- How Did the Buddha Teach Nonviolence Without Being Passive?
Nonviolence was a core ethical principle for the Buddha, playing a key role in the Eightfold Path. But it was not to be confused with passivity nor inaction. We will consider various ways the Buddha's nonviolent approach to difficulty and…
- The Controversy Over Nuns (Bhikkhuni) in Buddhism
In the past few decades a controversy has arisen over the restarting of nuns' orders in two schools of Buddhism. We will discuss the controversy as it relates to the Theravāda school, and note in passing that a similar controversy exists…
- When Words Won't Work: Self-Defense in Early Buddhism
Sometimes words aren't enough to get us out of difficult situations. We'll look at several examples from early Buddhism where the Buddha and his disciples had to find more forceful methods. What line is too far? It's something we'll also…