The Role of rules in personal development and interpretations of the Vinaya in western countries (original) (raw)

This paper examines the challenges and pedagogical approaches involved in teaching a course entitled 'Buddhism and Law' in a law school context. It details the diverse backgrounds of the students, their interests in philosophy and religious issues, and the various theoretical perspectives employed, particularly drawing from poststructuralist thought and ritual studies. The text critically addresses the Vinaya, suggesting that it should not be strictly categorized as 'law' in the Western sense, and it emphasizes the need for a different interpretative framework in understanding Buddhist texts.