Religion 106

From Confucius to Zen

Final Examination

The final examination is entirely take-home; there is no other scheduled examination.

*SUBMIT YOUR PAPER SINGLE SPACED. INCLUDE WORD COUNTS AT

THE CONCLUSION OF EVERY ANSWER.
*EMAIL ONLY: TO douglas.brooks@rochester.edu
*EMAIL SUBJECT MESSAGE MUST HAVE YOUR LAST NAME FIRST, FIRST
NAME, AND REL106 FINAL
*SUBMIT ONE FILE ONLY, PREFERABLY IN WORD OR AS A PDF. DO NOT
DIVIDE YOUR PAPER INTO MULTIPLE FILES.
*The examination is due NO LATER than 10AM on THURSDAY, MAY 11TH.
*HEADER ON EVERY PAGE WITH YOUR LAST NAME/REL106 FINAL
*Further instructions below

Rules of Engagement:
• You may study together and consult with each other only until you begin to
write. Once writing has commenced you may NOT discuss your paper or share
your work. You are on your honor.
• You may NOT under ANY circumstances refer to any Internet, library, or other
resources in the preparation of the exam. You may ONLY use the texts on the
syllabus and your own imagination.
• All examinations must be submitted electronically. All texts cited must include
abbreviated title and page number, single-spaced and indented for quotations.
All word counts must appear at the conclusion of every essay. Failure to comply
with any of these directions will result in disqualification of your paper and
therefore result in failure.
• You may turn the paper in on an earlier date by email only. No excuses of any
sort, no extensions, no incompletes; only documented illness or medical
emergency will be permitted.

FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS.

PART ONE

DEFINE FIVE of the terms on the list below. Be sure to: 1/ Define the term as
character or concept, 2/cite an instance in your readings if possible, 3/explore the
meaning, symbolism, and state the significance of the term for Japanese religions. Limit
is 250 words.

Shinto Mappo
kami-no-michi Nembutsu
Amida Koan
Hosso Kukai
Tendai Zazen
Saicho Emptiness
Beginner’s Mind Ekayana
Pure Land Kensho

PART TWO
ANSWER THREE QUESTIONS. YOU MUST ANSWER QUESTION #1. Be sure
to integrate citations and evidence into your response, citing page numbers, indenting
quoted passages. 800 word limit for each essay (total not to exceed 2400 words).

1. Choose two passages from these sources: Zen and the Art of Archery, Zen Mind,
Beginner’s Mind, Zen Tradition and Transition. Identify what you believe the
essential Buddhist teaching, describe and explain the importance and
significance of the concept. Compare these Zen concepts in the context of the
Buddhism and the history Buddhism in Japan, including the other schools of
Buddhism you have studied.

ANSWER TWO OF THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS:

2. Choose any episode or incident in Zen and the Art of Archery. Cite a passage or
passages that reveal an important point in the text central to our understanding
of Zen. Identify clearly the issue you are focusing on and make the case of its
significance.
3. Choose one of the Zen koans on pages 83-87 of Zen Tradition and Transition, ed.
Kraft and comment on how it defines and functions as a koan and as an
important feature of Zen. You can also compare two koans and point out their
subtle distinctions and function.
4. Choose any passage in Zen Mind, Beginner’s Mind. First cite the passage---you may
choose more than one--- either by quotation or page number, and discuss the key
concept that the author maintains is critical to our understanding of Zen. It can
be anything, including the “fly page.” Cite your passage (or passages) make
comparisons across the text, be sure you make your argument about the
significance of what the author claims.
5. How does Zen Buddhism incorporate the ideologies and practices of the schools
of Nara, Heian, and Kamakura Buddhism. You might center on the concept of
no-self, emptiness, wisdom and compassion, perfection, Buddhahood, the
bodhisattva doctrine, devotion and shelter, grace, or any other concept that you
think bears consideration. Use citations to compare ideas.