Episode 47 :: Ron Stillman :: Twelve Insights

By Ted Meissner | January 14, 2011

Ron Stillman

Today we speak about the Twelve Insights of the Four Noble Truths with our friend Ron Stillman.

One of the most overlooked aspects of our tradition, sometimes overshadowed by the unique strength of the Four Noble Truths, is another numerical designation of the Twelve Insights. These insights bring with them an expansion of how we understand and put the Four Noble Truths into practice. Each Truth has three Insights, one of explanation about what it is, that is must be understood, and that it has been understood.

When taken together, these Twelve Insights bring a depth and richness to the meaning and practicality to what is often misunderstood as the mere philosophical aspect, or dogmatic expression, of Buddhism.

Ron Stillman was raised as a Mormon, and began to question that tradition, eventually leaving it in search of a practice that resonated with him. His early experiences in vipassana retreats helped him learn that he could let go “of the story”. Through this practice and deep study of the Pali canon, Ron found himself questioning certain aspects of the teaching, and how they apply to our real world, daily lives. Ron is an active participant in study groups on Buddhist theory and practice, and is a contributor on The Secular Buddhist FaceBook fan page.

So, sit back, relax, and have a nice snow cone. Flavor of your choice, but it’s winter, and I’m snowed in for the weekend, so snow cones for everyone!