The present article explores the meaning of dhammadāna, “the gift of Dhamma,” as evident in relevant Pāli texts and in relation to the meritorious deed of publishing Buddhist books for free distribution. A pdf version can be downloaded here. Introduction A very meritorious and praiseworthy way of disseminating the Dhamma takes the form of book publications that are strictly for free distribution. The indubitably wholesome intentions that underpin such activities can at times be associated … [Read more...]
Sense Restraint in Daily Life: Recommendations from a Health Behavior Change Perspective
Curtis Breslin
Curtis Breslin, Ph.D. is a retired professor of psychology who taught at Seneca College and the University of Toronto for many years. He has published extensively in scientific journals with a focus on addiction and behavioral change. Since 1997 he has been practicing in the Theravādin Thai Forest tradition of Ajahn Chah. Currently, Curtis volunteers and practices at Tisarana Buddhist Monastery and Sati Saraniya Bikkhuni Hermitage in rural Ontario. A pdf version can be downloaded here. At … [Read more...]
The Best Buddhist Story: Yasodhara’s Love and Loss
Vanessa R. Sasson
Vanessa R. Sasson is a professor of Religious Studies in the Liberal Arts Department of Marianopolis College where she has been teaching since 1999. She is also a Research Fellow at the University of the Free State, as well as Research Member for CERIAS at UQAM. She has a long academic publishing record. Yasodhara and the Buddha (Bloomsbury, 2021) is her first novel (this is its second edition). She is currently working on the sequel. For more on Vanessa’s work, see vanessarsasson.com. A pdf … [Read more...]
Wings of Wisdom and Compassion: Lessons of Freedom from Japanese American Internment in WWII
Duncan Ryūken Williams
BCBS graduate intern, Sarah Fleming, sat down with Duncan to discuss what the stories of Japanese American Buddhists who lived through World War II can teach us today about faith, freedom, and interfaith solidarity. On March 21, 2021, BCBS will be hosting a conversation between Duncan and Chenxing Han, exploring some of the themes addressed in this interview. For more information, see Buddhism, Race, and American Belonging: An Asian American View. Duncan Ryūken Williams was ordained as a … [Read more...]