“While highest principle is devoid of all words,” according to an inscription on the pedestal of an eighth century Chinese statue of Amitābha Buddha, “how, without words, would its being the principle be made known?” This line articulates a paradox of language—as both a vehicle and an obstacle to awakening—found in many Buddhist traditions. The transformative power of words enables us to read texts or listen to a teaching that can be liberating. Paradoxically, though, Buddhist thinkers often … [Read more...]
William Edelglass
Cultivating Bodhicitta
Wisdom and Compassion in Śāntideva’s Introduction to the Awakened Life William Edelglass is Professor of Philosophy and Environmental Studies at Marlboro College in Vermont. He has a background sitting in Zen, Vipassanā, and Tibetan traditions. William has published widely in Indian and Tibetan Buddhist philosophy, environmental philosophy, and 20th-century European philosophy. He is co-editor of the journal Environmental Philosophy. William is also co-editor of Buddhist Philosophy: Essential … [Read more...]
