Norman, K.R.

The sutta on the Rolling Forth of the Wheel of the Dharma is purported to be the Buddha's first sermon. We will consider the relevance of the metaphor of the wheel in this discourse. Then we'll turn to some historical questions and…

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"…

There's a very strange verse in the Dhammapada, one that's been understood for over a millennium to have a variety of readings that don't come across well in translation. We'll look at the verse and consider why it's been so tough to…

In this video we'll take a look at the idea of finding a "Buddha Before Buddhism," an idea suggested by a recent translation of the Chapter of the Eights (Aṭṭhakavagga) by Gil Fronsdal. I'll talk a bit about his book, then we'll turn to…

The Buddha often referred to himself as "the Tathāgata". But what does that epithet mean, and where does it come from? I'll look at some scholarly opinions, and then turn to the interesting history of the term. Recorded before our house…

What is the early ideal of the "lone Buddha" or Paccekabuddha/ Pratyekabuddha? We'll look at its historical development and an early poem that may indicate the lifestyle of the "lone Buddha".