Lectures in Religious Studies

The first day of our Buddhism unit begins with a brief discussion of why and how Buddhism can and has been problematic to and for a Western understanding and the challenges is poses to Western thinking. This is then followed by a telling of the Buddha's life from his conception to his sitting down under the Bo tree.

Bringing our discussion of Hinduism to a close, we look at goddess traditions of India, looking first at Sarasvati and Lakshmi, then spend most of our time with the Mahadevi tradition, examining first the idea of shakti, and concluding by talking about Durga and Kali. Want to learn more? Go to: https://joshbertetta.wordpress.com/2015/04/15/hindu-lecture-9-goddess-tradition-new-video-format/

Today's lectures features a discussion of Shiva, concentrating on transcending duality, his symbolism, and his devotion in relation to the linga. Afterward, we just skim through a few images of other Hindu divinities. Learn more at: https://joshbertetta.wordpress.com/2015/04/13/hindu-lecture-8-shiva/

After beginning by establishing a little context for the development of what is often called "Classical" Hinduism and an introduction to the Puranas, most of the day's lecture is devoted to Vishnu. We begin by addressing Vishnu as he is defined in passages from the Vishnu Purana, then move to discussing the mythology of the 10 Avatars and Narayana, then end by exploring devotion to Vishnu in relation to bhakti. Learn more at: https://joshbertetta.wordpress.com/2015/04/10/hindu-lecture-7-vishnu/

Today's discussion concentrates on the Bhagavad Gita, picking up where we left off from last time. Beginning with discussing karma yoga and selfless service and how such relates to self-realization, we examine how the texts teachings act as a departure point from the prevailing Hindu philosophy as put forth in the Upanishads. From there we pause with Krishna's revelation to Arjuna on the battlefield and end our discussion by looking at the yogas and the way to salvation. Learn more at: https://joshbertetta.wordpress.com/2015/04/09/hindu-lecture-6-the-bhagavad-gita/

After completing our discussion on karma, we move on to discussing samsara (reincarnation) and moksha (liberation from samsara) then move into addressing particular problems with the prevailing philosophy coming out of the Upanishadic Era, problems which helped, in part, the development of two new religions in India. We then move toward discussing the notion of bhakti, or devotion, its part in transforming the Hindu tradition, and its connection to epic literature, of which we just begin to get our feet wet with a look at the Bhagavad Gita. Learn more at: https://joshbertetta.wordpress.com/2015/04/03/hindu-lecture-5-upanishads-to-bhagavad-gita/