- The 4+1 Things Every Human Needs (According to Buddhism)
What is the absolute minimum a human being needs, not just to survive, but to flourish? We often argue about "safety nets" as if they are a modern political invention. But 2,500 years ago, the Buddha established a specific list of…
- What Did the Buddha Teach About Wealth?
How does wealth intersect with the dharma? We'll look at some of what the early texts say about wealth and poverty, as well as some of their challenges and opportunities along the path.
- The Buddha in the Voting Booth: Buddhist Political Thought
What would the Buddha have told us about political involvement? We'll look at a couple of recent scholarly takes on this question that suggest political disengagement. Then we'll turn to some of the Buddha's political views, and how it…
- Past and Future Buddhas
Were there Buddhas before Gotama? Will there be Buddhas in the future? We'll look at what the early texts say about past and future Buddhas, and see why the evidence there is historically questionable in various ways. We will also see how…
- What's the Difference Between Buddhist Non-Attachment and Mental Detachment?
Non-attachment is at the heart of Buddhist practice. How is it different from mental "detachment"? We will look at what non-attachment means in early Buddhism and how it differs from detachment.
- The Buddha on Just Government
Did the Buddha feel that it was possible to have a just ruler or just government? We will look at the early Buddhist texts for an answer to this vexed question, and find several different possible answers.