Reflections on "an ordinary person's life," as understood in a passage by the 9th century Chan master Teshan. This idea is related to the Buddha's phenomenological analysis of human experience (the "all") into namarupa and consciousness, a vision of life where there is no transcendent awareness or consciousness "outside" ordinary experience, thereby revealing a common thread between the Pali Canon and early Chan.
Buddhist meditation is the refinement of a sensibility rather the gaining of proficiency in a technique. This sensibility is founded on "embracing dukkha", i.e. the totality of one's existential condition, and then cultivating meditation as (a) embodiment, (b) receptivity and (c) wonderment. Such a sensibility can then be further developed through stillness (samatha) and insight (vipassana).
The four P's: principle of conditionality, process of the four tasks, practice of mindfulness, power of self-reliance; ELSA as a framework for living; the city as a key metaphor of Secular Buddhism; emergence of a secular sangha based on friendships that support self-reliance.
The Pali Canon as a user's manual for this life; reconfiguring the core elements of the dharma; problems with the term "truth;" rewriting the operating system of Buddhism: from Buddhism 1.0 to Buddhism 2.0; the post-metaphysical practice of the four noble tasks; the acronym ELSA.
A definition of the term "Secular Buddhism;" a practice-based rather than belief-based form of the dharma; concern with human flourishing in this life; links with the Hellenistic philosophies of Pyrrho and Epicurus.
Negative capability; the ambiguous nature of self; self as process; foundations of ethics; Buddha and the sick monk; definitions of stream entry: as lucid confidence, as freedom from perplexity, as abandoning three fetters; the lay sangha.
Reflections on the demonic: what rises up and limits us on the path; Mara and Namuci; the parable of the crow and the piece of rock as an alternative metaphor of freedom; the Buddha's response to Mara who appears as a farmer.
Insight into conditionality as the core of the Buddha's awakening; reading of and reflection on the first discourse; the process of the four: embracing dukkha, letting go of craving, experiencing the stopping of craving, cultivating the path.
Definition of dukkha; dukkha and pleasure; "fully understanding" dukkha; the Buddha and Nagarjuna's understanding of the five bundles as not self; definition of tanha (craving); clinging and narcissism.
Meaning of the term "namarupa" in Upanishads and early Buddhism; the Buddha's critique of an unconditioned consciousness; the interdependence of namarupa and consciousness like two sheaves of reeds.
The Buddha's criteria for regarding a statement as valid; a pragmatic view of the dharma; the "all" is equivalent to "experience" or "life" -- no need of metaphysical realities; supportive quote by Lucretius; awakening to the delight, tragedy and emancipation of life.
Fourth talk of four on the subject Nama-Rupa and Consciousness, by Stephen Batchelor. Given on November 17, 2011, at Xic Xanac Retreat Center, Zacatlan, Mexico. Presented by Yoga Espacio. Translated by Kavindu.
Cuarta charla de cuatro, sobre el tema de Nama-rupa y conciencia. Por Stephen Batchelor. Impartida el 20 de noviembre de 2011 en Xic Xanac, Zacatlán. Presentado por Yoga Espacio, traducida por Kavindu.
Third talk of four on the subject Nama-Rupa and Consciousness, by Stephen Batchelor. Given on November 17, 2011, at Xic Xanac Retreat Center, Zacatlan, Mexico. Presented by Yoga Espacio. Translated by Kavindu
Second talk of four on the subject Nama-Rupa and Consciousness, by Stephen Batchelor. Given on November 17, 2011, at Xic Xanac Retreat Center, Zacatlan, Mexico. Presented by Yoga Espacio. Translated by Kavindu
First talk of four on the subject Nama-Rupa and Consciousness, by Stephen Batchelor. Given on November 17, 2011, at Xic Xanac Retreat Center, Zacatlan, Mexico. Presented by Yoga Espacio. Translated by Kavindu
Some foundational texts for Secular Buddhism; the Buddha's parable of the city and its implications; creativity and aesthetics in the practice of the path; a democracy of the imagination.
Further thoughts on secular Buddhism; ELSA = Embrace, Let Go, Stop, Act; ELSA is a continuous stream; Mara as Namuci, the drought demon; the stream as the 8-fold path; stream-entry as confidence in the Buddha, Dhamma and Sangha; abandoning the three fetters; an inclusive conception of Sangha; Sarakani the Sakiyan
The Buddha and the sick monk; the awakening as described in M.26 (The Noble Quest); awakening as a shift from place to ground, Not as a breakthrough to an ultimate Truth; "going against the stream"; the appearance of Brahma Sahampati who encourages the Buddha to teach as the arising of love and compassion and creativity.
Further reflections on Secular Dharma; what was distinctive in the Buddha's teaching at his time; "Whatever arises ceases": the ocean, the breath, the heartbeat; the Kaccanagotta Sutta (S.12:15); quotes from Montaigne & Nagarjuna re: neither being nor non-being; the questions of Vacchagotta concerning self (S.44:10)
Reflections on the conversational and dialogical nature of a living tradition; the tension between the deeply human religious impulse (questioning) and religious institutions and dogmas; the twofold meaning of the word "secular."
