spirituality

Can we know what the Buddha taught? by Professor Richard Gombrich

By Buddhism Now on 29 June 2013 • ( 4 )

Talk by Richard Gombrich in which he explores the difficult issue of whether we can know what the Buddha taught, using the Pali texts as his basis. 46 minutes.

A Journey from Humiliation to Humility, by Corrado Pensa

By Buddhism Now on 16 June 2013 • ( 7 )

Humiliation is centred upon the work of ego, and humility is freedom from ego. These two words capture the gist of bondage and freedom, the gist of our practice. Maybe the only effort we need to make is to re-own the word ‘humility’ in its true sense, which often gets lost in a pseudo-humility. Hubert Benoit talks about ‘remaining motionless within humiliation’. He refers to ‘resting on the stone bed’ and ‘letting the humiliation alone.’ These are excellent descriptions of our practice; they have the strength to evoke what is beneficial, what is skilful, in transforming us…

Liberation Here and Now, by Ayya Khema

By Buddhism Now on 25 February 2013 • ( 2 )

To get a glimpse of wishless liberation, we can notice the dissatisfaction—the dukkha—that arises in the heart and mind whenever we want something. When we drop the wish, we experience relief. The dukkha does not necessarily arise because we can’t fulfil our wish; most likely we can. It’s an old axiom that if we want something badly enough, we will get it. The problem is that most people don’t know what will bring them happiness. The dukkha, however, lies in the desire itself, which creates tension, a feeling of expectation tinged with worry…