Bright On Buddhism
Bright on Buddhism is a podcast that explores various topics of Buddhism in a casual, conversational Q&A format. Host Nick Bright, a scholar of East Asian Buddhism, discusses subjects like Japanese Buddhist responses to the pandemic, Buddhist haiku, and the history of science and religion in Japan. He is joined by his friend Proven Paradox.
Episodes
Research Project Series - The Yakuza - Part 1
Bright on Buddhism - Research Project Series - The Yakuza - Part 1Resources: Adelstein, Jake (2009). Tokyo Vice: An American Reporter on the Police Beat in Japan. New York: Pantheon Books. ISBN 978-0-307-37879-8. OCLC 699874898.—— (2023). The Last Yakuza: A Life in the Japanese Underworld. Minneapolis, Minn.: Scribe Publications. ISBN 9780307908384. OCLC 1376495818.Adelstein, Jake (2024). Tokyo No
Mūlapariyāya Sutta
Bright on Buddhism - Mūlapariyāya SuttaResources: Ñanamoli; Bodhi; The Middle Length Discourses of the Buddha, Outline of the suttas. Kearney, Patrick; EVAṂ ME SUTTAṂ This is how I heard it; Mūlapariyāya Sutta: The process of delusion. http://www.dharmasalon.net/Writings/Majjhima/files/01_Delusion.pdf Kearney, Patrick; EVAṂ ME SUTTAṂ This is how I heard it; Mūlapariyāya Sutta: The process of delus
Who was Thich Quang Duc?
Bright on Buddhism - Episode 147 - Who was Thich Quang Duc? What was the significance of his sacrifice in Buddhism? What was his legacy in the Vietnam war?Resources: Buttinger, Joseph (1967), Vietnam: A Dragon Embattled, Praeger PublishersDung, Thay Phap (2006), "A Letter to Friends about our Lineage" (PDF), PDF file on the Order of Interbeing website, retrieved 23 November 2014Fall, Ber
What is shinjin 信心?
Bright on Buddhism - Episode 146 - What is shinjin? Where does it come from? What is its significance?Resources: Blum, Mark L. The Origins and Development of Pure Land Buddhism: a Study and Translation of Gyōnen's Jōdo Hōmon Genrushō. Oxford, New York, Oxford University Press, 2002.Matsunaga, Daigan, and Alicia Matsunaga. Foundation of Japanese buddhism, Vol. 2: The Mass Movement (Kamakura and Mur
What is the Buddhist perspective on neurodiversity?
Bright on Buddhism - Episode 145 - What is the Buddhist perspective on neurodiversity? How does neurodiversity factor into meditation? How is neurodiversity understood in Buddhism? Special thanks to Tanner!_________________________________If you like our show and would like to support us, we encourage you to give your money or resources to a worthy cause. We can get through this. Our strongest wea
Feed Drop - Nihonshi, A Japanese History Podcast - The Assassination of Abe Shinzō
Bright on Buddhism - Feed Drop - Nihonshi, A Japanese History Podcast - The Assassination of Abe ShinzōJoin 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 the
Who was Saichō?
Bright on Buddhism - Episode 144 - Who was Saichō? What were some of his views, works, and accomplishments? What is his significance to East Asian Buddhism?Resources:Groner, Paul (2000). Saicho : The Establishment of the Japanese Tendai School. University of Hawaii Press.Abe Ryūichi: Saichō and Kūkai: A conflict of interpretations. Japanese Journal of Religious Studies Vol: 22/1–2, pp. 103–137, 19
Who was Kūkai?
Bright on Buddhism - Episode 143 - Who was Kukai? What were some of his views, works, and accomplishments? What is his significance to East Asian Buddhism?Resources: Clipston, Janice (2000). Sokushin-jōbutsu-gi: Attaining Enlightenment in This Very Existence, Buddhist Studies Reviews 17 (2), 207-220Giebel, Rolf W.; Todaro, Dale A.; trans. (2004). Shingon texts, Berkeley, Calif.: Numata Center for
Buddhish 28 - Ordination of Robot Monks - Part 2
Bright on Buddhism - Buddhish Episode 28 - Ordination of Robot Monks - Part 2Join us as we discuss the recent ordination of AI-powered robots as Buddhist monks in South Korea and Japan. _________________________________If you like our show and would like to support us, we encourage you to give your money or resources to a worthy cause. We can get through this. Our strongest weapon is solidarity. S
Buddhish 27 - Ordination of Robot Monks - Part 1
Bright on Buddhism - Buddhish Episode 27 - Ordination of Robot Monks - Part 1Join us as we discuss the recent ordination of AI-powered robots as Buddhist monks in South Korea and Japan. _________________________________If you like our show and would like to support us, we encourage you to give your money or resources to a worthy cause. We can get through this. Our strongest weapon is solidarity. S
Kōan Series - Unmon's Kanshiketsu
Bright on Buddhism - Kōan Series Episode 15 - Unmon's KanshiketsuHello 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-e1a2sm2Episode 18 - https://anchor.fm/brightonbuddhism/episodes/What-is-t
Śrīmālādevī Siṃhanāda Sūtra - Part 3 - Chapters 11-15
Bright on Buddhism - Śrīmālādevī Siṃhanāda Sūtra - Part 3 - Chapters 11-15Join us as we read and discuss Chapters 11-15 of the Diana Paul translation of the Śrīmālādevī Siṃhanāda SūtraBarber, Anthony W. (2009), Buddhism in the Krishna River Valley of Andhra, NY: State Univ of New YorkBrown, Brian Edward (1994), The Buddha Nature. A Study of the Tathagatagarbha and Alayavijnana, Delhi: Motilal Bana
What was the haibutsu kishaku 廃仏毀釈 movement in Meiji Japan?
Bright on Buddhism - Episode 142 - What was the haibutsu kishaku movement in Meiji Japan? Why did it happen? What was the result?Resources: Breen, John and Mark Teeuwen. (2000). Shinto in History: Ways of the Kami. Honolulu: University of Hawaii Press. ISBN 978-0-8248-2362-7; ISBN 978-0-8248-2363-4; OCLC 43487317James Ketelaar: Of Heretics and Martyrs in Meiji Japan: Buddhism and its Persecution,
Feed Drop - Nihonshi, A Japanese History Podcast - 3/11 Fukushima Nuclear Disaster
Bright on Buddhism - Feed Drop - Nihonshi, A Japanese History Podcast - 3/11 Fukushima Nuclear DisasterJoin 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 the
What are mandalas?
Bright on Buddhism - Episode 141 - What are mandalas? What is their significance in Buddhism? How ought we understand them?Resources: Brauen, M. (1997). The Mandala, Sacred circle in Tibetan Buddhism Serindia Press, London.Bucknell, Roderick & Stuart-Fox, Martin (1986). The Twilight Language: Explorations in Buddhist Meditation and Symbolism. Curzon Press: London. ISBN 0-312-82540-4Cammann, S.
Śrīmālādevī Siṃhanāda Sūtra - Part 2 - Chapters 6-10
Bright on Buddhism - Śrīmālādevī Siṃhanāda Sūtra - Part 2 - Chapters 6-10Join us as we read and discuss Chapters 1-5 of the Diana Paul translation of the Śrīmālādevī Siṃhanāda SūtraBarber, Anthony W. (2009), Buddhism in the Krishna River Valley of Andhra, NY: State Univ of New YorkBrown, Brian Edward (1994), The Buddha Nature. A Study of the Tathagatagarbha and Alayavijnana, Delhi: Motilal Banarsi
Who is Bodhidharma?
Bright on Buddhism - Episode 140 - Who is Bodhidharma? What is his significance to East Asian Buddhism? What are some legends about him?Resources: charya, Raghu (2017), Shanon, Sidharth (ed.), Bodhidharma Retold – A Journey from Sailum to Shaolin, New Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass, ISBN 978-81-208-4152-9Broughton, Jeffrey L. (1999), The Bodhidharma Anthology: The Earliest Records of Zen, Berkeley: Un
Feed Drop - Nihonshi, A Japanese History Podcast - The History of Haiku
Bright on Buddhism - Feed Drop - Nihonshi, A Japanese History Podcast - History of HaikuJoin 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
What is the fourth moral precept of Buddhism?
Bright on Buddhism - Episode 139 - What is the fourth moral precept of Buddhism? What is its significance? How have interpretations of it changed over time?Resources: Keown, Damien (2013b), "Buddhist Ethics", in LaFollette, Hugh (ed.), The International Encyclopedia of Ethics, Blackwell Publishing, pp. 636–47, doi:10.1002/9781444367072.wbiee163, ISBN 978-1-4051-8641-4Keown, Damien (2016b
What are the 3 mysteries in Shingon Buddhism?
Bright on Buddhism - Episode 138 - What are the 3 mysteries in Shingon Buddhism? What are their significance? How ought we understand it?Resources: Arai, Yusei (1997). Koyasan Shingon Buddhism: A Handbook for Followers, Japan: Koyasan Shingon Mission, ISBN 4-9900581-1-9.Bowring, Richard (2008). The Religious Traditions of Japan: 500–1600. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press.BDK (2015), Esote
Śrīmālādevī Siṃhanāda Sūtra - Part 1 - Chapters 1-5
Bright on Buddhism - Śrīmālādevī Siṃhanāda Sūtra - Part 1 - Chapters 1-5Join us as we read and discuss Chapters 1-5 of the Diana Paul translation of the Śrīmālādevī Siṃhanāda SūtraBarber, Anthony W. (2009), Buddhism in the Krishna River Valley of Andhra, NY: State Univ of New YorkBrown, Brian Edward (1994), The Buddha Nature. A Study of the Tathagatagarbha and Alayavijnana, Delhi: Motilal Banarsid
Sokushin Jōbutsu-gi - Attainment of Buddhahood in This Very Existence
Bright on Buddhism - Sokushin Jōbutsu-gi - Attainment of Buddhahood in This Very ExistenceJoin me as I read and discuss the Hakeda Yoshito translation of Kūkai's Sokushin Jōbutsu-gi. Resources: Clipston, Janice (2000). Sokushin-jōbutsu-gi: Attaining Enlightenment in This Very Existence, Buddhist Studies Reviews 17 (2), 207-220Giebel, Rolf W.; Todaro, Dale A.; trans. (2004). Shingon texts, Berk
Who is Bhaisajyaguru?
Bright on Buddhism - Episode 137 - Who is Bhaisajyaguru? What are some stories about him? What is his significance?Resources: The Sūtra on the Original Vows and Merits of the Medicine Master Lapis Lazuli Light Tathagata (藥師琉璃光如來本願功德經): English Translation by the Chung Tai Translation Committeehttps://www.onmarkproductions.com/html/yakushi.shtmlWatkins, M. (2002). Rediscovering Colors: A Study in P
What is Gelug Buddhism?
Bright on Buddhism - Episode 136 - What is Gelug Buddhism? What are some of its similarities and differences to other schools of Buddhism? What is its historical significance?Resources: Schaik, Sam van. Tibet: A History. Yale University Press 2011Powers, John (2007) Introduction to Tibetan Buddhism, p. 467. Snow Lion Publications.Jinpa, Thupten (2019). Tsongkhapa: A Buddha in the Land of Snows. Bo
What is Hawaiian Buddhism?
Bright on Buddhism - Episode 135 - What is Hawaiian Buddhism? What is its history? How does it interact with the tensions surrounding Hawaii's statehood? Resources: https://tricycle.org/magazine/buddhism-hawaii-big-island/https://savingplaces.org/stories/japanese-buddhist-temples-in-hawaii-preserve-their-history-by-embracing-changehttps://byodo-in.com/https://hongwanjihawaii.com/jodo-shinshu-b
Kōans with Dox
Bright on Buddhism - Kōans with Dox Join us as we discuss 3 major kōans in Zen Buddhism - “Ordinary Mind is the Way,” “Not the wind, not the flag,” and “a non-Buddhist questions the Buddha.” _________________________________If you like our show and would like to support us, we encourage you to give your money or resources to a worthy cause. We can get through this. Our strongest weapon is solidari
Revisit - What are the fundamental beliefs of Buddhism?
Bright on Buddhism - Episode 134 - Revisit - What are the fundamental beliefs of Buddhism? Does Buddhism have an afterlife? Does Buddhism have a bible like Christianity?Resources:Kevin Trainor: Buddhism: An Illustrated GuideDonald Lopez: Norton Anthology of World Religions: BuddhismChan Master Sheng Yen: Orthodox Chinese BuddhismNagarjuna: Verses of The Middle Way (The Madhyamakarika)Conze, Edward
Research Project Series - Yōkai
Bright on Buddhism - Research Project Series - YōkaiResources: Foster, Michael Dylan (2009). Pandemonium and Parade: Japanese Monsters and the Culture of Yōkai. University of California Press. ISBN 978-0-520-25361-2.Hirota, Ryūhei (2021). "Traversing the Natural, Supernatural, and Paranormal: Yōkai in Postwar Japan". Japanese Journal of Religious Studies. 48 (2, Religion and Identity in
Who was Daosheng?
Bright on Buddhism - Episode 133 - Who was Daosheng? What did he do? What is his significance to East Asian Buddhism?Resources: Blum, Mark (2003). "Daosheng". In Buswell, Robert E. (ed.). Encyclopedia of Buddhism. New York: Macmillan Reference Lib. pp. 201–202. ISBN 0028657187.Buswell, Robert Jr; Lopez, Donald S. Jr., eds. (2013). Princeton Dictionary of Buddhism. Princeton, NJ: Princeto
Avatamsaka Sutra Book 8 - The Four Holy Truths
Bright on Buddhism - Avatamsaka Sutra - Book 30 - The IncalculableJoin 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, Serindi
How do you balance romantic desire and the desire for companionship with non-attachment?
Bright on Buddhism - Episode 132 - How do you balance romantic desire and the desire for companionship with non-attachment? Is romantic desire bad in Buddhism? What are the potential dangers of desire for partnership and companionship?Resources: https://www.accesstoinsight.org/tipitaka/an/an04/an04.055.than.html____________At the time of recording, the list of people murdered by ICE includes -Vict
What is the third moral precept of Buddhism?
Bright on Buddhism - Episode 131 - What is the third moral precept of Buddhism? What is its significance? How have interpretations of it changed over time?Resources:Keown, Damien (2013b), "Buddhist Ethics", in LaFollette, Hugh (ed.), The International Encyclopedia of Ethics, Blackwell Publishing, pp. 636–47, doi:10.1002/9781444367072.wbiee163, ISBN 978-1-4051-8641-4Keown, Damien (2016b),
Research Project Series - Nishida Kitarō
Bright on Buddhism - Research Project Series - Nishida KitarōJoin me as I discuss the life and times of Nishida Kitarō, and his principle work, 善の研究 (Zen no Kenkyū) An Inquiry Into The Good. _____________At the time of recording, the list of people murdered by ICE includes -Victor Manuel Díaz - no fundraiser link currently availableGeraldo Lunas - https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-us-bring-their-fat
Buddhish 26 - Walk for Peace
Bright on Buddhism - Buddhish Episode 26 - Walk for PeaceJoin us as we discuss the Walk for Peace going on in the Southeastern US.If you like our show and want to support us financially, we ask that you instead send that support to a worthy cause.In our previous charity throw we directed listeners to the GoFundMe for Kieth Porter, a man murdered by ICE earlier this year. Between posting that and r
Who is Budai?
Bright on Buddhism - Episode 130 - Who is Budai? What are some stories about him? How is he depicted in iconography and why?Resources:Leighton, Taigen Dan (1998). Bodhisattva Archetypes: Classic Buddhist Guides to Awakening and Their Modern Expression. New York: Penguin Arkana. pp. 260–261.Levine, Gregory (2007). Awakenings: Zen Figure Painting in Medieval Japan. Japan Society.Faure, Bernard (1991
Who is Tārā?
Bright on Buddhism - Episode 129 - Who is Tara? What are some stories about her? How is she depicted in iconography and why?Resources: Beer, Robert (2003). A Handbook of Tibetan Buddhist Symbols. Boston: Shambhala. ISBN 978-1590301005.Blofeld, John (1992). The Tantric Mysticism of Tibet: A Practical Guide to the Theory, Purpose, and Techniques of Tantric Meditation. Penguin. ISBN 0-14-019336-7.Blo
Kālāma Sutta
Bright on Buddhism - Kālāma Sutta - Join us as we read and discuss the Soma Thera translation of the Kalama Sutta in its entiretyResources: Root textsPali text at SuttaCentral (available in five scripts, including Roman and Devanagari)TranslationsWith the Kālāmas of Kesamutta, translation by Bhikkhu SujatoKesaputtiya, translation by Bhikkhu BodhiEssaysThe wisdom of Kalama SuttaKnowledge and Truth
Asian Religions Series - Shintō Part 6
Bright on Buddhism - Feed Drop - Nihonshi, A Japanese History PodcastJoin 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-foodbankDo you have a qu
Asian Religions Series - Shintō Part 5
Bright on Buddhism - Feed Drop - Nihonshi, A Japanese History PodcastJoin 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-foodbankDo you have a qu
Asian Religions Series - Shintō Part 4
Bright on Buddhism - Feed Drop - Nihonshi, A Japanese History PodcastJoin 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-foodbankDo you have a qu
2025 Wrap Up
Bright on Buddhism - 2025 Wrap UpJoin us as we celebrate 2025 and look ahead to 2026!https://www.feedingamerica.org/find-your-local-foodbankDo 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-HostProven Paradox: Editing, mixing and mastering, social med
What is Tibetan Buddhism?
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 (199
Buddhish 24 - TTRPGs
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-foodbankDo 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-HostProven Paradox: Editing, mixing and m
Guest Episode - Katie Nolan - Dharma Voices for Animals
Bright on Buddhism - Guest Episode - Dharma Voices for AnimalsJoin 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-foodbankDo you have a question about Buddhism that you'd like us to discuss? Let us know by emailing us at Bright.On.Buddhism@gmail.c
Tevijja Sutta
Bright on Buddhism - Tevijja SuttaJoin 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&notes=asterisk&highlight=false&script=latin; chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://themindingcentre.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/1.8-T
Asian Religions Series - Shugendō
Bright on Buddhism - Asian Religions Series - ShugendōResources: 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.
How do you cite sutras?
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. 1–11Davidson, Ronald M. (2003), Indian Esoteric Buddhism, New York: Indian Esoteric BuddhismColumbia University Press, ISBN 0-231-126
Who is Xuanzang?
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: Re
Guest Episode - Marta Gyoergy-Kessler
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-gazaDo you have a question about Buddhism tha
Feed Drop - Nihonshi, A Japanese History Podcast - Genpei War: Part 3
Bright on Buddhism - Feed Drop - Nihonshi, A Japanese History Podcast - Genpei War: Part 3Join 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 we
Feed Drop - Nihonshi, A Japanese History Podcast - Genpei War: Part 2
Bright on Buddhism - Feed Drop - Nihonshi, A Japanese History Podcast - Genpei War: Part 2Join 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 we
Feed Drop - Nihonshi, A Japanese History Podcast
Bright on Buddhism - Feed Drop - Nihonshi, A Japanese History Podcast - Genpei War: Part 1Join 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 we
What is the second moral precept of Buddhism?
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 precep
Dōgen - Passages from Shōbōgenzō
Bright on Buddhism - Dōgen - Passages from ShōbōgenzōJoin 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. Norma
What was the Saffron Revolution of 2007?
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 MyanmarBurma-Myanmar Genocide 2007, aggregating news about current ongoing events, providing translations into English from Burmese blogs from within the countryBurma News InternationalBurma
Kōan Series - Banzan's "3 Worlds, No Dharma"
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-e1a2sm2Episode 18 - https://anchor.fm/brightonbuddhism/episodes/Wh
Who were some early Western scholars who shaped Western ideas about Buddhism?
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 or
Buddhish 23 - Music
Buddhish - Episode 23 - Music Join us as we nerd out about music together.Music list: Nick –Leo Leo - https://www.youtube.com/@leoleothebandMakoto Matsushita - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCprewYlxsT-7hK6_nM7jCQMasayoshi Takanaka - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCh2rvH6MGKYC-UHjTA1-eIQMariya Takeuchi - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFCHKsT1ZY2aLUAbWW1lJGAKingo Hamada - https://www.youtub
What were the nikaya schools?
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 P
Who is Vairocana?
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, Philosoph
What is the role of music in Buddhism?
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-chantingChen, Pi-Yen (2010). Chinese Buddhist monastic chants. Middleton, Wis.: A-R Editions. ISBN 9780895796721.Chen, Pi-ye
Buddhish - The Saturday Edition
Bright on Buddhism - Buddhish 22 - The Saturday EditionJoin 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-HostProven Paradox
Lotus Sutra Chapter 2 - Skillful Means
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 Vir
What is the relationship between Japanese imperialism and Japanese Buddhism?
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), T
The Difference Between the Exoteric and Esoteric Teachings - Benkenmitsunikyōron - 偏顕密二教論
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).
What is the difference between a lay-person and a monastic in Buddhism?
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:Ni
What are some characteristics of Shingon Buddhist sacred spaces?
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: Kū
Who is Kumarajiva?
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
What is the role of visions and dreams in Buddhism?
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 Influe
Asian Religions Series - Shintō Part 3
Bright on Buddhism - Asian Religions Series - Shintō Part 3Hello 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 pr
Sammādiṭṭhi Sutta
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
How does Buddhism argue that one must respond when they have been wronged?
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
What is the first moral precept of Buddhism?
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 R
Buddhish 21 - Post-pilgrimage
Bright on Buddhism - Buddhish Episode 21 - Post-pilgrimageJoin 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
Nick on Pilgrimage
Welcome to Buddhish episode 20. Nick is heading to Japan. On this episode, we'll talk about our plans for while he's out.
Revisiting the First Sermon
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=68x5LXYxRDSreMHC43vkgQEpisode 95 - Do Buddhists reject the world?https://open.spotify.com/episode/0ei60T36TptovmMlDvWFJh?si=9ed0441b9cfa4091Episode 72 - What is samadhi in Buddhism?https://open.spotify.com/episode/6WKy
What is a Sutra?
Who is Ananda? -https://open.spotify.com/episode/34DVgbSOfwc5hNGzcaSCIQ?si=-zQsu_Q9Qo2qDtfucSb3sgLotus Sutra Chapter 3: Parable of the Burning House - https://open.spotify.com/episode/0zoSJEL2HmjQDEXZDrDbx0?si=_C_dmAqxSIaYohraf7OgWAThe Contemplation Sutra -https://open.spotify.com/episode/4imYVtkP0ETVDqKWkaKSbO?si=cgpSqo0IT3ygSGUP9OGpeAThe Heart Sutra -https://open.spotify.com/episode/6mQtoqp3hNsC
Where can I read and learn about Buddhist history?
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 RoadPaul Williams 2005 Buddhism: Buddhist origins and the early history of Buddhism in South and Southeast AsiaErik Zurcher 2007 The Buddhist Conquest of China
How do I start as a practitioner?
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/brighton
What are some Brahmanical perspectives on Buddhism from the Buddha's lifetime or thereabouts?
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.
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