- 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…
- 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"…
- What is Buddhism's End Goal?
What is Buddhism's end goal, and what then happens to humanity?
- How Was the Buddha Down-to-Earth? Demythologizing Prayer, Deities, and Devotion
How was the Buddha a down-to-earth, pragmatic teacher? In this second video on the subject (the first is linked below) we'll look at some of the ways the Buddha demythologized many deity practices of his day, as well as his skepticism…
- "Only This Is True": a Phrase the Buddha Questioned
When does certainty become a problem? Is it always a problem? We'll look at what the Buddha had to say about some people who expressed certainty and the extent to which the Buddha himself did so.
- Why Won't the Buddha Answer You? (The Unanswered Questions)
There were many questions that the Buddha refused to answer. We will look at those questions, many of which may interest us today, and consider why the Buddha wouldn't answer them. Then we will consider what this refusal to answer says…