This article explores the basic import of the doctrine of dependent arising, based on relevant discourses and in the light of an apparent antecedent in a Vedic creation myth. The principle of dependent arising in the form of specific conditionality (and its ceasing) can be distinguished from applications of this principle in a series of dependently arising links, the most common instance of which covers twelve links leading from ignorance to old age and death.   Discerning the … [Read more...]

“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...]

This was written on March 31, 2020 when the Covid-19 pandemic was not yet at its peak in the United States. It is addressed to Dharma friends living in the United States, but may also speak to the experience and aspirations of Dharma friends in other parts of the world.   'Collapse' is a scary word. From the Latin prefix col-, meaning 'together,' and the verb labi, meaning 'to slip, slide, or fall,' it describes a structure falling apart or inward. I hesitated using it in the title of … [Read more...]

This is the last of four installments to accompany a freely available online course aimed at offering a practical approach to the challenges of climate change that is grounded in the teachings of early Buddhism. Walking the Path What is reckoned to be the truth of [the path] leading out of dukkha? That is, it is the noble eightfold path, namely right view, right thought, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration. The teaching of the … [Read more...]

This is the third of four installments to accompany a freely available online course aimed at offering a practical approach to the challenges of climate change that is grounded in the teachings of early Buddhism. Liberation of the Mind What is the truth of the cessation of dukkha? It is being able to bring about the eradication and cessation without remainder of that craving, so that it will not arise again. This is reckoned to be the truth of the cessation of dukkha. The third truth … [Read more...]

This is the second of four installments to accompany a freely available online course aimed at offering a practical approach to the challenges of climate change that is grounded in the teachings of early Buddhism. An Ethics of the Mind What is the truth of the arising of dukkha? That is, it is grasping conjoined with craving that leads to acting carelessly with a mind that keeps being lustfully attached. This is reckoned to be the truth of the arising of dukkha. In this installment I explore … [Read more...]

This is the first of four installments to accompany a freely available online course aimed at offering a practical approach to the challenges of climate change that is grounded in the teachings of early Buddhism. Human-caused climate change and environmental destruction are modern problems. These were unknown at the time of the Buddha; hence it can hardly be expected that the early discourses provide precise advice on how to handle these. Nevertheless, several early discourses provide helpful … [Read more...]