Preparation

Read the introduction, "Fundamentals" from Robert Aitken's book, Taking the Path of Zen.
Zen-Aitken.pdf in this module on elearning. Robert Aitken was an American Zen Buddhist teacher
who established a Zen meditation group called the Diamond Sangha in Hawaii. 
His writing is clear and aimed at an audience of beginning students.

Aitken discusses several topics that we have learned in the unit so far, including: 
  * The Narrative of the Buddha's Life (pages 3-6)
  * Meditation (pages 7-8; and 10-12)
  * The "Self" (pages 8-10)

As you read through the piece, take notes on what his main points are.
Notice that Aitken uses material from the narrative of the Buddha's life, from Theravada Buddhism
and from Zen Buddhism
Use the lecture notes and the Buddhism chapter of your coursepack to thinkabout his ideas. Do NOT use outside sources for the report: use the reading and course materials only. Writing the Essay 

Write an essay of 1.5-2 pages about Aitken's introduction.First 2 paragraphs: factual informationYour first two paragraphs should be factual - briefly describe the author's main pointspoint of view.Last 1-2 paragraphs: analysis

 In the final two paragraphs of your essay discuss the idea of unity and diversity in Buddhism.
How does Aitken use materials from different types of Buddhism to express his ideas to American students?
Cite your sources 

When you use an idea or information from the article, you shouldcite the source with an inline citation at the end of your sentence: name of the author,date of publication, and page number, for example: (Aitken 1982, 3).

You may also cite the lectures for the course: (Riggs 2019)

Or the coursepack textbook: (Riggs and Schuetz, 2018, 25)
At the end of the paper give the correct bibliographic format in a "Works cited" list,formatted like this:WORKS CITEDAitken, Robert. 1982. Taking the Path of Zen. San Francisco: North Point Press.

Riggs, Diane. 2019. "Buddhism, Lecture 2." REL 1000-100. Kalamazoo: Western Michigan University.

Riggs, Diane and Joseph Schuetz. 2018. Discovering World Religions. Kalamazoo: Western Michigan University.