Does our inescapable suffering stem from our own greed and ignorance? Buddha thought so, but he offered a route out to enlightenment.
Delve deeper into some of the themes raised
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Introducing Religions
Why study religion? An understanding of the world’s religious traditions is crucial in helping us to appreciate not just the varied forms of belief and practice that we encounter at home, abroad and in the media, but also the influence that religion has on world affairs. This course offers an introduction to the study of religions, and in particular to six major religions: Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism and Sikhism, including the various roles of their founders and leaders, their texts, rituals, practices and behaviors. This practical insight will enable you to develop a better understanding of different beliefs and worldviews and what these mean to their adherents. This material is taken from The Open University Course A217 Introducing Religions.
Listen nowIntroducing ReligionsLevel: 1 Introductory
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How do they choose the Dalai Lama?
The Dalai Lama is the head monk of Tibetan Buddhism and he used to be in charge of governing Tibet. Like all Dalai Lamas he was chosen for the role as a child. But how can you tell if a toddler would make a good head monk? And how come the current Dalai Lama isn't even allowed to live in Tibet any more?
Read nowHow do they choose the Dalai Lama?Level: 1 Introductory
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Religion Today
Religion is a powerful force in today’s world, as almost any newspaper or news broadcast will make clear. Inextricably linked with nationalism, popular culture, social norms and the lives of individuals, it touches almost every area of public and private life. This course examines many of the most exciting and controversial issues in religion today, including the impact of globalisation/Evangelicalism, feminism and environmentalism, and whether secularisation might mean the eventual death of religious practices and institutions, or whether New Age, Wicca and other alternative spiritualities might become the new face of post-modern religion. This material is taken from The Open University Course AD317 Religion today: tradition, modernity and change.
Listen nowReligion TodayLevel: 1 Introductory
General Philosophising
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Introducing philosophy
Ever wondered what it would be like to study philosophy? This free course, Introducing philosophy, will introduce you to the teaching methods employed and the types of activities and assignments you would be asked to undertake should you wish to study philosophy and the human situation.
Learn moreIntroducing philosophyLevel: 1 Introductory
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Choose your own philosophy adventure
'Castle, Forest, Island, Sea' is a choose-your-own-adventure story that explores key questions in philosophy. Where will your chosen path lead you?
Take part nowChoose your own philosophy adventureLevel: 1 Introductory
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Study at the OU: The arts past and present
A broad course that introduces the arts across a range of subject areas, including music, art, English, classics and history
Read moreStudy at the OU: The arts past and present -
Exploring Philosophy
Does God exist? Why should I act morally? Can I trust science? Should I obey laws I disagree with? Discover how philosophers have offered radically diverging answers to these and other questions.
Read moreExploring Philosophy
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