Archive for March 2018
The Five Aggregates
What are the five aggregates of Buddhism? The Buddha analyzed the person into these parts. We will look at each of them and how they can in turn be analyzed into further parts. We will also consider how understanding this analysis can help us in our practice. Check out my Patreon page! Suttas: The Seven…
Read MoreEpisode 290 :: Bhikkhu Bodhi :: Buddhism's Encountering of Social Crisis
Bhikkhu Bodhi Venerable Bhikkhu Bodhi joins us to speak about how Buddhism meets social crisis. Since the Buddha’s time, there has been a diversification and evolution of the sasana. The teaching encounters new people, new cultures, and becomes part of them. Fast forward thousands of years to the present day, and you have many different…
Read More3/25 Practice Circle: Mindfulness of Feelings
I’ve been reading Beth Ann Mulligan’s The Dharma of Modern Mindfulness, which is impressive for the way she uses anecdotes from her secular MBSR course to illustrate basic Buddhist principles. In that spirit, when Practice Circle meets again this Sunday, March 25, at 6 p.m. Pacific, 8 Central and 9 Eastern, we’ll continue our four-part…
Read MoreWhat is Insight Meditation?
Insight or vipassana meditation is a relatively recent form of Buddhist practice, but one with deep roots back into history. We will discuss its characteristics, its history, and distinguish it from other popular forms of Buddhist meditation. Check out my Patreon page!
Read MoreMindfulness of Mind
Mindfulness of mind is the third of the Four Foundations of Mindfulness. We will look at its importance to ethical thought and action, as well as to locating ourselves along the path. There are lots of important lessons to gain from this practice. Check out my Patreon page!
Read MorePolitics, Religion, and Engaged Buddhism
With the advent of “engaged Buddhism”, Buddhism in the modern world has taken an emphasis on political involvement. We will look at some of the history of religious involvement in politics, with a particular focus on Buddhism, and ask how Buddhism can work best in a secular context. Check out my new Patreon page!
Read MoreMindfulness of Feelings
The second of the Four Foundations of Mindfulness is mindfulness of feelings. While sometimes it is overlooked, this is perhaps the most important foundation, at least in revealing the causal links that produce our worldly discontent. We will look at these links and at the worldly and unworldly aspects of this practice. Sutta mentioned: Satipaṭṭhāna…
Read More3/11 Practice Circle: Mindfulness of the Body
I’ve been reading Beth Ann Mulligan’s “The Dharma of Modern Mindfulness,” which is impressive for the way she uses anecdotes from her secular MBSR course to illustrate basic Buddhist principles. In that spirit, when Practice Circle meets again this Sunday, March 11, at 6 p.m. Pacific, 8 Central and 9 Eastern, we’ll begin a four-part…
Read MoreFirst Year Anniversary!
Wow, it’s hard to believe a year has already passed since publishing my first video on YouTube! In the interim we’ve had a busy time going through some of the dharma of early Buddhism, with a focus on contemporary practice and experience. Here’s a look back with some thoughts on the channel going forward. Links…
Read MoreBuddhism and Climate Change
Recently the renowned translator and activist Bhikkhu Bodhi gave a daylong event on Buddhism and climate change. Today’s video summarizes his concerns and diagnoses, and looks at some aspects of Buddhist practice that can help us in our daily struggles with this key issue. Bhikkhu Bodhi’s organization Buddhist Global Relief Check out my new Patreon…
Read More