Videos
What 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 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 MoreOn Taste and Connoisseurship
Is it important or worthwhile to cultivate refined taste or connoisseurship in one’s aesthetic preferences? This often seems to be one of the aims of formal education. We’ll look at some Western thinking around the notion of refined pleasures, and then look at some of the Buddha’s thoughts on the same topic. Some suttas mentioned:…
Read MoreMindfulness of the Body
Mindfulness of the body is the heart of much contemporary meditation practice. We’ll look at it today with a focus on the original texts, which provide a great array of related practices. We will see ways that the older approach is complex and profound, and at times challenges our contemporary approach to meditation. Sutta: the…
Read MoreIntro to Buddhist Art
What are some of the hallmarks of Buddhist art, and how has it developed over the years? These are big questions that we will only begin to tackle in this video. We’ll look at Buddhist art with an emphasis on its origins, and finally ask the question whether anything really qualifies as Buddhist art at…
Read MoreWho Cares What the Buddha Thought?
It’s a good question. We’ll consider some of the reasons why someone with a secular outlook should care what the Buddha thought, as well as other aspects of this question. Check out my new Patreon page!
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