- Nirvana Isn’t What You Think It Is
How is Buddhist nirvana described in its early texts? It’s called the ultimate bliss, but also a state where nothing is felt. It’s called the deathless element, but also likened to the extinguishing of a candle flame. We’ll try to…
- Am I Enlightened? What Early Buddhism Says
How do you know whether you are enlightened? On the one hand, grasping for attainments can block our progress along the Path. But on the other hand, many of us have a legitimate curiosity about what enlightenment might be like. The early…
- What Is Buddhist Nirvana?
What does nirvana mean in Buddhism? We'll look at some descriptions of it before turning to different views on its ontological status. Then we'll consider some later developments in ideas about nirvana. ** Note: the Pāli term "appatiṭṭha"…
- Nirvana and Enlightenment: What's the Difference?
What's the difference between nirvana and enlightenment? I'll discuss both in this video.
- The Hierarchy of Pleasures in Early Buddhism
What role did pleasure have to play in the Buddha's teaching? We'll look at the hierarchy of pleasures that the Buddha described, some of its paradoxes, and where it might lead us to understand the dharma better.
- Buddhism and Happiness
Do you come to Buddhist practices in order to find greater happiness? We'll discuss what happiness might be, and some pitfalls with it, then turn to some early Buddhist ideas of happiness, and how they might impact our lives today.…