119- 11-4 mp3

Projector Difficulties

  • Issue with the Projector: When turned on, it shuts down the screen and disables touch functionality.

  • Recording Process: Instructor experiences trouble recording due to projector issues.

Class Status and Feedback

  • Student Condition: Noted fatigue among students, questioning if they are overwhelmed with their studies.

  • Grading Update: Approximately 20 students received feedback, with about 40 yet to receive theirs.

  • Grading Challenges: Issues due to having multiple readers and administrative changes affecting feedback times.

Grading Process Changes

  • Changes in Readers: Some bureaucratic reasons led to the removal of a primary reader, creating additional delays in grading.

  • Future Considerations: There’s a plan to have existing readers cover the workload without affecting grading standards.

  • Student Concerns: Assurance is provided that revisions and delays will not negatively impact students' grades.

Revision Submission

  • Resubmission Instructions: Students instructed to resubmit entire assignments, highlighting only areas of change. This ensures proper grading of correct answers previously marked right.

  • Handling Revisions: Ensures clarity in grading while streamlining the review process for instructors.

Buddhism Class Schedule

  • Class Topics: The week will cover Buddhism deeply, starting with readings from Han Kang’s work.

  • Syllabus Changes: Adjustments made for the Veterans Day holiday; no class on the observed Monday.

Discussion on Buddhism

  • Excitement for Content: The instructor expresses enthusiasm for the Buddhism material covered in class.

  • Buddhism Versus Religion: Discussion on the nature of Buddhism as both a religion and a political theory.

  • Buddhism’s Historical Context: Introduces the historical Buddha, Siddhartha Gautama, and his significance.

Siddhartha Gautama's Journey

  • Life Overview: Gautama was a minor prince in Northern India, who renounced his worldly possessions after witnessing suffering.

  • Experiential Learning: He encountered suffering (old age, sickness, death) which drove him to seek enlightenment.

Key Moments in Gautama's Life:

  • Foresight: Experience of aging, sickness, and death led to his quest for truth.

  • Renunciation: Gives up his royal life pursuing spiritual enlightenment.

Four Noble Truths of Buddhism

  • Overview: These are the foundational truths Gautama discovered to address suffering and impermanence.

1. Dukkha:

  • Definition: Acknowledges the existence of suffering; life contains inherent dissatisfaction.

2. Samudaya:

  • Cause of Suffering: Identifies desire and attachment as the roots of suffering.

3. Nirhodha:

  • End of Suffering: Acknowledges that suffering can be overcome or transcended.

4. Magga:

  • Path to Liberation: Outlines the Eightfold Path as a guide to achieving enlightenment.

The Eightfold Path

  • Overview: A practical guide to ethical and mental training aimed at leading to enlightenment; focuses on both personal behavior and mental discipline.

    • Practicality: Buddhism emphasizes rational and empirical understanding rather than mysticism.

Concerns with Persuasion and Governance

  • Legalism Connection: Discusses the importance of clarity in law and governance, referencing traditional and philosophical concerns during rulers' rule.

  • Impact of Scholars: Highlights potential issues arising from persuasive power of scholars and speech makers on governance.

    • Examples from Literature: Mention of literature references to underscore themes of persuasive influence.

Classroom Interaction

  • Student Engagement: The instructor encourages questions and discussions regarding the materials presented, fostering an interactive and responsive classroom environment.