paticcasamuppada - Dependent Origination
So you know the basics - the four noble truths, the eightfold path, and the five aggregates of a human being. These Buddhist teachings all focus on the "whats" of existence.
Q. What is the nature of the world?
A. Four noble truths.
Q. What is the appropriate response/method to eliminating distress and living more skillfully?
A. Noble eight-fold path.
Q. What is a human being?
A. Five Aggregates.
Paticcasamuppada or dependent origination moves into the realm of the "hows?"
Q. How does suffering arise?
A. Paticcasamuppada.
Q. How does joy arise?
A. Paticcasamuppada.
Q. How does anger arise?
A. Paticcasamuppada.
Q. How is any part of existence/experience made manifest?
A. Paticcasamuppada.
With the exception of the Four Noble Truths, no other teaching is as crucial to Buddhist thought as paticcasamuppada (dependent origination). Paticcasamuppada is the heart of Buddhist causality and all that it entails. In essence, it is the Buddhist functional definition of existence.
The April BIG meetings will focus on this key teaching.
As always, each meeting will begin with a thirty minute meditation session, followed by a presentation and group discussion. Normally, the first meeting of the month will draw on a primary text from Buddhist scripture and the second meeting will focus on a modern commentary, but in April we will reverse that order a bit. The first meeting will give an overview of paticcasamuppada and the second meeting will offer resources for reading about dependent origination in the Buddhist scriptures.
Both meetings will offer opportunity for discussion. Please look for individual posts for each meeting subtitled "paticcasamuppada / dependent origination - 2005AprMtg1" and "paticcasamuppada / dependent origination - 2005AprMtg2" for details on meeting leader, date, time, location, and online resources.
This is an information-only post and cannot accept comments. The posts for the individual meetings will accept and, hopefully, encourage discussions through the postings. . .
Friday, April 01, 2005
paticcasamuppada / dependent origination - 2005AprMtg1
paticcasamuppada
Dependent Origination
2005 April - Meeting 1
Leader: Graham Robertson
Date: Wednesday 04/13/2005
Location: BIG Meeting Room - Lewman Farm
Time: 7:30pm - 9:00pm
__________________________
Resources:
This meeting's resources will be available within this post (see after outline) and as printed handouts at the meeting. April's second monthly meeting will focus on primary text resources that cover paticcasamuppada (dependent origination) in the Buddhist scriptures. This meeting will provide an overall introduction to the concept of dependent origination.
Presentation Outline:
I. Introduction to paticcasamuppada / dependent origination.
A. Role in Buddhist philosophy/theory
B. Interaction with salayatana / sense bases - (see handout)
C. Eleven/Twelve steps (see diagram below and handout)
D. Conditional progression / regression
II. Prominence of paticcasamuppada to Buddhist practice
A. Link to thought / behavior
B. Use as tool during meditation to train the mind
C. Relationship to causality / intention / skillful behavior
III. Discussion - Debate: some guiding questions
A. Is this a functional framework or actual description of what happens in the mind?
B. Is the teaching of dependent origination really that central to Buddhism?
Diagram of paticcasamuppada - Dependent Origination:
Eleven/Twelve-fold steps of dependent origination.
(click image to enlarge)
Dependent Origination
2005 April - Meeting 1
Leader: Graham Robertson
Date: Wednesday 04/13/2005
Location: BIG Meeting Room - Lewman Farm
Time: 7:30pm - 9:00pm
__________________________
Resources:
This meeting's resources will be available within this post (see after outline) and as printed handouts at the meeting. April's second monthly meeting will focus on primary text resources that cover paticcasamuppada (dependent origination) in the Buddhist scriptures. This meeting will provide an overall introduction to the concept of dependent origination.
Presentation Outline:
I. Introduction to paticcasamuppada / dependent origination.
A. Role in Buddhist philosophy/theory
B. Interaction with salayatana / sense bases - (see handout)
C. Eleven/Twelve steps (see diagram below and handout)
D. Conditional progression / regression
II. Prominence of paticcasamuppada to Buddhist practice
A. Link to thought / behavior
B. Use as tool during meditation to train the mind
C. Relationship to causality / intention / skillful behavior
III. Discussion - Debate: some guiding questions
A. Is this a functional framework or actual description of what happens in the mind?
B. Is the teaching of dependent origination really that central to Buddhism?
Diagram of paticcasamuppada - Dependent Origination:
Eleven/Twelve-fold steps of dependent origination.
(click image to enlarge)
paticcasamuppada / dependent origination - 2005AprMtg2
paticcasamuppada
Dependent Origination
2005 April - Meeting 2
Leader: Graham Robertson
Date: Wednesday 04/27/2005
Location: BIG Meeting Room - Lewman Farm
Time: 7:30pm - 9:00pm
__________________________
Overview:
Tonight's meeting will be a review and continuation of discussion from April's first meeting on dependent origination ( Click here for eariler meeting details ) followed by some suggested suttas for further reading about dependent origination in the Buddhist scriptures.
Links to Readings About paticcasamuppada in Pali Canon:
(click to read)
Maha-nidana Sutta
Paticca-samuppada-vibhanga Sutta
Chachakka Sutta (relationship of paticca-samuppada to six senses)
Dependent Origination
2005 April - Meeting 2
Leader: Graham Robertson
Date: Wednesday 04/27/2005
Location: BIG Meeting Room - Lewman Farm
Time: 7:30pm - 9:00pm
__________________________
Overview:
Tonight's meeting will be a review and continuation of discussion from April's first meeting on dependent origination ( Click here for eariler meeting details ) followed by some suggested suttas for further reading about dependent origination in the Buddhist scriptures.
Links to Readings About paticcasamuppada in Pali Canon:
(click to read)
Maha-nidana Sutta
Paticca-samuppada-vibhanga Sutta
Chachakka Sutta (relationship of paticca-samuppada to six senses)
Tuesday, March 01, 2005
March Meetings Topic
The Elevator Answer (continued)
Core Buddhist assumptions, teachings and practices
March was a strange month at BIG. The month's first meeting was cancelled, but the second monthly meeting was well attended with much discussion.
The second meeting of March gave the group more opportunity to discuss David Loy's paper: The Spiritual Roots of Modernity (see earlier post: Loy paper from earlier post).
It was also decided that April's meetings would tackle paticcasamuppada - otherwise known as dependent origination.
This will be the only post for March.
Core Buddhist assumptions, teachings and practices
March was a strange month at BIG. The month's first meeting was cancelled, but the second monthly meeting was well attended with much discussion.
The second meeting of March gave the group more opportunity to discuss David Loy's paper: The Spiritual Roots of Modernity (see earlier post: Loy paper from earlier post).
It was also decided that April's meetings would tackle paticcasamuppada - otherwise known as dependent origination.
This will be the only post for March.
Tuesday, February 01, 2005
February Meetings Topic
The Elevator Answer
Core Buddhist assumptions, teachings and practices
Following on the heels of January 2005's two meetings on Buddhist teachings concerning who and what should generally be believed, February's meetings topic will focus on articulating core Buddhist assumptions, teachings and practices.
Though the basic teachings may already be familiar to us in an academic or theoretical sense, these meetings will encourage us to accurately articulate those basic teachings when we find ourselves in the following situation: "Oh, you're interested in Buddhism. I've always been curious- what's it all about?..."
This situation is often referred to as "The Elevator Answer" - because it is framed as follows:
You are staying at a hotel for a conference on _________ (in our case Buddhism), on your way down to the first session, a stranger gets on the elevator with you and notices your nametag identifies you as participating in the Buddhist conference. The stranger turns to you and says, "So, Buddhism, what's that all about?" You then have until the elevator reaches the lobby to provide an answer that is accurate and meaningful.
As always, each meeting will begin with a thirty minute meditation session, followed by a presentation and group discussion. The first meeting of the month will draw on a primary text from Buddhist scripture and the second meeting will focus on a modern commentary. Please look for individual posts for each meeting subtitled "February 2005 - Meeting 1" and "February 2005 - Meeting 2" for details on meeting leader, date, time, location, and text resources.
This is an information-only post and cannot accept comments. The posts for the individual meetings will accept and, hopefully, encourage discussions through the postings.
Core Buddhist assumptions, teachings and practices
Following on the heels of January 2005's two meetings on Buddhist teachings concerning who and what should generally be believed, February's meetings topic will focus on articulating core Buddhist assumptions, teachings and practices.
Though the basic teachings may already be familiar to us in an academic or theoretical sense, these meetings will encourage us to accurately articulate those basic teachings when we find ourselves in the following situation: "Oh, you're interested in Buddhism. I've always been curious- what's it all about?..."
This situation is often referred to as "The Elevator Answer" - because it is framed as follows:
You are staying at a hotel for a conference on _________ (in our case Buddhism), on your way down to the first session, a stranger gets on the elevator with you and notices your nametag identifies you as participating in the Buddhist conference. The stranger turns to you and says, "So, Buddhism, what's that all about?" You then have until the elevator reaches the lobby to provide an answer that is accurate and meaningful.
As always, each meeting will begin with a thirty minute meditation session, followed by a presentation and group discussion. The first meeting of the month will draw on a primary text from Buddhist scripture and the second meeting will focus on a modern commentary. Please look for individual posts for each meeting subtitled "February 2005 - Meeting 1" and "February 2005 - Meeting 2" for details on meeting leader, date, time, location, and text resources.
This is an information-only post and cannot accept comments. The posts for the individual meetings will accept and, hopefully, encourage discussions through the postings.
Core Buddhist Assumptions & Teachings - 2005FebMtg1
The Elevator Answer
Core Buddhist Assumptions & Teachings
2005 February - Meeting 1
Leader: Graham Robertson
Date: Wednesday 02/09/2005
Location: BIG Meeting Room - Lewman Farm
Time: 7:30pm - 9:00pm
__________________________
Primary Text Resources:
This month's primary text resources will cover core Buddhist assumptions and teachings. Namely: the three marks of existence, the four noble truths, and the noble eightfold path. Several different passages from throughout the Buddhist Scriptures will be used, please click on the links in the outline below for reading.
Presentation Outline:
I. Assumptions - tilakkhana - three characteristics of all existence: impermanence, unsatisfactoriness, not-self
A. anicca - impermanence
See points #5 and #6 in the linked text: read it here...
B. dukkha - unsatisfactoriness/'stress'
See point #6 in the linked text: read it here...
C. anatta - not-self
Sutta on not-self: read it here...
II. Analysis - cattari ariya saccani - Four Noble Truths
A. Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta - Setting the Wheel of Dhamma in Motion read it here...
B. Please note this is the Buddha's first public teaching - parts of it should be in every "elevator answer."
III. Teaching/Path - ariya patipada – Noble Path
A. dukkha nirodha gamini patipada ariya sacca - The Noble Truth of the Path Leading to the Cessation of Dukkha read it here...
B. Please follow all links related to the primary one above. Also, note the successive, interpenetration of Buddhist teachings from the assumptions, which lead to the noble truths, which lead to the path of practice.
IV. Discussion - Debate: some guiding questions
A. Importance (or not) of ability to articulate these core assumptions & beliefs?
B. How to avoid divisive tendencies such as monk vs. lay understanding, Asian Cultures vs. Western Cultures, Religion vs. Philosophy, One school of Buddhism vs. another?
V. Homework - Take some time to write your own one or two paragraph "Elevator Answer". The exercise should help sharpen your focus (what's the Pali word for that?), come to a greater understanding of your own interest in Buddhism, and increase your ability to articulate that interest.
Core Buddhist Assumptions & Teachings
2005 February - Meeting 1
Leader: Graham Robertson
Date: Wednesday 02/09/2005
Location: BIG Meeting Room - Lewman Farm
Time: 7:30pm - 9:00pm
__________________________
Primary Text Resources:
This month's primary text resources will cover core Buddhist assumptions and teachings. Namely: the three marks of existence, the four noble truths, and the noble eightfold path. Several different passages from throughout the Buddhist Scriptures will be used, please click on the links in the outline below for reading.
Presentation Outline:
I. Assumptions - tilakkhana - three characteristics of all existence: impermanence, unsatisfactoriness, not-self
A. anicca - impermanence
See points #5 and #6 in the linked text: read it here...
B. dukkha - unsatisfactoriness/'stress'
See point #6 in the linked text: read it here...
C. anatta - not-self
Sutta on not-self: read it here...
II. Analysis - cattari ariya saccani - Four Noble Truths
A. Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta - Setting the Wheel of Dhamma in Motion read it here...
B. Please note this is the Buddha's first public teaching - parts of it should be in every "elevator answer."
III. Teaching/Path - ariya patipada – Noble Path
A. dukkha nirodha gamini patipada ariya sacca - The Noble Truth of the Path Leading to the Cessation of Dukkha read it here...
B. Please follow all links related to the primary one above. Also, note the successive, interpenetration of Buddhist teachings from the assumptions, which lead to the noble truths, which lead to the path of practice.
IV. Discussion - Debate: some guiding questions
A. Importance (or not) of ability to articulate these core assumptions & beliefs?
B. How to avoid divisive tendencies such as monk vs. lay understanding, Asian Cultures vs. Western Cultures, Religion vs. Philosophy, One school of Buddhism vs. another?
V. Homework - Take some time to write your own one or two paragraph "Elevator Answer". The exercise should help sharpen your focus (what's the Pali word for that?), come to a greater understanding of your own interest in Buddhism, and increase your ability to articulate that interest.
Core Buddhist Assumptions & Teachings - 2005FebMtg2
The Elevator Answer
Core Buddhist Assumptions & Teachings
2005 February - Meeting 2
Leader: Graham Robertson
Date: Wednesday 02/23/2005
Location: BIG Meeting Room - Lewman Farm
Time: 7:30pm - 9:00pm
__________________________
Building on the first three study-guide style meetings of 2005, the second February meeting is our first example of how sharpening and clarifying one's own understanding of Buddhism can be of direct benefit for formulating meaningful responses to our own experiences in the world.
The second meeting will focus on the discussion of Professor David R. Loy's paper, "The Spiritual Roots of Modernity - Buddhist Reflections on the Idolatry of the Nation-State, Corporate/Consumer Capitalism and Mechanistic Science". The discussion will focus on both the content of the paper and on the influence of Loy's deep understanding of Buddhism in his life and work.
Modern Commentary Text Resource:
The Spiritual Roots of Modernity - Buddhist Reflections on the Idolatry of the Nation-State, Corporate Capitalism and Mechanistic Science
by David R. Loy read it here...
Presentation Outline:
I. Background on Author
A. Professor David Loy - biographical summary (see photo and links at end of this post)
B. Author's guiding principles
II. Relationship between Buddhist study / Buddhist analysis
A. Unavoidable, beneficial overflow
B. Transcending common distractions (monk vs. lay, religion vs. philosophy, heart of dhamma = as it is)
III. Three Roots (mula) of Evil
A. lobha - Greed
B. dosa - Anger/Aversion
C. moha - Delusion
IV. Discussion - Debate: some guiding questions
A. Content - agree with Loy's analysis?
B. Relationship between insight/study and ability to articulate & apply?
C. What content / context / area of speciality in your own life and/or work could you apply a Buddhist critique -- or could benefit from being seen through a Buddhist lens?
Photos and Links to Professor David R. Loy:
For further reading and deeper understanding of author.
NOTE: his paper "Religion and the Market" that appeared in the Journal of the American Academy of Religion is remarkable (especially his functional definition of religion, which I co-opted years ago).
David R. Loy
Faculty of International Studies
1100 Namegaya
Bunkyo University
Chigasaki 253, Japan
Email: loy@shonan.bunkyo.ac.jp
Other Writings/Links Featuring Professor Loy
Religion and The Market
New Holy War Against Evil
West Against the Rest
Book Review
(click to read/visit)
Core Buddhist Assumptions & Teachings
2005 February - Meeting 2
Leader: Graham Robertson
Date: Wednesday 02/23/2005
Location: BIG Meeting Room - Lewman Farm
Time: 7:30pm - 9:00pm
__________________________
Building on the first three study-guide style meetings of 2005, the second February meeting is our first example of how sharpening and clarifying one's own understanding of Buddhism can be of direct benefit for formulating meaningful responses to our own experiences in the world.
The second meeting will focus on the discussion of Professor David R. Loy's paper, "The Spiritual Roots of Modernity - Buddhist Reflections on the Idolatry of the Nation-State, Corporate/Consumer Capitalism and Mechanistic Science". The discussion will focus on both the content of the paper and on the influence of Loy's deep understanding of Buddhism in his life and work.
Modern Commentary Text Resource:
The Spiritual Roots of Modernity - Buddhist Reflections on the Idolatry of the Nation-State, Corporate Capitalism and Mechanistic Science
by David R. Loy read it here...
Presentation Outline:
I. Background on Author
A. Professor David Loy - biographical summary (see photo and links at end of this post)
B. Author's guiding principles
II. Relationship between Buddhist study / Buddhist analysis
A. Unavoidable, beneficial overflow
B. Transcending common distractions (monk vs. lay, religion vs. philosophy, heart of dhamma = as it is)
III. Three Roots (mula) of Evil
A. lobha - Greed
B. dosa - Anger/Aversion
C. moha - Delusion
IV. Discussion - Debate: some guiding questions
A. Content - agree with Loy's analysis?
B. Relationship between insight/study and ability to articulate & apply?
C. What content / context / area of speciality in your own life and/or work could you apply a Buddhist critique -- or could benefit from being seen through a Buddhist lens?
Photos and Links to Professor David R. Loy:
For further reading and deeper understanding of author.
NOTE: his paper "Religion and the Market" that appeared in the Journal of the American Academy of Religion is remarkable (especially his functional definition of religion, which I co-opted years ago).
David R. Loy
Faculty of International Studies
1100 Namegaya
Bunkyo University
Chigasaki 253, Japan
Email: loy@shonan.bunkyo.ac.jp
Other Writings/Links Featuring Professor Loy
Religion and The Market
New Holy War Against Evil
West Against the Rest
Book Review
(click to read/visit)
Saturday, January 01, 2005
January 2005 Meetings Topic
Who/What to Believe?
January 2005's two meetings focus on Buddhist teachings concerning who and what should be believed. As always, each meeting will begin with a thirty minute meditation session, followed by a presentation and group discussion.
The first meeting of the month will draw on a primary text from Buddhist scripture and the second meeting will focus on a modern commentary.
Please look for individual posts for each meeting subtitled "January 2005 - Meeting 1" and "January 2005 - Meeting 2" for details on meeting leader, date, time, location, and text resources.
This is an information-only post and cannot accept comments.
The posts for the individual meetings subtitled, "January 2005 - Meeting 1" and "January 2005 - Meeting 2" will accept and, hopefully, encourage discussions through the postings.
January 2005's two meetings focus on Buddhist teachings concerning who and what should be believed. As always, each meeting will begin with a thirty minute meditation session, followed by a presentation and group discussion.
The first meeting of the month will draw on a primary text from Buddhist scripture and the second meeting will focus on a modern commentary.
Please look for individual posts for each meeting subtitled "January 2005 - Meeting 1" and "January 2005 - Meeting 2" for details on meeting leader, date, time, location, and text resources.
This is an information-only post and cannot accept comments.
The posts for the individual meetings subtitled, "January 2005 - Meeting 1" and "January 2005 - Meeting 2" will accept and, hopefully, encourage discussions through the postings.
What to Believe? 2005JanMtg1
Who/What to Believe?
2005 January - Meeting 1
Leader: Graham Robertson
Date: Wednesday 01/12/2005
Location: BIG Meeting Room - Lewman Farm
Time: 7:30pm - 9:00pm
__________________________
Primary Text Resource:
Kalama Sutta - The Instruction to the Kalamas.
Anguttara Nikaya III.65
read it here...
Presentation Outline:
I. Overview of historical setting
A. Prevalence of gurus
B. Location of Kalamas (see maps at end of this post)
II. What/When/Who to Believe
A. Criterion for rejection
B. Role of greed, hatred, delusion
C. Criterion for acceptance
D. Absence of greed, hatred, delusion
III. Four Exalted Dwellings (brama-vihara)
A. Metta (goodwill)
B. Karuna (compassion)
C. Mudita (appreciation filled with joy)
D. Upekkha (equanimity)
IV. Four Solaces
A. If pleasant rebirth based on kammic result, then benefit.
B. If no pleasant rebirth, still lives well in the here and now.
C. If evil results happen to evil-doers, no worries because no evil being done.
D. If evil results do not come to evil-doers, still no worries because no evil was committed.
V. Relevance to daily life - discussion
Maps of Modern & Ancient South Asia:
(for geographic placement of Kalamas)
Modern South Asia - Area where Buddha taught encircled.
(click image to enlarge)
Detailed view of Buddha's teaching area with special focus on Kesaputta (modern-day Kesariya) in the Kosala Kingdom where the Buddha delivered the Kalama Sutta.
(click image to enlarge)
2005 January - Meeting 1
Leader: Graham Robertson
Date: Wednesday 01/12/2005
Location: BIG Meeting Room - Lewman Farm
Time: 7:30pm - 9:00pm
__________________________
Primary Text Resource:
Kalama Sutta - The Instruction to the Kalamas.
Anguttara Nikaya III.65
read it here...
Presentation Outline:
I. Overview of historical setting
A. Prevalence of gurus
B. Location of Kalamas (see maps at end of this post)
II. What/When/Who to Believe
A. Criterion for rejection
B. Role of greed, hatred, delusion
C. Criterion for acceptance
D. Absence of greed, hatred, delusion
III. Four Exalted Dwellings (brama-vihara)
A. Metta (goodwill)
B. Karuna (compassion)
C. Mudita (appreciation filled with joy)
D. Upekkha (equanimity)
IV. Four Solaces
A. If pleasant rebirth based on kammic result, then benefit.
B. If no pleasant rebirth, still lives well in the here and now.
C. If evil results happen to evil-doers, no worries because no evil being done.
D. If evil results do not come to evil-doers, still no worries because no evil was committed.
V. Relevance to daily life - discussion
Maps of Modern & Ancient South Asia:
(for geographic placement of Kalamas)
Modern South Asia - Area where Buddha taught encircled.
(click image to enlarge)
Detailed view of Buddha's teaching area with special focus on Kesaputta (modern-day Kesariya) in the Kosala Kingdom where the Buddha delivered the Kalama Sutta.
(click image to enlarge)
What to Believe? 2005JanMtg2
Who/What to Believe?
2005 January - Meeting 2
Leader: Graham Robertson
Date: Wednesday 01/26/2005
Location: BIG Meeting Room - Lewman Farm
Time: 7:30pm - 9:00pm
__________________________
Modern Commentary Text Resource:
A Look at the Kalama Sutta by Bhikkhu Bodhi
Buddhist Publication Society Newsletter. Cover Essay #9, Spring 1988
read it here...
Presentation Outline:
I. Background on Author
A. Bhikkhu Bodhi biography (see photo and links at end of this post)
B. Author's guiding principles
II. A Qualified "Free Inquiry"
A. Specificity of advice to Kalamas' situation
B. Buddhist vs Non-Buddhist guidelines
III. Kalama Sutta as Doorway to Buddhist "Faith" (saddha)
A. Responsibilities and obligations of Buddhists to doctrine & path
B. Inter-related doctrines, conditional penetration
.1. Three marks of existence
.2. Four noble truths
.3. Eightfold path
IV. Discussion - Debate: some guiding questions
A. How free is free inquiry for those on the path?
B. How to avoid tendency to 'shop' for convenient spirituality?
C. What, if anything, do we owe the Buddhist tradition as lay followers interested in its teachings?
Photos and Links to Bhikkhu Bodhi:
(For further reading and deeper understanding of author. His Vesak address to the United Nations in 2000 is brilliant - especially the clarity with which he summarizes the Buddha's teachings and relevance to modern times towards the end of the article)
Bhikkhu Bodhi.
(click image to enlarge)
Bhikkhu Bodhi Links.
Biographical Interview 1
Biographical Interview 2
Buddhist Publication Society
Other Online Writings
Address to United Nations
Middle Length Discourses for purchase
Current Monastery
(click links to visit)
2005 January - Meeting 2
Leader: Graham Robertson
Date: Wednesday 01/26/2005
Location: BIG Meeting Room - Lewman Farm
Time: 7:30pm - 9:00pm
__________________________
Modern Commentary Text Resource:
A Look at the Kalama Sutta by Bhikkhu Bodhi
Buddhist Publication Society Newsletter. Cover Essay #9, Spring 1988
read it here...
Presentation Outline:
I. Background on Author
A. Bhikkhu Bodhi biography (see photo and links at end of this post)
B. Author's guiding principles
II. A Qualified "Free Inquiry"
A. Specificity of advice to Kalamas' situation
B. Buddhist vs Non-Buddhist guidelines
III. Kalama Sutta as Doorway to Buddhist "Faith" (saddha)
A. Responsibilities and obligations of Buddhists to doctrine & path
B. Inter-related doctrines, conditional penetration
.1. Three marks of existence
.2. Four noble truths
.3. Eightfold path
IV. Discussion - Debate: some guiding questions
A. How free is free inquiry for those on the path?
B. How to avoid tendency to 'shop' for convenient spirituality?
C. What, if anything, do we owe the Buddhist tradition as lay followers interested in its teachings?
Photos and Links to Bhikkhu Bodhi:
(For further reading and deeper understanding of author. His Vesak address to the United Nations in 2000 is brilliant - especially the clarity with which he summarizes the Buddha's teachings and relevance to modern times towards the end of the article)
Bhikkhu Bodhi.
(click image to enlarge)
Bhikkhu Bodhi Links.
Biographical Interview 1
Biographical Interview 2
Buddhist Publication Society
Other Online Writings
Address to United Nations
Middle Length Discourses for purchase
Current Monastery
(click links to visit)
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