Buddhist Magic

This course explores the relationship between Buddhism and magic through the lens of an unstudied Southeast Asian manuscript held at Stanford's Cantor Arts Center. Working together as a class, we'll discover how to decipher the words, decode the numerological diagrams, and interpret the vivid illuminations of this unique document in light of the wider world of Buddhist witchcraft and wizardry. Prerequisites: Some background in Buddhist studies or Asian religions encouraged; no background in Southeast Asian languages required. NOTE: Undergraduates must enroll for 5 units; graduate students can enroll for 3-5 units.