Exploring the Foundations of Buddhist Thought and Practice

Instructor(s): William Edelglass

Program Description:

In “The Longer Simile of the Elephant’s Footprint,” the Buddha is quoted as saying: “One who sees dependent origination sees the dharma. One who sees the dharma sees dependent origination.” For much of Buddhist history, studying doctrine was a prerequisite for meditation, as it helped practitioners understand the nuance of their meditation. This program will explore how dependent origination, the foundational insight of Buddhist thought and practice, helps us understand other basic doctrines, such as emptiness, the three characteristics of impermanence, dukkha, and non-self, and the five aggregates, the constituent elements of human experience. We will undertake this exploration through presentation, discussion, and meditation. Throughout, we will attend to the ways in which study and practice in Buddhist traditions are mutually supportive. 

Noble Silence:

Noble silence will be observed following each evening session through breakfast the following morning.

Experience Level:

Suitable for beginning and experienced practitioners.

About the Instructor(s):
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  William Edelglass

  William Edelglass is Director of Studies at the Barre Center for Buddhist Studies.  He also teaches at Smith College, where he is the Director of the Five College Tibetan Studies Program in India, and is adjunct professor at the Central University for Tibetan Studies in Sarnath, India.  His scholarship explores questions in Buddhist studies, environmental humanities, and philosophy.  William has practiced in several different Buddhist traditions and has taught widely in dharma centers, academia, as a wilderness guide, and in several Tibetan academic institutions in India.  William’s most recent book is The Routledge Handbook of Indian Buddhist Philosophy.