Bright On Buddhism
Welcome to Bright on Buddhism, a podcast where we discuss and explain topics of Buddhism in a casual, conversational, question and answer setting. My name is Nick Bright, scholar of East Asian Buddhism. I am currently studying for my Master’s degree in Religion at the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign, where I am specializing in pre-modern Japanese Buddhist architecture history. I have researched topics such as Japanese Buddhist responses to the Covid-19 pandemic, Buddhist Haiku poetry, and the Japanese history of science and religion. I will be joined by my friend Proven Paradox.
- Update frequency
- every 7 days
- Average duration
- 33 minutes
- Episodes
- 221
- Years Active
- 2021 - 2025
What was the Saffron Revolution of 2007?
Bright on Buddhism - Episode 123 - What was the Saffron Revolution of 2007? What were the circumstances that caused it? What is its legacy?
Resources:
Kōan Series - Banzan's "3 Worlds, No Dharma"
Bright on Buddhism - Kōan Series Episode 12 - Banzan's "3 Worlds, No Dharma"
Hello and welcome to a new episode of the Kōan Series. In this series, we will read and discuss real Buddhist kōans to try …
Who were some early Western scholars who shaped Western ideas about Buddhism?
Bright on Buddhism - Episode 122 - Who were some early Western scholars who shaped Western ideas about Buddhism? What were their perspectives and arguments? Where does scholarly consensus stand on th…
Buddhish 23 - Music
Buddhish - Episode 23 - Music
Join us as we nerd out about music together.
Music list: Nick –
Leo Leo - https://www.youtube.com/@leoleotheband
Makoto Matsushita - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCprew…
What were the nikaya schools?
Bright on Buddhism - Episode 121 - What were the nikaya schools? What did they believe? What happened to them?
Resources: Baruah, Bibhuti (2000). Buddhist Sects and Sectarianism. Sarup & Sons. ISBN 97…
Who is Vairocana?
Bright on Buddhism - Episode 120 - Who is Vairocana? What is his history? How ought we understand him?
Resources: Birmingham, Vessantara (2003). Meeting The Buddhas, Windhorse Publications, ISBN 0-904…
What is the role of music in Buddhism?
Bright on Buddhism - Episode 119 - What is the role of music in Buddhism? What are some instruments that are commonly used in ritual? How ought we understand music in Buddhism?
Resources: https://bud…
Buddhish - The Saturday Edition
Bright on Buddhism - Buddhish 22 - The Saturday Edition
Join us as we begrudgingly discuss the end of our streak of never missing uploads!
https://www.gofundme.com/c/act/flood-relief#/
Do you have a qu…
Lotus Sutra Chapter 2 - Skillful Means
Chapter 2 of the Lotus Sutra - Join us as we read and discuss Chapter 2 of the Burton Watson translation of the Lotus Sutra!
Resources: Hurvitz, Leon. 1976. Scripture of the Lotus Blossom of the Fine …
What is the relationship between Japanese imperialism and Japanese Buddhism?
Bright on Buddhism - Episode 118 - What is the relationship between Japanese imperialism and Japanese Buddhism? Why were Buddhist temples pro-empire? What are their stances today?
Resources: Bodiford,…
The Difference Between the Exoteric and Esoteric Teachings - Benkenmitsunikyōron - 偏顕密二教論
Bright on Buddhism - The Difference Between the Exoteric and Esoteric Teachings - Benkenmitsunikyōron - 偏顕密二教論
Join us as we read and discuss Kūkai's "The Difference Between the Exoteric and Esoteric …
What is the difference between a lay-person and a monastic in Buddhism?
Bright on Buddhism - Episode 117 - What is the difference between a lay-person and a monastic in Buddhism? How does this difference entail different duties and roles? How does this difference shift a…
What are some characteristics of Shingon Buddhist sacred spaces?
Bright on Buddhism - Episode 116 - What are some characteristics of Shingon Buddhist sacred spaces? How do they differ from other Buddhist sacred spaces? How are Shingon sacred spaces influenced by t…
Who is Kumarajiva?
Bright on Buddhism - Episode 115 - Who is Kumarajiva? What did he do in his life? How did that affect Buddhism in East Asia?
Resources: Chandra, Moti (1977), Trade and Trade Routes in Ancient India, A…
What is the role of visions and dreams in Buddhism?
Bright on Buddhism - Episode 114 - What is the role of visions and dreams in Buddhism? What are some visions and dreams that Buddhists have had? How ought we understand them? (How are they different …
Asian Religions Series - Shintō Part 3
Bright on Buddhism - Asian Religions Series - Shintō Part 3
Hello and welcome to the Asian religions series. In this series, we will be discussing religious traditions in Asia other than Buddhism. Bud…
Sammādiṭṭhi Sutta
Bright on Buddhism - Sammādiṭṭhi Sutta - Join us as we read and discuss the Sammādiṭṭhi Sutta in its entirety.
Resources: Bodhi, Bhikkhu (2005). In the Buddha's Words: An Anthology of Discourses from …
How does Buddhism argue that one must respond when they have been wronged?
Bright on Buddhism - Episode 113 - How does Buddhism argue that one must respond when they have been wronged? Does it teach that you should just take it and not respond at all? How does this relate t…
What is the first moral precept of Buddhism?
Bright on Buddhism Episode 112 - What is the first moral precept of Buddhism? What is its significance? How have interpretations of it changed over time?
Resources: Dundas, Paul (2002) [1992]. The Jai…
Buddhish 21 - Post-pilgrimage
Bright on Buddhism - Buddhish Episode 21 - Post-pilgrimage
Join us as we discuss Nick's unexpected journey home.
Do you have a question about Buddhism that you'd like us to discuss? Let us know by emai…