Bright On Buddhism

Bright on Buddhism - Kālāma Sutta - Join us as we read and discuss the Soma Thera translation of the Kalama Sutta in its entirety

Resources:

Root texts

Pali text at SuttaCentral (available in five scripts, including Roman and Devanagari)

Translations

With the Kālāmas of Kesamutta, translation by Bhikkhu Sujato

Kesaputtiya, translation by Bhikkhu Bodhi

Essays

The wisdom of Kalama Sutta

Knowledge and Truth in Early Buddhism Dharmachari Nagapriya Archived 2018-12-08 at the Wayback Machine from West...

Bright on Buddhism - Feed Drop - Nihonshi, A Japanese History Podcast

Join us as we drop part 3 of a 3 part series narrating the story of the Kojiki and the Nihon Shoki, two myth-histories of Japan. This series serves both as a feed drop of the forthcoming Nihonshi podcast and as Asian Religions Series - Shintō Part 4, 5, and 6.

https://www.feedingamerica.org/find-your-local-foodbank

Do you have a question about Buddhism that you'd like us to discuss? Let us know by emailing us at Bright.On.Buddhism@gmail.com.

Credits:

N...

Bright on Buddhism - Feed Drop - Nihonshi, A Japanese History Podcast

Join us as we drop part 2 of a 3 part series narrating the story of the Kojiki and the Nihon Shoki, two myth-histories of Japan. This series serves both as a feed drop of the forthcoming Nihonshi podcast and as Asian Religions Series - Shintō Part 4, 5, and 6.

https://www.feedingamerica.org/find-your-local-foodbank

Do you have a question about Buddhism that you'd like us to discuss? Let us know by emailing us at Bright.On.Buddhism@gmail.com.

Credits:

N...

Bright on Buddhism - Feed Drop - Nihonshi, A Japanese History Podcast

Join us as we drop part 1 of a 3 part series narrating the story of the Kojiki and the Nihon Shoki, two myth-histories of Japan. This series serves both as a feed drop of the forthcoming Nihonshi podcast and as Asian Religions Series - Shintō Part 4, 5, and 6.

https://www.feedingamerica.org/find-your-local-foodbank

Do you have a question about Buddhism that you'd like us to discuss? Let us know by emailing us at Bright.On.Buddhism@gmail.com.

Credits:

N...

Bright on Buddhism - 2025 Wrap Up

Join us as we celebrate 2025 and look ahead to 2026!

https://www.feedingamerica.org/find-your-local-foodbank

Do you have a question about Buddhism that you'd like us to discuss? Let us know by emailing us at Bright.On.Buddhism@gmail.com.

Credits:

Nick Bright: Script, Cover Art, Music, Voice of Hearer, Co-Host

Proven Paradox: Editing, mixing and mastering, social media, Voice of Hermit, Co-Host

Bright on Buddhism - Episode 128 - What is Tibetan Buddhism?What are some important historical points about it? What do the various schools of Tibetan Buddhism believe?

Resources: Cabezón, José Ignacio (26 October 2006). "Tibetan Buddhist Society". In Juergensmeyer, Mark (ed.). The Oxford Handbook of Global Religions. doi:10.1093/oxfordhb/9780195137989.003.0010.

Chagdud Tulku Rinpoche (1993). Gates to Buddhist Practice: Essential Teachings of a Tibetan Master. Padma Publishing. ISBN 1-881847-02-0.

Coleman, Graham, ed. (1993). A Handbook of Tibetan Culture. Boston: Shambhala Publications. ISBN 1-57062-002-4.

Mullin, Glenn H. (2008). Living in the Face of Death: Th...

Bright on Buddhism - Buddhish Episode 24 - TTRPGs

Join us as we discuss Nick and Dox's ongoing TTRPG!

https://www.feedingamerica.org/find-your-local-foodbank

Do you have a question about Buddhism that you'd like us to discuss? Let us know by emailing us at Bright.On.Buddhism@gmail.com.

Credits:

Nick Bright: Script, Cover Art, Music, Voice of Hearer, Co-Host

Proven Paradox: Editing, mixing and mastering, social media, Voice of Hermit, Co-Host

Bright on Buddhism - Guest Episode - Dharma Voices for Animals

Join us as we speak with a very special guest, Katie Nolan, Communications Director for Dharma Voices for Animals, a Buddhist animal rights organization.

https://www.feedingamerica.org/find-your-local-foodbank

Do you have a question about Buddhism that you'd like us to discuss? Let us know by emailing us at Bright.On.Buddhism@gmail.com.

Credits:

Nick Bright: Script, Cover Art, Music, Voice of Hearer, Co-Host

Proven Paradox: Editing, mixing and mastering, social media, Voice of Hermit...

Bright on Buddhism - Tevijja Sutta

Join us as we read and discuss the Bhikku Sujato translation of the Tevijja Sutta in its entirety.

Resources: https://suttacentral.net/dn13/en/sujato?lang=en&layout=plain&reference=none¬es=asterisk&highlight=false&script=latin; chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://themindingcentre.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/1.8-Tevijja-S-d13-piya.pdf; https://www.leighb.com/dn13.htm/ https://www.suttas.com/dn-13-tevijja-sutta--the-threefold-knowledge-the-way-to-brahma.html

https://www.feedingamerica.org/find-your-local-foodbank

Do you have a question about Buddhism that you'd like us to discuss? Let us know by emailing us a...

Bright on Buddhism - Asian Religions Series - Shugendō

Resources: Andrea Castiglioni, Fabio Rambelli, & Carina Roth, eds. Defining Shugendō: critical studies on Japanese mountain religion. London: Bloomsbury Academic, 2020.

Faure, Bernard; Moerman, Max; Sekimori, Gaynor (2011). Shugendō: The History and Culture of a Japanese Religion. Kyoto: Ecole française d'Extrême-Orient, centre de Kyoto. ISBN 9782855391236.

Gill, Andrea K. (2012). "Shugendō: Pilgrimage and Ritual in a Japanese Folk Religion". Pursuit - the Journal of Undergraduate Research at the University of Tennessee. 3 (2): 49–65. doi:10.7290/pur32otzk. ISSN 2330-4715. Retrieved 11 October 2017.

Hitoshi, Miyake; Sekimori, Gaynor (2005). The Mandala of the Moun...

Bright on Buddhism - Episode 127 - How do you cite sutras? Why does this matter? How do you read sutra citations?

Resources: Cousins, L. S. (1982), Pali oral literature. In Denwood and Piatigorski, eds.: Buddhist Studies, ancient and modern, London: Curzon Press, pp. 1–11

Davidson, Ronald M. (2003), Indian Esoteric Buddhism, New York: Indian Esoteric BuddhismColumbia University Press, ISBN 0-231-12618-2

De Jong, J.W. (1993), "The Beginnings of Buddhism", The Eastern Buddhist, 26 (2): 25

Gethin, Rupert (1998), Foundations of Buddhism, Oxford; New York: Oxford University Press

Gethin, Rupert (1992), The Buddha's Path to Awakening, Leiden: E...

Bright on Buddhism - Episode 126 - Who is Xuanzang? What were some of his views and written works? How did they affect Buddhism in East Asia?

Resources: Beal, Samuel, trans. (1911). The Life of Hiuen-Tsiang. Translated from the Chinese of Shaman (monk) Hwui Li. London. 1911. Reprint Munshiram Manoharlal, New Delhi. 1973. (a dated, abridged translation)

Bernstein, Richard (2001). Ultimate Journey: Retracing the Path of an Ancient Buddhist Monk (Xuanzang) who crossed Asia in Search of Enlightenment. Alfred A. Knopf, New York. ISBN 0-375-40009-5.

Christie, Anthony (1968). Chinese Mythology. Feltham, Middlesex: Hamlyn Publishing. ISBN 0600006379.

...

Bright on Buddhism - Guest Episode - Marta Gyoergy-Kessler

Join us as we speak with a very special guest, Marta Gyoergy-Kessler, director and producer of the documentary Meeting The Buddha. Please also consider going to a screening of the film at the Awareness Film Festival on October 26, 2025, in Santa Monica, CA, USA.

https://wck.org/relief/chefs-for-gaza

Do you have a question about Buddhism that you'd like us to discuss? Let us know by emailing us at Bright.On.Buddhism@gmail.com.

Credits:

Nick Bright: Script...

Bright on Buddhism - Feed Drop - Nihonshi, A Japanese History Podcast - Genpei War: Part 3

Join me as I drop an episode of my forthcoming 2nd podcast, Nihonshi, a Japanese History Podcast. On this show, we will be discussing topics in Japanese history and diving deep into their circumstances, their context, and their significance. We will talk about who the major players were, what their agendas were, and why they did what they did. Hopefully, by the end of each episode, you will have a better understanding and appreciation of Japanese history, but...

Bright on Buddhism - Feed Drop - Nihonshi, A Japanese History Podcast - Genpei War: Part 2

Join me as I drop an episode of my forthcoming 2nd podcast, Nihonshi, a Japanese History Podcast. On this show, we will be discussing topics in Japanese history and diving deep into their circumstances, their context, and their significance. We will talk about who the major players were, what their agendas were, and why they did what they did. Hopefully, by the end of each episode, you will have a better understanding and appreciation of Japanese history, but...

Bright on Buddhism - Feed Drop - Nihonshi, A Japanese History Podcast - Genpei War: Part 1

Join me as I drop an episode of my forthcoming 2nd podcast, Nihonshi, a Japanese History Podcast. On this show, we will be discussing topics in Japanese history and diving deep into their circumstances, their context, and their significance. We will talk about who the major players were, what their agendas were, and why they did what they did. Hopefully, by the end of each episode, you will have a better understanding and appreciation of Japanese history, but...

Bright on Buddhism - Episode 124 - What is the second moral precept of Buddhism? What is its significance? How have interpretations of it changed over time?

Resources: Five Precepts: Collected Essays by Paul Dahlke (BPS Wheel Publication No. 55)

Going for Refuge; Taking the Precepts by Bhikkhu Bodhi (BPS Wheel Publication No. 282 / 284)

For a Future to Be Possible: classic work about the five precepts, by Thich Nhat Hanh and several other authors

The Mind of Clover: Essays in Zen Buddhist Ethics: by Robert Aitken, about the precepts in Zen Buddhism

...

Bright on Buddhism - Dōgen - Passages from Shōbōgenzō

Join us as we read the Kazuaki Tanahashi translation of "Actualizing the Fundamental Point," "Being-Time," and "Body-and-Mind Study of The Way."

Resources: Dogen, Trans. Thomas Cleary; Shobogenzo: Zen Essays By Dogen; U. of Hawaii Press, Honolulu; ISBN 0-8248-1014-7 (1st edition, hardback, 1986).; Dogen, Trans. Norman Waddell and Masao Abe; The Heart of Dogen's Shobogenzo; SUNY Press, Albany; ISBN 0-7914-5242-5 (1st edition, hardback, 2002).; Dogen, Trans. Thomas Cleary; Rational Zen: The Mind of Dogen Zenji; Shambhala, Boston; ISBN 0-87773-689-8 (1st edit...

Bright on Buddhism - Episode 123 - What was the Saffron Revolution of 2007? What were the circumstances that caused it? What is its legacy?

Resources:

The Group Protesting the Murder of Mr. Nagai by the Army of Myanmar

Burma-Myanmar Genocide 2007, aggregating news about current ongoing events, providing translations into English from Burmese blogs from within the country

Burma News International

Burma Archive[usurped]: an aggregation effort by SOAS academics, UK.

Mae Tao Clinic (Dr Cynthia's Clinic) The Mae Tao Clinic provides medical care in a Burmese refuge camp...

Bright on Buddhism - Kōan Series Episode 12 - Banzan's "3 Worlds, No Dharma"

Hello and welcome to a new episode of the Kōan Series. In this series, we will read and discuss real Buddhist kōans to try and better understand them. We hope you enjoy.

Resources: Episode 10 - https://anchor.fm/brightonbuddhism/episodes/What-is-Zen-Buddhism-e1a2sm2

Episode 18 - https://anchor.fm/brightonbuddhism/episodes/What-is-the-Buddhist-philosophy-of-speech--language--and-words-e1dgqu9

Episode 32 - https://anchor.fm/brightonbuddhism/episodes/What-are-kans-e1j5scl

Episode 33 - https://anchor.fm/brightonbuddhism/episodes/What-is-emptiness-e1jc31i

Hor...

Bright on Buddhism - Episode 122 - Who were some early Western scholars who shaped Western ideas about Buddhism? What were their perspectives and arguments? Where does scholarly consensus stand on those conversations and encounters today?

Resources: Abelson, Peter (1993). "Schopenhauer and Buddhism". Philosophy East and West. 43 (2): 255–78. doi:10.2307/1399616. JSTOR 1399616. Archived from the original on 28 June 2011. Retrieved 25 October 2007.

Washington, Peter (1993). Madame Blavatsky's Baboon: Theosophy and the Emergence of the Western Guru. London: Secker & Warburg. ISBN 978-0-436-56418-5.

Caldwell, Daniel H. (ed) The Esoteric World of Madame Blavatsky: Insights Into the Life of a Modern Sp...

Buddhish - Episode 23 - Music

Join us as we nerd out about music together.

Music list: Nick –

Leo Leo - https://www.youtube.com/@leoleotheband

Makoto Matsushita - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCprewYlxsT-7hK6_nM7jCQ

Masayoshi Takanaka - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCh2rvH6MGKYC-UHjTA1-eIQ

Mariya Takeuchi - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFCHKsT1ZY2aLUAbWW1lJGA

Kingo Hamada - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC88aaTutGlV2KYugZ6LbZpA

Ryusenkei - https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=ryusenkei

Bright on Buddhism - Episode 121 - What were the nikaya schools? What did they believe? What happened to them?

Resources: Baruah, Bibhuti (2000). Buddhist Sects and Sectarianism. Sarup & Sons. ISBN 978-81-7625-152-5.; Nakamura, Hajime (1987). Indian Buddhism: A Survey with Bibliographical Notes. Motilal Banarsidass. ISBN 978-81-208-0272-8.; Nattier, Jan (2003). A Few Good Men: The Bodhisattva Path According to the Inquiry of Ugra (Ugraparipṛcchā): a Study and Translation. University of Hawaii Press. ISBN 978-0-8248-2607-9.; Padma, Sree (2008). Buddhism in the Krishna River Valley of Andhra. SUNY Press. ISBN 978-0-7914-7814-1.; Ray, Reg...

Bright on Buddhism - Episode 120 - Who is Vairocana? What is his history? How ought we understand him?

Resources: Birmingham, Vessantara (2003). Meeting The Buddhas, Windhorse Publications, ISBN 0-904766-53-5.; Cook, Francis H. (1977). Hua-Yen Buddhism: The Jewel Net of Indra, Pennsylvania State University Press.; Cook, Francis H. (1972). 'The meaning of Vairocana in Hua-Yen Buddhism, Philosophy East and West 22 (4), 403-415; Park, Kwangsoo (2003). A Comparative Study of the Concept of Dharmakaya Buddha: Vairocana in Hua-yen and Mahavairocana in Shingon Buddhism, International Journal of Buddhist Thought and Culture 2, 305-331; Reeves, Gene (2008). The Lotus Sutra: A Contemporary Translation of a Buddhist...

Bright on Buddhism - Episode 119 - What is the role of music in Buddhism? What are some instruments that are commonly used in ritual? How ought we understand music in Buddhism?

Resources: https://buddhiststudies.stanford.edu/resources/resource-guide-public/buddhist-music-and-chanting

Chen, Pi-Yen (2010). Chinese Buddhist monastic chants. Middleton, Wis.: A-R Editions. ISBN 9780895796721.

Chen, Pi-yen (2002). "The contemporary practice of the Chinese Buddhist daily service: Two case studies of the traditional in the post-traditional world". Ethnomusicology. 46 (2): 226–249. doi:10.2307/852780. JSTOR 852780.

Gelongma Karma Khechong Palmo. Mantras on the Prayer Flag. Kailash: A Journal of Himalayan Studies, Volume 1, Number 2, 1973. (pp...

Bright on Buddhism - Buddhish 22 - The Saturday Edition

Join us as we begrudgingly discuss the end of our streak of never missing uploads!

https://www.gofundme.com/c/act/flood-relief#/

Do you have a question about Buddhism that you'd like us to discuss? Let us know by emailing us at Bright.On.Buddhism@gmail.com.

Credits:

Nick Bright: Script, Cover Art, Music, Voice of Hearer, Co-Host

Proven Paradox: Editing, mixing and mastering, social media, Voice of Hermit, Co-Host

Chapter 2 of the Lotus Sutra - Join us as we read and discuss Chapter 2 of the Burton Watson translation of the Lotus Sutra!

Resources: Hurvitz, Leon. 1976. Scripture of the Lotus Blossom of the Fine Dharma. New York:  Columbia University Press.; Kato, Bunno. 1971. The Threefold Lotus Sutra: Innumerable Meanings, The Lotus Flower of the Wonderful Law, and Meditation on the Bodhisattva Universal Virtue. Tokyo:  Kosei Publishing Company.; Kern, H. 1884. 1963. Saddharma-Puṇḍarīka or The Lotus of the True Law. London:  New York:  Clarendon Press. Dover Publications. The Sacred Books of the East, Volume XXI; Kubo, Tsugunari and Akira Yuyama. 1...

Bright on Buddhism - Episode 118 - What is the relationship between Japanese imperialism and Japanese Buddhism? Why were Buddhist temples pro-empire? What are their stances today?

Resources: Bodiford, William (1996), "Zen and the Art of Religious Prejudice. Efforts to Reform a Tradition of Social Discrimination" (PDF), Japanese Journal of Religious Studies, 23 (1–2); Crook, John (1995), The Place of the Dharma in Our Time; Crook, John (2000), The Place of Chan in Post-Modern Europe; Heisig, James W.; Maraldo, John C., eds. (1995), Rude Awakenings. Zen, the Kyoto School, and the question of nationalism (PDF), Honolulu: University of Hawai'i Press, archived from the original (PD...

Bright on Buddhism - The Difference Between the Exoteric and Esoteric Teachings - Benkenmitsunikyōron - 偏顕密二教論

Join us as we read and discuss Kūkai's "The Difference Between the Exoteric and Esoteric Teachings" - Benkenmitsunikyōron - 偏顕密二教論

Resources: Davidson, Ronald M. (2002). Indian Esoteric Buddhism: A Social History of the Tantric Movement. Columbia University Press; Duckworth, Douglas (2015). "Tibetan Mahāyāna and Vajrayāna". In Emmanuel, Steven M. (ed.). A Companion to Buddhist Philosophy. Wiley. ISBN 978-1-119-14466-3.; Bowring, Richard (2008). The Religious Traditions of Japan: 500–1600. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press.; BDK (2015), Esoteric Texts, Bukkyō Dendō Kyōkai America Incorporated...

Bright on Buddhism - Episode 117 - What is the difference between a lay-person and a monastic in Buddhism? How does this difference entail different duties and roles? How does this difference shift and change over time?

Shout out to Garret for this question!

Do you have a question about Buddhism that you'd like us to discuss? Let us know by emailing us at Bright.On.Buddhism@gmail.com.

Credits:

Nick Bright: Script, Cover Art, Music, Voice of Hearer, Co-Host

Proven Paradox: Editing, mixing and mastering, social media, Voice of...

Bright on Buddhism - Episode 116 - What are some characteristics of Shingon Buddhist sacred spaces? How do they differ from other Buddhist sacred spaces? How are Shingon sacred spaces influenced by texts and doctrines?

Resources: Andreeva, Anna. “Buddhist Temple Networks in Medieval Japan.” Japanese Journal of Religious Studies 47, no. 1 (2020): 11–41.; Bushelle, Ethan. “The Mountain as Mandala: Kūkai’s Founding of Mt. Kōya.” Japanese Journal of Religious Studies 47, no. 1 (2020): 43–83.; Collection of Benevolent Deeds (Sazenshū 作善集). By Chōgen 重源 (1121–1206).In Shunjōbō Chōgen shiryō shūsei 俊乗房重源資料集成, ed. Kobayashi Takeshi小林 剛.Tokyo: Yoshikawa Kōbunkan, 1965.; Dobbins, James C. Jōdo Shinshū: Shin Buddhism in Medieval Japan. Religion in Asia an...

Bright on Buddhism - Episode 115 - Who is Kumarajiva? What did he do in his life? How did that affect Buddhism in East Asia?

Resources: Chandra, Moti (1977), Trade and Trade Routes in Ancient India, Abhinav Publications, ISBN 9788170170556; Eitel, E.J.; Edkins, Joseph (1871), "Handbook for the Student of Chinese Buddhism", The Chinese Recorder and Missionary Journal, 3, FOOCHOW.: American Presbyterian Mission Press: 217; Greene, Eric Matthew (2012), Meditation, Repentance, and Visionary Experience in Early Medieval Chinese Buddhism (PhD dissertation), University of California, Berkeley; Kumar, Yukteshwar (2005), A History of Sino-Indian Relations, APH Publishing Corporation, ISBN 978-8176487986; Lu, Yang (2004), "Narrative and Historicity in...

Bright on Buddhism - Episode 114 - What is the role of visions and dreams in Buddhism? What are some visions and dreams that Buddhists have had? How ought we understand them? (How are they different from imagining a thing?)

References: Andrews, Allan A. The Teachings Essential for Rebirth: A study of Genshin’s Ōjōyōshū. Monumenta Nipponica, Sophia University, 1973.; Horton, Sarah (2004). The Influence of the Ōjōyōshū in Late Tenth- and Early Eleventh-Century Japan, Japanese Journal of Religious Studies 31 (1), 29-54; Rhodes, Robert F. (2007). Ōjōyōshū, Nihon Ōjō Gokuraku-ki, and the Construction of Pure Land Discourse in Hei...

Bright on Buddhism - Asian Religions Series - Shintō Part 3

Hello and welcome to the Asian religions series. In this series, we will be discussing religious traditions in Asia other than Buddhism. Buddhism never existed in a vacuum, and as it has spread all across East Asia, it has developed, localized, and syncretized with local traditions in fascinating and significant ways. As such, we cannot provide a complete picture of East Asian without discussing those local traditions such as they were and are. Disclaimer: this series is very basic and introductory, and does not and cannot paint a...

Bright on Buddhism - Sammādiṭṭhi Sutta - Join us as we read and discuss the Sammādiṭṭhi Sutta in its entirety.

Resources: Bodhi, Bhikkhu (2005). In the Buddha's Words: An Anthology of Discourses from the Pali Canon. Boston: Wisdom Publications. ISBN 0-86171-491-1.; La Trobe University (n.d.). Sammādiṭṭhisuttaṃ (M 1.1.9; in Pali). Retrieved 16 Sep 2007 from "Pali Canon Online Database" et seq. (BJT Pages 110-132).; Ñanamoli Thera (tr.) (1981). Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta: Setting Rolling the Wheel of Truth (SN 56.11). Retrieved 20 Sep 2007 from "Access to Insight" (1993).; Ñanamoli Thera (tr.) & Bhikkhu Bodhi (ed., rev.) (1991). The Discourse on Right View: The Sam...

Bright on Buddhism - Episode 113 - How does Buddhism argue that one must respond when they have been wronged? Does it teach that you should just take it and not respond at all? How does this relate to Buddhist influenced martial arts?

Resources: Canzonieri, Salvatore. "The Emergence of the Chinese Martial arts". Han Wei Wushu (23).; Henning, Stanley (1999b). "Martial arts Myths of Shaolin Monastery, Part I: The Giant with the Flaming Staff". Journal of the Chenstyle Taijiquan Research Association of Hawaii. 5 (1).; Henning, Stanley E. (Fall 1999). "Academia Encounters the Chinese Martial arts". China Review International. 6 (2): 319–332. doi:10.1353/cri.1999.0020. ISSN 1069-5...

Bright on Buddhism Episode 112 - What is the first moral precept of Buddhism? What is its significance? How have interpretations of it changed over time?

Resources: Dundas, Paul (2002) [1992]. The Jains (Second ed.). Routledge. ISBN 978-0-415-26605-5.; Fitzgerald, James L., ed. (2004). The Mahabharata. Vol. 7. The University of Chicago Press. ISBN 0-226-25250-7.; Laidlaw, James (1995). Riches and Renunciation: Religion, economy, and society among the Jains. Oxford University Press, USA. ISBN 0-19-828031-9.; Sarao, Karam Tej S. (1989). The Origin and Nature of Ancient Indian Buddhism. New Delhi: Eastern Book Linkers.; Schmidt, Hanns Peter (1968). "The Origin of...

Bright on Buddhism - Buddhish Episode 21 - Post-pilgrimage

Join us as we discuss Nick's unexpected journey home.

Do you have a question about Buddhism that you'd like us to discuss? Let us know by emailing us at Bright.On.Buddhism@gmail.com.

Nick Bright: Script, Cover Art, Music, Voice of Hearer, Co-HostProven Paradox: Editing, mixing and mastering, social media, Voice of Hermit, Co-Host

Welcome to Buddhish episode 20. Nick is heading to Japan. On this episode, we'll talk about our plans for while he's out.

Join us as we revisit the First Sermon for our introductory series.

Referenced previous episodes:

Episode 9 - What is Dharma?

https://open.spotify.com/episode/6el6KrqTZmbOVrjqbBpkVG?si=68x5LXYxRDSreMHC43vkgQ

Episode 95 - Do Buddhists reject the world?

https://open.spotify.com/episode/0ei60T36TptovmMlDvWFJh?si=9ed0441b9cfa4091

Episode 72 - What is samadhi in Buddhism?

https://open.spotify.com/episode/6WKyzAEccukpwBIXrX2qy5?si=64a0629c96534c09

The Dhammacakkappavattana Suta - The First Sermon (Original episode) -

https://open.spotify...

Who is Ananda? -

https://open.spotify.com/episode/34DVgbSOfwc5hNGzcaSCIQ?si=-zQsu_Q9Qo2qDtfucSb3sg

Lotus Sutra Chapter 3: Parable of the Burning House - 

https://open.spotify.com/episode/0zoSJEL2HmjQDEXZDrDbx0?si=_C_dmAqxSIaYohraf7OgWA

The Contemplation Sutra -

https://open.spotify.com/episode/4imYVtkP0ETVDqKWkaKSbO?si=cgpSqo0IT3ygSGUP9OGpeA

The Heart Sutra -

https://open.spotify.com/episode/6mQtoqp3hNsCOFd3YNYayV?si=5848siDaRN29fXMKEVdKlQ

The Metta Sutta -

https://open.spotify.com/episode/5tMc7LrPSRszQTzKunePoS?si=1lgySL3X...

Spellings for the recommended temple names:

Seattle Koyasan (Shingon)

Seattle Choeizan Enkyoji (Nichiren)Bhante Jayasara’s Maggasekha community (Theravada)Buddhist Churches of America (various)

Sources:

Richard Foltz 2010, Religions of the Silk Road

Paul Williams 2005 Buddhism: Buddhist origins and the early history of Buddhism in South and Southeast Asia

Erik Zurcher 2007 The Buddhist Conquest of China

Carl Olson 2005 The Different Paths of Buddhism : A Narrative-Historical Introduction

Edward Conze’s 2008 book, “Buddhism. A Short History”

Richard F Gombrich’s 1997 book, “How Buddhism Began”

Bright on Buddhism - Episode 108 - How do I start as a practitioner? What do Buddhists do? What are some resources for beginning practitioners?

Resources: https://linktr.ee/brightonbuddhism; https://www.accesstoinsight.org/; https://www.dhammatalks.org/

Do you have a question about Buddhism that you'd like us to discuss? Let us know by finding us on email or social media! https://linktr.ee/brightonbuddhism

Credits:

Nick Bright: Script, Cover Art, Music, Voice of Hearer, Co-Host

Proven Paradox: Editing, mixing and mastering, social media, Voice of Hermit, Co-Host

Bright on Buddhism - Episode 107 - What are some Brahmanical perspectives on Buddhism from the Buddha's lifetime or thereabouts? What are the doctrinal roots of those perspectives? What is the historical relationship between Hinduism and Buddhism like?

Resources: Cousins, L.S. (2010), "Buddhism", The Penguin Handbook of the World's Living Religions, Penguin, ISBN 978-0-14-195504-9; Flood, Gavin D. (1996), An Introduction to Hinduism, Cambridge University Press, ISBN 978-0-521-43878-0; Fuller, C. J. (2004), The Camphor Flame: Popular Hinduism and Society in India, Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press, ISBN 978-0-691-12048-5; Gethin, Rupert (2008), Sayings of...

Bright on Buddhism - Shōji Jissō Gi

Join us as we read and discuss the Hakeda Yoshito translation of the Shōji Jissō Gi by Kūkai in its entirety.

Resources: Clipston, Janice (2000). Sokushin-jōbutsu-gi: Attaining Enlightenment in This Very Existence, Buddhist Studies Reviews 17 (2), 207-220; Giebel, Rolf W.; Todaro, Dale A.; trans. (2004). Shingon texts, Berkeley, Calif.: Numata Center for Buddhist Translation and Research; Green, Ronald S. (2003). "Kūkai, Founder of Japanese Shingon Buddhism: Portraits of His Life." Ph.D. dissertation, University of Wisconsin-Madison.; Hakeda Yoshito. 1972. Kūkai – Major Works. New York, USA: Columbia University Press.; In...

Bright on Buddhism - Episode 106 - How ought we understand anger and rage in Buddhism? What are the different types of anger and rage in Buddhist thought? What is the role of anger and rage in Buddhism?

Resources: Bhikkhu Bodhi (2003), A Comprehensive Manual of Abhidhamma, Pariyatti Publishing; Goleman, Daniel (2008). Destructive Emotions: A Scientific Dialogue with the Dalai Lama. Bantam. Kindle Edition.; Geshe Tashi Tsering (2006). Buddhist Psychology: The Foundation of Buddhist Thought. Perseus Books Group. Kindle Edition.; Ajahn Sucitto (2010). Turning the Wheel of Truth: Commentary on the Buddha's First Teaching. Shambhala.; Bryant, Edwin F. (2009). The Yoga sūtras o...

Bright on Buddhism - Research Project Series - Aikidō

Join me as I discuss a famous Japanese martial art called Aikidō.

Resources: Ueshiba, Kisshōmaru (2004). The Art of Aikido: Principles and Essential Techniques. Kodansha International. p. 70. ISBN 4-7700-2945-4.; Saotome, Mitsugi (1989). The Principles of Aikido. Boston, Massachusetts: Shambhala. p. 222. ISBN 978-0-87773-409-3.; David Jones (2015). Martial Arts Training in Japan: A Guide for Westerners. Tuttle Publishing. p. 65. ISBN 978-1-4629-1828-7.; Michael A. Gordon (2019). Aikido as Transformative and Embodied Pedagogy: Teacher as Healer. Springer. p. 28. ISBN 978-3-030-23953-4.; Koichi Tohei: Ki...

Bright on Buddhism - Episode 105 - Who is Amitabha? What are some stories about him? How ought we understand him?

Resources: Karashima, Seishi (2009), JSTOR 24049429 On Amitābha, Amitāyu(s), Sukhāvatī and the Amitābhavyūha], Bulletin of the Asia Institute, New Series, 23, 121–130

Charles Muller, "Buddha of Immeasurable Life 無量壽佛" Digital Dictionary of Buddhism,http://www.buddhism-dict.net/cgi-bin/xpr-ddb.pl?71.xml+id(%27b7121-91cf-58fd-4f5b%27)

Tanaka, Kenneth K. 1990. The Dawn of Chinese Pure Land Buddhist Doctrine: Ching-ying Hui-yüanʼs Commentary on the Visualization Sutra, p. 12. Albany: State University of New York Press...

Bright on Buddhism - Buddhish - Episode 19 - Way of The Passive Fist

Join us as we discuss the video game, Way of The Passive Fist!

https://store.steampowered.com/app/625680/Way_of_the_Passive_Fist/

Do you have a question about Buddhism that you'd like us to discuss? Let us know by finding us on email or social media! https://linktr.ee/brightonbuddhism

Credits:

Nick Bright: Script, Cover Art, Music, Voice of Hearer, Co-Host

Proven Paradox: Editing, mixing and mastering, social media, Voice of Hermit, Co-Host<...

Bright on Buddhism - Episode 104 - What is the relationship between Buddhism and martial arts? What are some Buddhist influenced martial arts and their histories? How does the practice of martial arts reconcile with the moral precept of not harming sentient beings?

Resources: Canzonieri, Salvatore. "The Emergence of the Chinese Martial arts". Han Wei Wushu (23).; Henning, Stanley (1999b). "Martial arts Myths of Shaolin Monastery, Part I: The Giant with the Flaming Staff". Journal of the Chenstyle Taijiquan Research Association of Hawaii. 5 (1).; Henning, Stanley E. (Fall 1999). "Academia Encounters the Chinese Martial arts". China Review International. 6 (2): 319–332. doi:10.1353/cri.1999.0020. ISSN 1069-583...

Bright on Buddhism - Episode 103 - What is a Dalai Lama? What is the meaning and significance of that position? Who is the Dalai Lama today?

Resources: Buswell, Robert E.; Lopez, Donald S. Jr., eds. (2014). Princeton Dictionary of Buddhism. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press. ISBN 978-0-691-15786-3.; David-Neel, A. (1965). Magic & Mystery in Tibet. Corgi Books.London. ISBN 0-552-08745-9.; Dhondup, K. (1984). The Water-Horse and Other Years. Dharamsala: Library of Tibetan Works and Archives.; Dhondup, K. (1986). The Water-Bird and Other Years. New Delhi: Rangwang Publishers.; Dowman, Keith (1988). The power-places of Central Tibet : the pilgrim's guide...

Bright on Buddhism - Episode 102 - What is bodhicitta in Buddhism? Isnt it technically a desire? How does one arouse bodhicitta?

Resources: Bodhisattvabhumi (The Bodhisattva Levels); Śāntideva's A Guide to the Bodhisattva's Way Of Life (c. 700 CE),; Atisha's Bodhipathapradipa; Thogme Zangpo's Thirty-Seven Practices of a Bodhisattva[35] (12th century CE); Langri Tangpa's Eight Verses for Training the Mind[36] (c. 1100 CE); Geshe Chekhawa Training the Mind in Seven Points in the 12th century CE.; Gampopa, Khenpo Konchog Gyaltsen (1998). The Jewel Ornament of Liberation: The Wish-Fulfilling Gem of the Noble Teachings. Shambhala. ISBN 9781559390927.; Gyatso, Tenzin (1995). The World of Tibetan Buddhism: An...

Bright on Buddhism - Asian Religions Series - Daoism Part 2

Hello and welcome to the Asian religions series. In this series, we will be discussing religious traditions in Asia other than Buddhism. Buddhism never existed in a vacuum, and as it has spread all across East Asia, it has developed, localized, and syncretized with local traditions in fascinating and significant ways. As such, we cannot provide a complete picture of East Asian without discussing those local traditions such as they were and are. Disclaimer: this series is very basic and introductory, and does not and cannot paint...

Bright on Buddhism - Laṅkāvatāra Sūtra - Chapter 2 Part 4

Join us as we read and discuss Chapter 2 of DT Suzuki's translation of the Laṅkāvatāra Sūtra!

Resources: Lindtner, Christian (1992). The Lankavatarasutra in Early Indian Madhyamaka Literature, Copenhagen. Asiatische Studien, XLV, 1, pp. 244–279.; Nanjio, Bunyiu. ed. (1923). The Laṅkāvatāra sūtra, Kyoto: Otani University Press, pp. VIII-IX (Skt. edition); Sutton, Florin G. (1991). Existence and enlightenment in the Laṅkāvatāra-sūtra: a study in the ontology and epistemology of the Yogācāra school of Mahāyāna Buddhism, Albany, NY...

Bright on Buddhism - Buddhish - Episode 18 - 2024 Wrap Up

Join us as we record together in person for the first time in the show's history to discuss 2024 and as we look ahead to 2025!

Do you have a question about Buddhism that you'd like us to discuss? Let us know by finding us on email or social media! https://linktr.ee/brightonbuddhism

Credits:

Nick Bright: Script, Cover Art, Music, Voice of Hearer, Co-Host

Proven Paradox: Editing, mixing and mastering, social media, Voice of Hermit, Co-Host

Bright on Buddhism - Episode 101 - What is the history of the swastika? What does it mean? Why and how was it taken up by hate groups?

Resources: Adrian Snodgrass (1992). The Symbolism of the Stupa. Motilal Banarsidass. pp. 82–83. ISBN 978-81-208-0781-5.; Powers, John (2007). Introduction to Tibetan Buddhism. Shambhala Press. p. 509. ISBN 978-1-55939-835-0 – via Google Books.; Quinn, Malcolm (2005). The Swastika: Constructing the Symbol. Routledge. ISBN 978-1-134-85495-0.; Beer, Robert (2003). The Handbook of Tibetan Buddhist Symbols. Serindia Publications, Inc. ISBN 978-1932476033; Buddhist Manji Removed from Crunchyroll's Release of Tokyo Reve...

Bright on Buddhism - Episode 100 - Revisit - Who is the Buddha? Is the Buddha a god? Is there more than one Buddha?

Resources: Kevin Trainor: Buddhism: An Illustrated Guide; Donald Lopez: Norton Anthology of World Religions: Buddhism; Gethin: He who sees dhamma sees dhammas: dhamma in early buddhism (2004); Chan Master Sheng Yen: Orthodox Chinese Buddhism; Robert E Buswell: Encyclopedia of Buddhism: Buddha(s), Jan Nattier

Do you have a question about Buddhism that you'd like us to discuss? Let us know by finding us on email or social...

Bright on Buddhism - Research Project Series - Noh Theater and Japanese Buddhism

Join me as I discuss Noh Theater and Japanese Buddhism.

Resources: Brandon, James R. (ed.) (1997). Nō and kyōgen in the contemporary world. (Foreword by Ricardo D. Trimillos) Honolulu: University of Hawaiʻi Press.; Brazell, Karen (1998). Traditional Japanese Theater: An Anthology of Plays. New York: Columbia University Press.; Ortolani, Benito; Leiter, Samuel L. (eds) (1998). Zeami and the Nō Theatre in the World. New York: Center for Advanced Study in Theatre Arts, CUNY.; Tyler, Royall (ed. & trans.) (1992). Japanese Nō Dramas. London: Penguin Books. ISBN...

Bright on Buddhism - Episode 99 - What is the history of anti-Buddhist thought in Japan? What is its social and political context? What is the state of Buddhism in Japan today?

Resources: Hur, Nam-lin. 2007. Death and Social Order in Tokugawa Japan: Buddhism, Anti-Christianity, and the Danka System. 1st ed. Vol. 282. Harvard University Asia Center. https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctt1tg5pht.; Ketelaar, James Edward. 1990. Of Heretics and Martyrs in Meiji Japan: Buddhism and Its Persecution. Princeton University Press. https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctv173dzs8.; LaFleur, William R. 1986. The Karma of Words: Buddhism and the...

Bright on Buddhism - Episode 98 - Who is Vasubandhu? What were some of his views? How did he affect Buddhism in East Asia?

Resources: David J. Kalupahana, The Principles of Buddhist Psychology, State University of New York Press, Albany, 1987, pp 173–192.; Francis H. Cook, Three Texts on Consciousness Only, Numata Center for Buddhist Translation and Research, Berkeley, 1999, pp 371–383 ("Thirty Verses on Consciousness Only") and pp 385–408 ("Twenty Verses on Consciousness Only"); Erich Frauwallner, The Philosophy of Buddhism, Motilal Banarsidass, Delhi, 2010 [1956].; Li Rongxi, Albert A. Dalia (2002). The Lives of Great Monks and Nuns, Berkeley CA: Numata Center for Tr...

Bright on Buddhism - Kōan Series Episode 11 - Jōshū's "Wash Your Bowls"

Hello and welcome to a new episode of the Kōan Series. In this series, we will read and discuss real Buddhist kōans to try and better understand them. We hope you enjoy.

Resources: Episode 10 - https://anchor.fm/brightonbuddhism/episodes/What-is-Zen-Buddhism-e1a2sm2

Episode 18 - https://anchor.fm/brightonbuddhism/episodes/What-is-the-Buddhist-philosophy-of-speech--language--and-words-e1dgqu9

Episode 32 - https://anchor.fm/brightonbuddhism/episodes/What-are-kans-e1j5scl

Episode 33 - https://anchor.fm/brightonbuddhism/episodes/What-is-emptiness-e1jc31i

Bright on Buddhism - Laṅkāvatāra Sūtra - Chapter 2 Part 3

Join us as we read and discuss Chapter 2 of DT Suzuki's translation of the Laṅkāvatāra Sūtra!

Resources: Lindtner, Christian (1992). The Lankavatarasutra in Early Indian Madhyamaka Literature, Copenhagen. Asiatische Studien, XLV, 1, pp. 244–279.; Nanjio, Bunyiu. ed. (1923). The Laṅkāvatāra sūtra, Kyoto: Otani University Press, pp. VIII-IX (Skt. edition); Sutton, Florin G. (1991). Existence and enlightenment in the Laṅkāvatāra-sūtra: a study in the ontology and epistemology of the Yogācāra school of Mahāyāna Buddhism, Albany, NY...

Bright on Buddhism - Join us as we read and discuss 3 Very Short Sutras: the Ñanamoli Thera translation of the Anatta-lakkhana Sutta, then the Thanissaro Bhikku translation of the Kaccānagotta Sutta, and then finally, the a-sutra.

Resources: Kalupahana, David J. (1986). Nāgārjuna: The Philosophy of the Middle Way. State University of New York Press.; Mendis, N.K.G. (tr., ed.) (1979). On the No-self Characteristic: The Anatta-lakkhana Sutta (The Wheel No. 268). Kandy: Buddhist Publication Society. Retrieved 2007-10-03 from "Access to Insight" (2007) at http://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/authors/mendis/wheel268.html.; Ñanamoli Thera (tr., ed.) (1981). Three...

Bright on Buddhism - Episode 97 - What is satori in Buddhism? What happens when one attains it? How does one attain it?

Resources: Kapleau, Philip (1989). The Three Pillars of Zen: Teaching, Practice, and Enlightenment. New York: Anchor Books. ISBN 978-0-385-26093-0.; McRae, John R. (2003). Seeing Through Zen: Encounter, Transformation, and Genealogy in Chinese Chan Buddhism. The University Press Group Ltd. ISBN 978-0-520-23798-8.; Suzuki, D. T. (1994a) [1934]. An Introduction to Zen Buddhism. Grove Press. ISBN 978-0-8021-3055-6.; Suzuki, D. T. (1994b). Essays in Zen Buddhism. Grove Press. ISBN 978-0-8021-5118...

Bright on Buddhism - Episode 96 - How ought we understand suicide in Buddhism? When is it acceptable and unacceptable and why? How has this interacted with and been influenced by culture?

Content warning - This episode contains heavy and potentially graphic discussions of suicide. Listener discretion is advised. If you or somebody you know has suicidal thoughts, ideation, or behaviors, you can call, text, or chat with 988 if you live in the US, or with your local suicide hotline if you live elsewhere.

Resources: https://academic.oup.com/book/31744; https://web.archive.org/web/20150522111755/http...

Bright on Buddhism - Laṅkāvatāra Sūtra - Chapter 2 Part 2

Join us as we read and discuss Chapter 2 of DT Suzuki's translation of the Laṅkāvatāra Sūtra!

Resources: Lindtner, Christian (1992). The Lankavatarasutra in Early Indian Madhyamaka Literature, Copenhagen. Asiatische Studien, XLV, 1, pp. 244–279.; Nanjio, Bunyiu. ed. (1923). The Laṅkāvatāra sūtra, Kyoto: Otani University Press, pp. VIII-IX (Skt. edition); Sutton, Florin G. (1991). Existence and enlightenment in the Laṅkāvatāra-sūtra: a study in the ontology and epistemology of the Yogācāra school of Mahāyāna Buddhism, Albany, NY...

Bright on Buddhism - Research Project Series - The Icchantika Problem in Buddhism

Join me as I discuss the Icchantika problem in Buddhism.

Resources: Gethin, Rupert. He who sees dhamma sees dhammas: dhamma in early buddhism (2004); Huineng, Platform Sūtra, Dahui Zonggao (1089-1163), Eihei Dōgen (1200-1253); Sponberg, Alan. “The Trisvabhāva Doctrine in India and China.” Ryukoku Daigaku Bukkyo; Bunka Kenkyujo Kiyo 22, 97–119. (1982); Stone, Jacqueline I. Original Enlightenment and the Transformation of Medieval Japanese Buddhism. Original Enlightenment and the Transformation of Medieval Japanese Buddhism. University of Hawaii Press, 2003. https://doi.org/10.1515/9780824840501.; Xuanzang. Vijnapti Matrata Siddhi. Translate...

Bright on Buddhism - Buddhish Episode 17 - Questions/Assumptions I Get As a Buddhist Studies Scholar

Join me as I mention and dismantle many of the assumptions and questions I always get as a religious studies scholar specializing in Buddhism.

Do you have a question about Buddhism that you'd like us to discuss? Let us know by tweeting to us @BrightBuddhism, emailing us at Bright.On.Buddhism@gmail.com, or joining us on our discord server, Hidden Sangha https://discord.gg/tEwcVpu!

Credits:

Nick Bright: Script, Cover Art, Music, Voice of...

Bright on Buddhism - Laṅkāvatāra Sūtra - Chapter 2 Part 1

Join us as we read and discuss Chapter 1 of DT Suzuki's translation of the Laṅkāvatāra Sūtra!

Resources: Lindtner, Christian (1992). The Lankavatarasutra in Early Indian Madhyamaka Literature, Copenhagen. Asiatische Studien, XLV, 1, pp. 244–279.; Nanjio, Bunyiu. ed. (1923). The Laṅkāvatāra sūtra, Kyoto: Otani University Press, pp. VIII-IX (Skt. edition); Sutton, Florin G. (1991). Existence and enlightenment in the Laṅkāvatāra-sūtra: a study in the ontology and epistemology of the Yogācāra school of Mahāyāna Buddhism, Albany, NY...

Bright on Buddhism - Buddhish Episode 16 - The Matrix as Buddhist

Join us as we analyze the famous 1999 sci-fi movie The Matrix as containing Buddhist elements, allegories, and motifs.

Do you have a question about Buddhism that you'd like us to discuss? Let us know by tweeting to us @BrightBuddhism, emailing us at Bright.On.Buddhism@gmail.com, or joining us on our discord server, Hidden Sangha https://discord.gg/tEwcVpu!

Credits:

Nick Bright: Script, Cover Art, Music, Voice of Hearer, Co-Host

Proven...

Bright on Buddhism - Episode 95 - Do Buddhists reject the world? Do Buddhists believe that life is nothing but suffering? Are Buddhists fatalists or nihilists?

Resources: Davis, Bret W. 2004. "Zen After Zarathustra: The Problem of the Will in the Confrontation Between Nietzsche and Buddhism." Journal of Nietzsche Studies 28:89–138. p. 107.; Amaro, Ajahn (7 May 2015) [2008]. "A Dhamma article by Ajahn Amaro – The View from the Centre". Amaravati Buddhist Monastery. Archived from the original on 12 June 2018. Retrieved 24 June 2019.; Alagaddupama Sutta, The Middle Length Discourses of the Buddha (PDF). Translated by Nanamoli, Bikkhu; Bodhi, Bikkhu. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2015-09-26...

Bright on Buddhism - Episode 94 - How ought we understand sex in Buddhism? What is the meaning and significance of the doctrine prohibiting sexual indiscretion? How have understandings of this doctrine changed over time?

Resources: Lang, Karen C. (June 2015). Mittal, Sushil (ed.). "When the Vindhya Mountains Float in the Ocean: Some Remarks on the Lust and Gluttony of Ascetics and Buddhist Monks". International Journal of Hindu Studies. 19 (1/2). Boston: Springer Verlag: 171–192. doi:10.1007/s11407-015-9176-z. eISSN 1574-9282. ISSN 1022-4556. JSTOR 24631797. S2CID 145662113.; Langenberg, Amy Paris (April 2018). "Buddhism and Sexuality". In Cozort, Daniel; Shields, James Mark (eds.). The Ox...

Bright on Buddhism - Laṅkāvatāra Sūtra - Chapter 1

Join us as we read and discuss Chapter 1 of DT Suzuki's translation of the Laṅkāvatāra Sūtra!

Resources: Lindtner, Christian (1992). The Lankavatarasutra in Early Indian Madhyamaka Literature, Copenhagen. Asiatische Studien, XLV, 1, pp. 244–279.; Nanjio, Bunyiu. ed. (1923). The Laṅkāvatāra sūtra, Kyoto: Otani University Press, pp. VIII-IX (Skt. edition); Sutton, Florin G. (1991). Existence and enlightenment in the Laṅkāvatāra-sūtra: a study in the ontology and epistemology of the Yogācāra school of Mahāyāna Bu...

Bright on Buddhism - Asian Religions Series - Daoism Part 1

Hello and welcome to the Asian religions series. In this series, we will be discussing religious traditions in Asia other than Buddhism. Buddhism never existed in a vacuum, and as it has spread all across East Asia, it has developed, localized, and syncretized with local traditions in fascinating and significant ways. As such, we cannot provide a complete picture of East Asian without discussing those local traditions such as they were and are. Disclaimer: this series is very basic and introductory, and does not and cannot paint...

Bright on Buddhism - Episode 93 - What is Risshō Kōsei Kai? What are its doctrinal roots? What are its historical origins?

Resources: Anderson, Richard W. (1994). "Risshō Kōseikai and the Bodhisattva way: Religious ideals, conflict, gender, and status". Japanese Journal of Religious Studies. 21 (2–3): 312–337. doi:10.18874/jjrs.21.2-3.1994.311-337.; Gerlitz, Peter, "Die Rissho Kosei-kai und ihre Assimilation im Westen", in: Michael Pye, Renate Stegerhoff (eds.), Religion in fremder Kultur. Religion als Minderheit in Europa und Asien, Saarbruecken: Dadder 1987, pp. 111–122; Gerlitz, Peter (1975). "Kathartische und therapeutische Elemente in der Seelsorge der Risshō Kosei-kai." Zeitschrift für Religions- und Geistesg...

Bright on Buddhism - Kōan Series Episode 10 - Hyakujō and The Fox

Hello and welcome to a new episode of the Kōan Series. In this series, we will read and discuss real Buddhist kōans to try and better understand them. We hope you enjoy.

Resources: Episode 10 - https://anchor.fm/brightonbuddhism/episodes/What-is-Zen-Buddhism-e1a2sm2

Episode 18 - https://anchor.fm/brightonbuddhism/episodes/What-is-the-Buddhist-philosophy-of-speech--language--and-words-e1dgqu9

Episode 32 - https://anchor.fm/brightonbuddhism/episodes/What-are-kans-e1j5scl

Episode 33 - https://anchor.fm/brightonbuddhism/epis...

Bright on Buddhism - Longer Pure Land Sutra - Part 1

Join us as we read and discuss Part 1 of the Hisao Inagaki translation of the Longer Pure Land Sutra!

Resources: Gomez, Luis, trans. (1996), The Land of Bliss: The Paradise of the Buddha of Measureless Light: Sanskrit and Chinese Versions of the Sukhavativyuha Sutras, Honolulu: University of Hawaii Press; Inagaki, Hisao, trans. (2003), The Three Pure Land Sutras (PDF), Berkeley: Numata Center for Buddhist Translation and Research, ISBN 1-886439-18-4, archived from the original (PDF) on May 12, 2014; Müller, Max, t...

Bright on Buddhism - Episode 92 - What is suchness? How ought we understand it? How have understandings of it changed over time?

Resources: Buswell; Lopez (2014), The Princeton Dictionary of Buddhism; Robinson, Richard H. (1957). "Some Logical Aspects of Nagarjuna's System". Philosophy East & West. 6 (4): 306. doi:10.2307/1397476. JSTOR 1397476.; Endō, Asai (2014). "The Lotus Sutra as the Core of Japanese Buddhism: Shifts in Representations of its Fundamental Principle". Japanese Journal of Religious Studies. 41 (1): 45–64.; Gregory, Peter N. (2002) [1991]. Tsung-mi and the Sinification of Buddhism. University of Hawai’i Press, Kuroda Institute. ISBN 0-8248-2623-X.; Robert, Jean-Noel (2011). "On a Possible Origin of the "...

Bright on Buddhism - Episode 91 - What is Buddhist pilgrimage? What is the purpose of Buddhist pilgrimage? What are characteristics of Buddhist pilgrimage stories?

Resources: McLachlan, Craig (1997). Tales of a Summer Henro. Tokyo: Yohan Publications. ISBN 4-89684-257-X.; Okamoto, Ryosuke (2019). Pilgrimages in the Secular Age: From El Camino to Anime. Tokyo: Japan Publishing Industry Foundation for Culture.; Reader, Ian (2005). Making Pilgrimages: Meaning and Practice in Shikoku. Honolulu: University of Hawaii Press. ISBN 0-8248-2876-3.; Sibley, Robert C. (2013). The Way of the 88 Temples: Journeys on the Shikoku Pilgrimage. Charlelottesville: University of Virginia Press...

Bright on Buddhism - Asian Religions Series - Shintō Part 2

Hello and welcome to the Asian religions series. In this series, we will be discussing religious traditions in Asia other than Buddhism. Buddhism never existed in a vacuum, and as it has spread all across East Asia, it has developed, localized, and syncretized with local traditions in fascinating and significant ways. As such, we cannot provide a complete picture of East Asian without discussing those local traditions such as they were and are. Disclaimer: this series is very basic and introductory, and does not and cannot paint a...

Bright on Buddhism - Chapter 7 of the Vimalakirti Nirdesa Sutra - Join us as we read and discuss the Burton Watson translation of Chapter 7 of the Vimalakirti Nirdesa Sutra

Resources: Cole, Alan (2005). Text as Father: Paternal Seductions in Early Mahayana Buddhist Literature, Berkeley: University of California Press, pp. 236–325. (See chapter 6 for an in-depth account of the narrative in the Vimalakīrtinirdeśa-sūtra); Hamlin, Edward (1988). Magical Upāya in the Vimalakīrtinirdeśa-sūtra, Journal of the International Association of Buddhist Studies 11 (1), 89-121; Fung Kei Cheng, Samson Tse (2014). Thematic Research on the Vimalakīrti Nirdeśa Sū...

Bright on Buddhism - Rhinoceros Sutra - Join us as we read and discuss the Khaggavisana Sutta, also known as the Rhinoceros Sutra.

Resources: https://www.dhammatalks.org/suttas/KN/StNp/StNp1_3.html; Rahula, Walpola; Asanga (2001). Abhidharma Samuccaya: The Compendium of Higher Teaching. Jain Publishing Company. pp. 199–200. ISBN 978-0895819413.; Salomon, Richard G.; Glass, Andrew (2000). A Gāndhārī Version of the Rhinoceros Sūtra: British Library Kharoṣṭhī Fragment 5B. University of Washington Press. ISBN 978-0-295-98035-5.; Thanissaro Bhikkhu (1997). "Sutta Nipata I.3, Khaggavisana Sutta: A Rhinoceros Horn". Retrieved April 14, 2015.; Jones, DT (2014). "Like the Rhinoce...

Bright on Buddhism - Episode 90 - What is the difference between exoteric and esoteric teachings? Where does this classification come from and why? How ought we understand this division?

Resources: Davidson, Ronald M. (2002). Indian Esoteric Buddhism: A Social History of the Tantric Movement. Columbia University Press; Duckworth, Douglas (2015). "Tibetan Mahāyāna and Vajrayāna". In Emmanuel, Steven M. (ed.). A Companion to Buddhist Philosophy. Wiley. ISBN 978-1-119-14466-3.; Bowring, Richard (2008). The Religious Traditions of Japan: 500–1600. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press.; BDK (2015), Esoteric Texts, Bukkyō Dendō Kyōkai America Incorporated.; Hakeda, Yoshito S., transl. (1972). Kukai: Major Wo...

Bright on Buddhism - Vajrasekhara Sutra - Fascicle Three - Part Two

Resources: https://www.bdkamerica.org/product/two-esoteric-sutras/; Bentor, Yael, and Meir Shahar, eds. Chinese and Tibetan esoteric Buddhism. Leiden ; Brill, 2017.; Orzech, Charles D., Henrik Hjort. Sorensen, and Richard Karl. Payne. Esoteric Buddhism and the Tantras in East Asia. Leiden ; Brill, 2011.; Goble, Geoffrey C. Chinese Esoteric Buddhism : Amoghavajra, the Ruling Elite, and the Emergence of a Tradition. New York, NY: Columbia University Press, 2019.; Yamasaki, Taikō, Yasuyoshi. Morimoto, David Kidd, and Taikō Yamasaki. Shingon : Japanese Esoteric Buddhism. 1st ed. Boston: Shambhala, 1988.; Xie, Shiwei. Dao mi fa yuan : Dao jiao yu...

Bright on Buddhism - Episode 89 - How does rebirth really work in Buddhism? What actually undergoes rebirth? Shoutout to our listener and patron Tanner for asking this question!

Resources: Bhikkhu Anālayo (2018). Rebirth in early Buddhism & current research: With forewords by His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Bhante Gunaratna. Somerville, MA, USA: Wisdom Publications. ISBN 978-1-61429446-7.; Anderson, Carol (1999). Pain and Its Ending: The Four Noble Truths in the Theravada Buddhist Canon. Routledge. ISBN 978-1-136-81332-0.; Ñāṇamoli, Bhikkhu (trans.) and Bodhi, Bhikkhu (ed.) (2001). The Middle-Length Discourses of the Buddha: A Translation of th...

Bright on Buddhism - Episode 88 - What is Korean Zen or Seon Buddhism? How does it syncretize with indigenous Korean religion? How is it different from Chinese Chan or Japanese Zen?

Shoutout to our listener John for sending us these questions!

Resources: Baker, Don (2001). "Looking for God in the Streets of Seoul: The Resurgence of Religion in 20th-Century Korea". Harvard Asia Quarterly 5 (4) 34–39.; Hong-bae Yi; Taehan Pulgyo Chogyejong (1996). Korean Buddhism. Kum Sok Publishing Co., Ltd. ISBN 89-86821-00-1.; Scoville-Pope, Bryan (2008). "Go Tell it Off the Mountain: Missionary Activity in Modern Korean Buddhism", Thesis (M.A...

Bright on Buddhism - Vajrasekhara Sutra - Fascicle Three - Part One

Resources: https://www.bdkamerica.org/product/two-esoteric-sutras/; Bentor, Yael, and Meir Shahar, eds. Chinese and Tibetan esoteric Buddhism. Leiden ; Brill, 2017.; Orzech, Charles D., Henrik Hjort. Sorensen, and Richard Karl. Payne. Esoteric Buddhism and the Tantras in East Asia. Leiden ; Brill, 2011.; Goble, Geoffrey C. Chinese Esoteric Buddhism : Amoghavajra, the Ruling Elite, and the Emergence of a Tradition. New York, NY: Columbia University Press, 2019.; Yamasaki, Taikō, Yasuyoshi. Morimoto, David Kidd, and Taikō Yamasaki. Shingon : Japanese Esoteric Buddhism. 1st ed. Boston: Shambhala, 1988.; Xie, Shiwei. Dao mi fa yuan : Dao jiao yu...

Bright on Buddhism - Kōan Series Episode 9 - What is the Buddha? Three Pounds of Flax

Hello and welcome to a new episode of the Kōan Series. In this series, we will read and discuss real Buddhist kōans to try and better understand them. We hope you enjoy.

Resources: Episode 10 - https://anchor.fm/brightonbuddhism/episodes/What-is-Zen-Buddhism-e1a2sm2

Episode 18 - https://anchor.fm/brightonbuddhism/episodes/What-is-the-Buddhist-philosophy-of-speech--language--and-words-e1dgqu9

Episode 32 - https://anchor.fm/brightonbuddhism/episodes/What-are-kans-e1j5scl

Episode 33 - htt...

Bright on Buddhism - Vajrasekhara Sutra - Fascicle Two - Part Two

Resources: https://www.bdkamerica.org/product/two-esoteric-sutras/; Bentor, Yael, and Meir Shahar, eds. Chinese and Tibetan esoteric Buddhism. Leiden ; Brill, 2017.; Orzech, Charles D., Henrik Hjort. Sorensen, and Richard Karl. Payne. Esoteric Buddhism and the Tantras in East Asia. Leiden ; Brill, 2011.; Goble, Geoffrey C. Chinese Esoteric Buddhism : Amoghavajra, the Ruling Elite, and the Emergence of a Tradition. New York, NY: Columbia University Press, 2019.; Yamasaki, Taikō, Yasuyoshi. Morimoto, David Kidd, and Taikō Yamasaki. Shingon : Japanese Esoteric Buddhism. 1st ed. Boston: Shambhala, 1988.; Xie, Shiwei. Dao mi fa yuan : Dao jiao yu...

Bright on Buddhism - Episode 87 - It's hard not to notice that Pure Land Buddhism has some similarities to Christianity. Why is that? What are the doctrinal similarities between pure land and Christianity? What are the differences?

Resources: https://www.bdkamerica.org/product/the-three-pure-land-sutras/

Do you have a question about Buddhism that you'd like us to discuss? Let us know by tweeting to us @BrightBuddhism, emailing us at Bright.On.Buddhism@gmail.com, or joining us on our discord server, Hidden Sangha ⁠https://discord.gg/tEwcVpu⁠!

Credits:

Nick Bright: Script, Cover Art...

Bright on Buddhism - Episode 86 -What is "un-knowing" in Buddhism? Is it the same as Agnosticism? What is its relationship to faith?

Resources: Robert Buswell; Donald Lopez (2013), Princeton Dictionary of Buddhism, Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press, ISBN 9780691157863; Conze, Edward (2013), Buddhist Thought in India: Three Phases of Buddhist Philosophy, Routledge, ISBN 978-1-134-54231-4; Edelglass, William; et al. (2009), Buddhist Philosophy: Essential Readings, Oxford University Press, ISBN 978-0-19-532817-2; Gethin, Rupert (1998), Foundations of Buddhism, Oxford University Press; Harvey, Peter (1990), An Introduction to Buddhism, Cambridge University Press; Peter Harvey (2013), The Selfless Mind: Personality, Consciousness and Nirvana in...

Bright on Buddhism - Youtube and Patreon Announcement

Hey everybody, we have just created a Youtube channel and a Patreon page. The Youtube channel will be just another platform where you can listen to Bright on Buddhism. For now, there is no Youtube exclusive content. Additionally, the Patreon is just a tip-jar: not required, but very much appreciated. We will not be paywalling any content behind the patreon, nor will we be accepting advertisements or sponsorships. However, we will be shouting out the names of our patrons each episode. You can check those out at the links...

Bright on Buddhism - Episode 85 - What are omamori? What is their history? What is their significance?

Resources: Reader, Ian; Tanabe, George J. (1998). Practically Religious: Worldly Benefits and the Common Religion of Japan. Honolulu: University of Hawai'i Press. p. 46. ISBN 0824820908.; General Stone Tiger (2010-06-15). "Using the Omamori Gohonzon" (PDF). Soka Gakkai International. Retrieved 2017-06-11.; Swanger, Eugene R.; Takayama, K. Peter (1 January 1981). "A Preliminary Examination of the "Omamori" Phenomenon". Asian Folklore Studies. 40 (2): 237–252. doi:10.2307/1177866. JSTOR 1177866.; Kunio, Yanagita (1969). Japanese Culture in the Meiji Era Tokyo (Vol. 4). pp. 314–315.; Jacobsen, Natalie (2015-05-13). "Japanese Lucky Charms: The Guid...

Bright on Buddhism - Avatamsaka Sutra - Book 30 - The Incalculable

Join us as we read and discuss Book 30 of Thomas Cleary's translation of the Avatamsaka Sutra!

Resources: Prince, Tony (2014). Universal Enlightenment, An introduction to the teachings and practices of Huayen Buddhism. Kongting Publishing Company Ltd. Taiwan.; Beer, Robert (2003), The Handbook of Tibetan Buddhist Symbols, Serindia Publications; Burley, Mikel (2007), Classical Samkhya and Yoga: An Indian Metaphysics of Experience, Routledge; Cook, Francis H. (1977), Hua-Yen Buddhism: The Jewel Net of Indra, Penn State Press, ISBN 0-271-02190-X; Debroy, Bibek (2013), Mahabharata, Volume 7 (Google eBoek), Penguin UK; Jones...

Bright on Buddhism - Guest Appearance - Cristian Castellanos

This week, Bright on Buddhism welcomes our 5th special guest, Cristian Castellanos! He is a former graduate school colleague of Nick's, and together, they will discuss Buddhism, mental health, and passions. We hope you enjoy!

Resources:  https://www.vijnapti.org/

Do you have a question about Buddhism that you'd like us to discuss? Let us know by tweeting to us @BrightBuddhism, emailing us at Bright.On.Buddhism@gmail.com, or joining us on our discord server, Hidden Sangha https://discord.gg/t...

Bright on Buddhism Episode 27 - What is self-immolation? Why do people do it? What are some examples of self immolation in the Buddhist scriptural texts?

Resources: Kevin Trainor: Buddhism: An Illustrated Guide; Donald Lopez: Norton Anthology of World Religions: Buddhism' Chan Master Sheng Yen: Orthodox Chinese Buddhism; Nagarjuna: Verses of The Middle Way (The Madhyamakarika); Conze, Edward, trans. The Perfection of Wisdom in Eight Thousand Lines and Its Verse Summary. Bolinas, CA: Four Seasons Foundation, 1973.; The Bodhisattva Vow: A Practical Guide to Helping Others, page 1, Tharpa Publications (2nd. ed., 1995) ISBN 978-0-948006-50-0; Flanagan, Owen (2011-08...

Bright on Buddhism - Vajrasekhara Sutra - Fascicle Two - Part One

Resources: https://www.bdkamerica.org/product/two-esoteric-sutras/; Bentor, Yael, and Meir Shahar, eds. Chinese and Tibetan esoteric Buddhism. Leiden ; Brill, 2017.; Orzech, Charles D., Henrik Hjort. Sorensen, and Richard Karl. Payne. Esoteric Buddhism and the Tantras in East Asia. Leiden ; Brill, 2011.; Goble, Geoffrey C. Chinese Esoteric Buddhism : Amoghavajra, the Ruling Elite, and the Emergence of a Tradition. New York, NY: Columbia University Press, 2019.; Yamasaki, Taikō, Yasuyoshi. Morimoto, David Kidd, and Taikō Yamasaki. Shingon : Japanese Esoteric Buddhism. 1st ed. Boston: Shambhala, 1988.; Xie, Shiwei. Dao mi fa yuan : Dao jiao yu...

Bright on Buddhism Episode 84 - Who is Akshobhya? What are some stories about him? How is he depicted in iconography? Resources: Nattier, Jan (2000). "The Realm of Aksobhya: A Missing Piece in the History of Pure Land Buddhism". Journal of the International Association of Buddhist Studies 23 (1), 71–102.; Sato, Naomi (2004). Some Aspects of the Cult of Aksobhya in Mahayana, Journal of Indian and Buddhist Studies 52 (2), 18-23; Strauch, Ingo (2008). "The Bajaur collection: A new collection of Kharoṣṭhī manuscripts. A preliminary catalogue and survey (in progress)" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2011-10-03.; Vessantara, Meeting the Buddhas, Windhorse Publications 2003, chapter 9; Brunnhölzl, Karl (20...

Bright on Buddhism Episode 83 - What is non-attachment in Buddhism? What texts discuss it and how? How does the definition of the term change over time?

Resources: Bodhi, Bhikkhu (ed.) (1978, 2005). A Treatise on the Paramis: From the Commentary to the Cariyapitaka by Acariya Dhammapala (The Wheel, No. 409/411).; Kandy: Buddhist Publication Society. Retrieved 30 Jun 2007 from "Access to Insight" at http://accesstoinsight.org/lib/authors/bodhi/wheel409.html.; Bodhi, Bhikkhu (1984, 1999). The Noble Eightfold Path: The Way to the End of Suffering (The Wheel, No. 308/311). Kandy: Buddhist Publication Society. http://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/authors/bodhi/waytoend.html.;Monier-Williams, Monier (1899, 1964...

Bright on Buddhism - Research Project Series - Chōgen’s Tōdaiji Campaign: Reconstruction and Reimagination

Hello and welcome to a new type of episode of Bright on Buddhism. In this series, I will be presenting and discussing some of my own original research, which covers a broad range of topics in Japanese Buddhism, and discussing it in the context of East Asian Buddhism and other disciplines broadly

Resources: Andreeva, Anna. “Buddhist Temple Networks in Medieval Japan.” Japanese Journal of Religious Studies 47, no. 1 (2020): 11–41.; Bushelle, Ethan. “The Mountain as Mandala: Kūkai’s Founding of Mt. Kōya.” Japa...