also explores the nature of the individual journey one makes in order to engage social action from a contemplative ground. Community-based volunteer work anchors this ground, allowing us to experience our individual understanding of "sacred view" through a personal path of action.

REL 345/540
Zen Buddhism (3)
We study classic Zen writings as signposts for living our own lives. Students are required to keep a journal with weekly entries of at least one page showing how the texts being studied that week affected their life. Texts include The Three Pillars of Zen, the Zen teaching of Bodhidharma, the Diamond Sutra and Eihei Dogen's Genjokoan.

REL 347e/527e
Buddha Nature: The Nature of Enlightenment in the Uttaratantra and Mahamudra (3)
One of Buddhism's most important teachings is the doctrine of tathagatagarbha, or buddha nature, which proclaims the natural enlightenment of all beings, and the importance of uncovering this already present enlightenment through penetrating insight and meditation practice. The philosophy propounded in the Uttaratantra underlies the teachings of the Mahamudra tradition, one of the most profound Buddhist lineages of practice and accomplishment. This course examines the relationship of these two traditions through a close study of a landmark treatise by Gö Lotsawa (1392–1481 A.D.) and provides a rare opportunity to study the basis of the Mahamudra teachings in the Buddhist sutra tradition. Prerequisite: Several courses in Buddhist studies.

REL 348/546
Buddhism in America (3)
This course surveys the variety of ways in which Buddhism continues to influence contemporary American culture, and in turn be influenced by it. In particular, we explore the ways in which Buddhism has changed and adapted in the different American Buddhist communities. Our scope includes spirituality and religion, literature, social activism, pluralism and dialogue. Student projects focus on specific Buddhist communities that have joined facets of Buddhist and American culture. Grading criteria includes short writing assignments, final exam and term paper. Prerequisite: REL 160, REL 240 or REL 245.

REL 349
Tibetan Buddhism (3)
This course introduces Buddhism as it flowered in the Tibetan cultural region, with emphasis on the traditional cosmology of Tibet; its religious history; its exoteric teachings and practices (Hinayana and Mahayana); and its esoteric teachings and practices (Vajrayana). Special attention is paid to the meditative traditions of Tibet and the Tibetan Book of the Dead. Prerequisite: REL 160, REL 240 or REL
245.

REL 352/652
Group Process II: Cultivating the Sacred (3)
The second of two classes on understanding and working with the human group-field. With a theoretical basis established in the previous course, this class continues to examine group-field process work in a variety of "applied" expressions. Examples of these include dialogue
practice, community-based ritual practice, wisdom circles, archetypal motifs and principles of restorative justice. While this is a more experiential class, it continues to explore earlier themes around conflict, diversity and sacred view.

REL 360/512
Engaged Buddhism Training I: Contemplative Approaches to Social Action and Peacemaking (3)
This course focuses on setting up students' service-learning program for year one and on giving them the context and skills to maximize the benefit of their service-learning experience. It involves a combination of regular on-campus classroom work and fieldwork including on-site visits to various social agencies, nonprofits, NGOs and other social action projects. It also includes several models for contemplative social action. One of the primary goals of this first-semester training is to create a learning community among the students that becomes the vehicle and context for their journey.

REL 370/562
Engaged Buddhism Training II: Marginalized Populations—Ministry and Social Entrepreneurship (3)
The focal point of this course is a street retreat in Denver during practice week and a social action project carried out by the students as a group. The street retreat is led by a peacemaker priest or another street retreat leader approved by the Peacemaker Community. The retreat is preceded by sufficient classroom work to prepare the students and followed up with further classroom work to help students integrate their experience into their overall learning path. Students also conceive, plan and carry out a social action project together as a group.

REL 375/553
Tibetan III (4)
This course continues to expand student knowledge of the grammar and vocabulary of literary Tibetan primarily through translating texts in different genres such as sutras, lives of Buddhist saints, history, philosophy and so forth. It also continues to develop student knowledge of spoken Tibetan. Prerequisite: REL 284.

REL 376/676
Contemplative Jewish Practice (3)
This course presents an opportunity to experience forms of contemplative practice with Judaism, as well as study the history of Jewish contemplative practice. The focus is on teachings, texts and methods of practice that Jews have utilized in order to accomplish particular spiritual goals. Such practices include types of meditation, contemplation, visualization, self-reflection, prayer, retreats, chanting and conscious action.

REL 377/557
Sanskrit III (4)
A continuation of the study of Sanskrit grammar. Concurrent with this, students read selections from texts representing a variety of genres of Buddhist literature in classical Sanskrit including the Perfection of Wisdom in 8,000 Lines, treating the Mahayana doctrine of emptiness, The Lotus Sutra, one of the greatest of all Mahayana texts and the great life of the Buddha, the Buddhacarita. The homework lab and language lab form important parts of the second-year program as well. Prerequisite: REL 287.

REL 385/583
Tibetan IV (4)
This course continues to expand student knowledge of the grammar and vocabulary of literary Tibetan primarily through translating texts in different genres such as sutras, lives of Buddhist saints, history, philosophy and so forth. Also continues to develop student knowledge of spoken Tibetan. Prerequisite: REL 375.

REL 387/587
Sanskrit IV (4)
A continuation of Sanskrit III. Prerequisite: REL 377.

REL 479
BA Colloquium (2)
Religious studies as an academic discipline, with an emphasis on contemplative practice and ritual, is reviewed. Students examine religious traditions and phenomena encountered in their major study and reflect on the context from which they come. Special emphasis is placed on written and oral expression, integrative understanding and the relationship between religious traditions and personal spiritual journey. The semester concludes with the completion of the student portfolios for the major.

REL 499
Independent Study (1–3)