- Wisdom Isn’t What You Might Think — The Buddha’s View
What makes someone wise? We'll consider two competing views from the Buddha's day, as reflected in an early sutta. Then we'll see how both views can be integrated into a livelier whole.
- Playfulness on the Path: The Buddha and Humor
Was the Buddha serious all the time? Or did he sometimes use humor and satire to teach lessons? We'll consider the Buddha's attitude towards laughter as well as his use of humor and satire in teaching and debating. Then we'll consider…
- Devas & Nagas in Early Buddhism
What role did deities and supernatural creatures such as nāgas play in early Buddhist mythology? We'll consider three ways the Buddha used and transformed mythic elements of his day to reinforce the dharma.
- Gratitude Practice
Gratitude is a wonderful Buddhist practice, healthy and wise. Who are we grateful for? And what did the Buddha have to say about gratitude?
- Finding Our Good Fortune in Early Buddhism
How do we find good fortune in our daily lives? I've written a book on answers from early Buddhism, which is just out! I'll discuss the origins of the book in a retreat by scholar and translator Ven. Bhikkhu Bodhi: his kindness has made…