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Boeddhisme - Beeld-Canva
Boeddhisme - Beeld-Canva

Lecture series | Buddhism

Course in Dutch - Who was Buddha? What is Buddhism? Is Buddhism as we know it here the same as Buddhism in Asia? Learn all about Buddhism from the inspiring religion scholar Paul van der Velde in a series of six sessions. With his in-depth knowledge and colourful anecdotes, he will take you on a journey of discovery. Sign up for this series of lectures and see Buddhism in a new perspective. 

General

Buddhism in the West

In Western societies, we know Buddhism through Zen meditation or mindfulness exercises. But the world of Buddhism is more than the 'anti-stress religion' that the West likes to portray. It is a religion with a rich tradition, which is not always as peaceful as one might think.

History and practice

What is the history of Buddhism? Who was the Buddha? And what are the Buddha's teachings? Buddhism originated in what is now India and Nepal. Today, however, the religion can be found throughout a great part of Asia, and there are many different Buddhist movements in the West. 

This ancient religion has a rich tradition that has evolved over time and developed regional characteristics. In addition to organised religious expressions in monastic communities, there is everyday Buddhism for lay people. What is the relationship between these two worlds? And are there any differences between how men and women participate in the Buddhist religion?

Are you curious about the life of the Buddha and the history of Buddhism? And would you like to know more about the practice and current state of Buddhism? Then sign up for this series and take a seat in the lecture halls!

Please note: Online payment is temporarily not possible. Please send an email with your application to cursussen-reflects [at] ru.nl (cursussen-reflects[at]ru[dot]nl) .
 

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Paul van der Velde introduces his Buddhism course (in Dutch).

Starting date

07 May 2025, 7:30 pm
Location
Lecture hall complex (CC)
City
Nijmegen
Wednesday 7 May 2025
Costs
€162
Excl. book ‘In de huid van de Boeddha’ by Paul van der Velde (Balans, Amsterdam 2021). You will need to purchase the book yourself and it costs €24.99.
Educational method
On-site
Main Language
Dutch
Sessions
07 May 2025, 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
14 May 2025, 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
21 May 2025, 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
28 May 2025, 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
04 June 2025, 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
11 June 2025, 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Number of sessions
6
Deadline registration
06 May 2025, 12 pm
Teacher(s)
Prof. P.J.C.L. van der Velde (Paul)

Factsheet

Type of education
Course
Entry requirements
No entry requirements
Study hours
12
Organisation
Radboud Reflects

Contact information

More information: cursussen-reflects [at] ru.nl (cursussen-reflects[at]ru[dot]nl)

  1. Wednesday, 7 May 2025: History

    Buddhism originated in a specific context in India. In this session we will look at the history of ancient India. We do not have a biography of the Buddha, but we do have an idealised life story.
     

  2. Wednesday 14 May 2025: The Teachings of the Buddha

    The teachings of ancient Buddhism are the focus of this session. These teachings were strongly influenced by the context in which the Buddha lived.
     

  3. Wednesday 21 May 2025: The Soul, Karma and the Universe

    Further developments: Buddhism has specific views on the human 'soul', karma and the universe.
     

  4. Wednesday 28 May 2025: Mahayana and Vajrayana

    Over time, new schools emerged: Mahayana (including Zen) and Vajrayana. They are sometimes very different from ancient Buddhism.
     

  5. Wednesday 4 June 2025: Practices

    The practices of Buddhism are varied, from worshipping the Buddha statue to meditation and pilgrimage.
     

  6. Wednesday 11 June 2025: The West

    Developments in the West. The West has its own forms of Buddhism, of 'practice'. Western esotericism, especially Theosophy, plays an important role here.
     

Paul van der Velde is Professor of Comparative Religious Studies, specialising in Asian religions, at uu77. He is known as an inspiring storyteller. He regularly travels to Asia. His lectures are therefore full with anecdotes. He will undoubtedly bring one of his many statues to the meetings. 

This lecture series is for anyone with a general interest in religion and culture. No previous knowledge is required.

The cost of attendance is €162.

Workload

The lecture series consists of six two-hour lectures with a short break and an opportunity to ask questions. This makes a total of 12 contact hours. Optionally, you will spend a few hours of self-study reading Paul van der Velde's book In de huid van de Boeddha (Balans, Amsterdam 2021). You have to purchase it yourself. It costs € 24,99.

Afterward you will receive a LinkedIn badge as proof of your participation in this lecture series.

Terms and conditions

Registration for this speaker series is possible until 6 May 2025. Your registration will be valid after payment has been received. 

In the case your a unexpectedly unable to attend, please cancel before 7 April 2025 and receive a 100% refund of your registration fee. After this date, you will receive a 50% refund or you can register for a future lecture series. Please send an email to cursussen-reflects [at] ru.nl (cursussen-reflects[at]ru[dot]nl) 

There will be no refund if you are only unable to attend one or more separate sessions.
 

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