本課程將先介紹中國佛教敘事概況，再以兩大主題，即流轉生死和生命轉化，深入閱讀並討論佛譯佛典以及僧人和文人的佛教敘事書寫。
在流轉生死議題，將藉由釋迦牟尼佛生命結束前的最後一段旅程，探討聖者如何面對生命最後的歷程以及其弟子如何運用最後的陪伴和佛陀遺教重獲新生，並反思自己對生死的看法及自我生命的意義。
在生命轉化議題裡，將藉由一窮一惡的男性故事、一女性畜生、一貌美婦女以及現代學者兼作家融合禪宗歷史與文學想像創作之禪宗高僧等故事，細分三項子議題，探討「轉變心性」、「翻轉形象」及「找到自己」的意義，並反思自我如何克服內心的恐懼與外在的挑戰。

This course is first to introduce Chinese Buddhist narratives, and then to focus on two major themes, namely, the cycle of life and death and the transformation of life.
In first theme, the last journey of Sakyamuni Buddha before his death will be read and discussed carefully. Moreover, how the saint faced his last journey of life, how his disciples used the last experience of accompanying the Buddha as well as his teachings to regain new life will be expored. Last is to reflect on one’s own views on life and death and the meaning of life.
In the second theme, three topics will be explored, including mindset change, image transformation, and self discovery. The stories about evil ones, a female beast, a beautiful woman, and Zen monks, will be read and discussed. Last is to reflect on how to overcome inner fears and external challenges.